Climbing Mount Triglav the Easy Way, Julian Alps, Slovenia (original) (raw)
Mount Triglav (2864 m) is the reigning symbol of Slovenia and of the Julian Alps. Emblazoned on the national flag, the three-headed mountain serves as true north, orienting Slovenians to their mountains, forests, and green spaces.
For years, we’ve marveled at Mount Triglav from afar, wondering when and how we’d hike up there. During our last trip to Slovenia, we decided to go for it. And, it was spectacular. Hiking to the highest mountain in Slovenia is an experience we’ll never forget, and one we hope to repeat.
In this guide, we’re going to outline the “easiest approach” to Mt. Triglav, which starts at Rudno Polje on Pokljuka Plateau. This southern approach to Mount Triglav is both visually stunning and very approachable. Other notable ascent routes start in the north from Vrata Valley and Krma Valley. There’s also the famous Bamberg route, which starts at Luknja pass (for experts only).
This is a 2-day hike, whereby you’ll overnight in Dom Planika pod Triglavom mountain hut (2401 m). We do not recommend attempting this as a day hike, because the elevation gain and length are just too long. You can decide if you want to summit Triglav on Day 1 (late afternoon), or Day 2 (morning).
While 90% of this hike is actually quite easy, the final 1:30 hrs to the summit is a protected climbing route (via ferrata). That means that the trail is secured with steel cables and fixed pegs to help you ascend to the peak.
2-Day Pokljuka to Mount Triglav Hike Overview
Trailhead | Rudno Polje, Pokljuka | Google Maps
Distance | 25.8 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 2 Days
Elevation Gain/Loss | 1920 meters
Route | Rudno Polje (1347 m) – Jezerce – Studorski preval (1892 m) – Vodnikov Dom (1817 m) – Konjsko sedlo (2019 m) – Dom Planika (2401 m) – Mali Triglav – Mt. Triglav (2864 m). You can summit Triglav on Day 1, or on Day 2.
Difficulty | Rudno Polje to Vodnikov dom (Easy); Vodnikov dom to Dom Planika (Moderate); Dom Planika to Mount Triglav (Difficult)
Permit | No permits are needed to climb Triglav.
Entrance Fee | There’s no entrance fee to enter Triglav National Park.
Where to Eat | Vodnikov dom and Dom Planika. There’s a water spring (free drinking water) at Vodnikov dom.
Responsible Hiking in Triglav National Park
Triglav National Park is a treasure and it’s a luxury to be able to visit. Please read these rules and follow them during your visit.
Respect the habitats of animals and plants. Picking flowers is not allowed.
Camping outside designated areas is not permitted. Wild camping is forbidden.
Take all garbage back with you down to the valley. Leave no trace.
Trails are allowed only for hiking, not for mountain biking.
Bathing in mountain lakes is strictly prohibited.
Climbing Triglav Trail Description: Rudno Polje – Vodnikov Dom – Mount Triglav
- When to Hike: End of June, July, August, or September
- Where to Stay: Mountain Huts only. Wild camping is strictly prohibited in Triglav National Park.
- How to Book the Mount Triglav Hike: Independently, or book this guided Best of the Julian Alps Hut-to-Hut with Slotrips (Triglav Summit is an option add-on)
- What to Pack: Cash, passport, sleeping bag liner (e.g. Sea to Summit liner). Read our Hut to Hut Hiking Packing List.
- Trail Map: Julische Alpen: 1:50K Hiking Map WK141 or Triglav National Park WK5141
- Tips for Hut Hiking in Slovenia: Read Hut-to-Hut Hiking in Slovenia and Slovenia Mountain Huts.
Mount Triglav Hiking Map
Hiking Mount Triglav with a Certified Guide
Having high alpine hiking and some via ferrata experience is essential for safely summiting Triglav independently. If you’ve never hiked a via ferrata route, but are keen on climbing Triglav, definitely hire a IFMGA-licensed hiking guide.
