Triglav National Park Travel Guide

Triglav National Park, located in Slovenia, is a beautiful place to visit for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Read our comprehensive guide for tips on places to visit, activities to do, and more.


Introduction to Triglav National Park

Triglav National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers in Central Europe. Located in Julian Alps in Slovenia, the park covers an area of 838 km². It is named after the highest peak in Slovenia, Mt. Triglav with a height of 2864 m. This park features stunning landscapes, unspoiled forests, clear rivers, and natural wonders that attract millions of visitors every year.

Triglav National Park is rich in flora and fauna, with more than 1700 plant species and many animal species, including chamois, ibex, lynx, and brown bears. The park also has cultural significance, with its diverse landscapes and rich history, including the famous Partisan Hospital Franja, which was a secret hospital during World War II.

List of Places to Visit in Triglav National Park

If you are planning a trip to Triglav National Park, here are some places you shouldn’t miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Partisan Hospital Franja: This hospital was carved into the rocks during World War II and was used to treat wounded soldiers from the resistance forces. Today, it is a museum and an important reminder of Slovenia’s history.

  • Kobarid Museum: It is a museum that depicts the history of the First World War with a special focus on the Isonzo Front. The museum is located in the town of Kobarid, near the Soča River.

  • Trenta Museum: It is a regional museum that showcases the history, culture, and traditions of the Trenta Valley.

Natural Attractions of Triglav National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Bohinj: Arguably the most beautiful lake in the park, Lake Bohinj is set against a backdrop of the Julian Alps. Visitors can swim, kayak, fish, and hike around the lake.

  • Soča River: Known for its crystal-clear water and emerald green color, the Soča River offers rafting, kayaking, and fly-fishing opportunities.

  • Vršič Pass: It is one of the highest mountain passes in the Alps and is famous for its scenic drive that links Kranjska Gora and Trenta Valley.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Triglav National Park

Triglav National Park has a network of hiking and biking trails that cater to people of all levels of fitness and experience. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Triglav Summit Trail: It is the longest and most difficult hiking trail in the park. This trail takes you to the highest peak in Slovenia, the Triglav Summit.

  • Bohinj International Trail: This trail is a circular route that connects villages in the Bohinj area and provides hikers with an opportunity to explore the Slovenian Alps.

  • Radovna Cycle Path: It is a 16 km long cycle path that follows the Radovna River and passes through beautiful forests, waterfalls, and meadows.

Best Things to Do in Triglav National Park: Activities and Tours

  • Rafting on the Soča River
  • Paragliding from the Julian Alps
  • Camping in the park
  • Visiting traditional Alpine settlements
  • Cycling around Lake Bled

Week-Long Itinerary for Triglav National Park

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for exploring Triglav National Park:

Day Activity
1 Explore Lake Bohinj
2 Hike to Triglav Summit
3 Visit Soča River
4 Explore Vršič Pass and Trenta Valley
5 Visit Bled Castle and Lake Bled
6 Relax in Kranjska Gora
7 Visit Partisan Hospital Franja

Food and Drink Scene of Triglav National Park

The food and drink scene in Triglav National Park is heavily influenced by the local traditions of Slovenia. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages you shouldn’t miss:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bled Cream Cake: A traditional dessert made with vanilla cream and a crispy crust.

  • Kranjska Klobasa: A sausage made from pork meat and bacon seasoned with garlic and black pepper.

  • Štruklji: A traditional Slovenian dish made from rolled dough and various fillings such as cheese, fruit, or meat.

Local Beverages

  • Laško Beer: A Slovenian beer that has won multiple awards for its crisp and refreshing taste.

  • Blueberry Schnapps: A strong Slovenian schnapps made from locally grown blueberries.

  • Teran Wine: A red wine made from a grape variety unique to Slovenia.

Where to Stay in Triglav National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Triglav National Park has a variety of accommodation options to suit all kinds of budgets and preferences. Here are some popular options:

  • Hotel Jezero: A 4-star hotel located on the shores of Lake Bohinj, offering comfortable rooms and great views.

  • Jazz Hostel and Apartments: A budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of Bled, with clean dormitories and private rooms.

  • Alpine Lodge: A boutique guesthouse located in Kranjska Gora, offering luxurious rooms with stunning mountain views.

What to Buy in Triglav National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Candles from Bled Island: Handmade candles from Bled Island are a popular souvenir among visitors.

  • Honey from Local Beekeepers: Honey from the Julian Alps is known for its unique taste and quality.

  • Triglav Hats: Hats with traditional Slovenian embroidery are a great souvenir and a stylish accessory.

Local Culture and Customs of Triglav National Park

Triglav National Park is home to a diverse group of people, with different customs and traditions. The traditional way of life in the region revolves around farming, hunting, and forestry. Slovenian culture is heavily influenced by Catholicism, and many festivals and events are organized around religious holidays.

Best Time to Visit Triglav National Park

The best time to visit Triglav National Park is between May and October when the weather is mild, and the hiking trails are accessible. July and August are the peak tourist season, while May and September are less crowded.

Do’s and Don’ts of Triglav National Park

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Stay on marked trails while hiking to preserve the park’s natural habitat
  • Dispose of trash responsibly and help keep the park clean

Don’t:

  • Disturb the wildlife
  • Pick flowers or plants
  • Start campfires outside designated areas

Safety and Health

Safety in Triglav National Park

Triglav National Park is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors should take common safety precautions while hiking or engaging in outdoor activities. Always inform someone of your itinerary, check weather forecasts and carry a mobile phone with you. In case of emergency, dial 112.

Health in Triglav National Park

There are no major health risks in Triglav National Park. However, visitors should be aware of the dangers of tick-borne diseases and Lyme disease, which are prevalent in areas with high grass.

Getting to Triglav National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Triglav National Park

  • Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport – located 47 km away from Bled.

  • Klagenfurt Airport – located 68 km away from Kranjska Gora.

Bus Stations Near Triglav National Park

  • Bled Bus Station – located in the town center, with regular bus connections to Ljubljana and other Slovenian cities.

  • Kranjska Gora Bus Station – located in the town center, with regular bus connections to Ljubljana and other Slovenian cities.

Other Options

  • Car: Triglav National Park is easily accessible by car, and there are plenty of rental car options available at Ljubljana Airport.

  • Train: The closest train station to the park is Lesce-Bled, located 4 km from Bled. However, train connections are not as frequent as bus connections.

How to Get Around in Triglav National Park

The best way to get around Triglav National Park is by car or by bike. There are also regular bus connections between major towns in the park.

Where to Go Next from Triglav National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Piran, a charming coastal town on the Adriatic Sea.
  • Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia with its stunning architecture, vibrant cafes, and restaurants.
  • Postojna Cave, one of the most extensive cave systems in the world.

Conclusion

Triglav National Park is a beautiful destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its stunning scenery, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder that it has become a popular destination in Europe. Follow this guide for a memorable trip to Triglav National Park!

Vintgar Gorge, near Bled Vintgar Gorge, near Bled Lake Bohinj In Summer Lake Bohinj In Summer