We recommend booking this 3-day guided Best of the Julian Alps Hut-to-Hut with Slotrips, a local and trustworthy hiking tour operator. During the booking process, make sure to add the Triglav summit climb.
Benefits of booking this Triglav tour include via ferrata equipment, pick-ups and drop-offs from Ljubljana, Bled, and Bohinj, guaranteed departure dates on Mondays between July and September, and a circular route which includes Seven Lakes Valley.
You can also add a guided Triglav summit to these longer self-guided hiking tours: Mountains and Lakes Hut-to-Hut, Triglav National Park Adventure, or Crossing the Julian Alps.
Mount Triglav Hiking Difficulty
The trail from Rudno Polje to Dom Planika is moderate. The trail from Dom Planika to the summit is difficult as it follows a secured climbing route.
Your level of experience and fitness will determine how difficult it is to climb the Triglav Via Ferrata. Though we hike more than the average person, Kati and I aren’t climbers and haven’t done very many via ferrata routes.
For us, the hike wasn’t as difficult as we anticipated. However, descending is always harder for both of us. There were a few places that I (Sabrina) found tricky when we came down.
If you don’t have via ferrata hiking experience, we highly recommend ascending Triglav with a certified guide. Book this Best of the Julian Alps Hut-to-Hut with the Mount Triglav add-on for the safest, and most hassle-free experience.
When to Hike Mount Triglav
July, August, or September.
Avoid hiking to Triglav on the weekend, as it’s very crowded. We hiked on a Sunday, and the trail from Rudno Polje to Vodnikov Dom was teeming with families.
Dom Planika usually opens around June 20th. The exact date depends on weather conditions and the amount of snow.
Gear and Special Equipment for Hiking to Mount Triglav
Do You Need Special Equipment to Climb Mt. Triglav?
A lot of people want to know if you really need a via ferrata kit to climb Mount Triglav from Dom Planika. Everyone, regardless of experience, must wear a climbing helmet like this women’s helmet and this men’s helmet, to protect your head from falling rocks.
In addition, climbing gloves like these Unisex Black Diamond Crag Half-Finger Gloves are very helpful with gripping the cables and protecting your palms from stray wires.
To be on the safe side, we recommend also bringing and wearing the full via ferrata kit which includes the harness and the via ferrata lanyard in addition to the helmet.
Did we use it? Starting at Dom Planika, we wore the full kit but we didn’t “clip in” on our way up. On our descent, we clipped in several times. Honestly, we were really happy to have the option, even though we didn’t use it rigorously.
On route, you will probably encounter other hikers who aren’t wearing the harness and lanyard, because they either have tons of via ferrata climbing experience, or they know the trail really well.
Where to Rent Via Ferrata Equipment
- Pod Skalco (Alpe Rjavina) in Ribčev Laz, Lake Bohinj
- ALPS – Ski Rent & School (Alpe Rjavina) in Bohinjska Bistrica
- Altitude Activities in Bled
- Kofler Sport in Mojstrana
Mount Triglav Packing List
Read our hut-to-hut hiking packing list.
Passports | It’s mandatory to present your identity to all accommodations, including mountain huts, in Slovenia.
Alpine Club Membership Card | You’ll receive a discount on your overnight stay if you present your membership card. Learn more about Alpine Clubs in our guide to Hiking in the Alps.
Cash, or Credit Card | Dom Planika accepts both.
Sleeping Bag Liner | We pack this Sea to Summit Silk-Cotton Blend Liner. Bed linen costs 4 EUR. When you check in and pay, make sure to tell the hut staff that you have a sleeping bag liner. Otherwise, they will automatically charge you for bed linen.
Where to Stay Before Hiking to Mount Triglav from Pokljuka
Pokljuka Plateau
If you want to get an early start, we recommend staying on Pokljuka Plateau.
Midrange | Hotel Center Pokljuka is located directly at the Rudno Polje trailhead. This is the perfect starting point for the climb to Mount Triglav as well as Visevnik and other destinations in the Julian Alps. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, Finnish sauna (extra fee), and free on-site parking. Guests are usually allowed to leave their cars parked at the hotel, when doing a 2-day hut hike.
Midrange | Hotel Pokljuka (Šport Hotel Pokljuka) is located on Pokljuka Plateau, a mere 4-minute drive to the Rudno Polje trailhead. Breakfast is included in the room rate and half board is available.
Look for accommodation in Pokljuka.
Ribčev Laz, Lake Bohinj
Ribčev Laz is the main hub at Lake Bohinj, with a direct bus connection to Lake Bled and onward to Ljubljana. Here, you’ll find a cluster of eateries, grocery stores, and boat rental shops.
Budget | Hostel pod Voglom is located along the southern shore of Lake Bohinj. This budget-friendly accommodation offers simple twin, single rooms, triple, and quadruple rooms. Bathrooms are either private, or shared. From the hostel, it’s a 20 minute walk (1.8 km) to Ribčev Laz, the closest village (restaurants, shops, etc…).
Midrange | Apartments and rooms Cerkovnik is located in Ribčev Laz, a mere 10-minute walk to the lakeshore (1 km). This sparking clean accommodation offers double and triple rooms as well as well-equipped apartments. Breakfast is available for an additional fee. On-site parking is free.
Luxury | The newly renovated Hotel Bohinj is located in the center of Ribčev Laz, only a few meters from Lake Bohinj. Designed to impress as much as to pay homage to the region’s cultural heritage, Hotel Bohinj is the most striking hotel in the Bohinj region.
All rooms have air-conditioning. Guests are treated to a healthy and delicious breakfast buffet. You can also enjoy dinner at the hotel and indulge in a wellness package.
Look for accommodation in Ribčev Laz.
Stara Fužina, Lake Bohinj
If you want to combine this hike with lakeside goodness and afternoon dips in Lake Bohinj, consider staying in Stara Fužina. It takes 35 minutes to drive from Stara Fužina to Rudno Polje via Bohinjska Bistrica.
Midrange | Ideal for families, the top-rated Pr `Agotnik apartmaji sobe Bohinj offers spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped kitchens, and washing machines.
Midrange-Luxury | Hotel Majerca is a lovely boutique hotel with an on-site restaurant in Stara Fužina. The restaurant extends onto a grassy lawn, with views of farmland backed by the Julian Alps. It’s wonderful to start and end your day here. The al fresco breakfast is phenomenal.
Midrange-Luxury | Apartmaji Triglav is a stylish aparthotel in Stara Fužina with an on-site restaurant and bar and spa and wellness center. Rooms are clean, modern, and feature balconies, kitchenettes and seating areas. Guests particularly love the mountain views and the hotel’s proximity to hiking trails and the lake. Breakfast is included.
Look for accommodation in Stara Fužina.
Lake Bled
Lake Bled is the other obvious place to stay before hiking to Mount Triglav from Pokljuka. We’re more partial to Lake Bohinj, but the drive is easier and faster from Lake Bled.
Budget | Guesthouse Marko offers clean, simple double rooms with shared kitchen facilities and free on-site parking. The guesthouse is only a 4-minute walk to the lakeshore of Lake Bled.
Midrange | The warm and welcoming Jazz B&B is a bed and breakfast with twin, double, and family rooms. A wonderful breakfast is included. This top-rated B&B is a 10-minute walk to the lakeshore.
Midrange | Old Parish House is a cozy and clean bed and breakfast, 100 meters away from Lake Bled.
Top Choice – Midrange | Hotel Starkl – Heritage & Unique is a darling lakefront hotel with an on-site restaurant and bar. Breakfast is included. This family-run property stands out with its friendly service, exceptional cuisine, and location.
Look for accommodation in Bled.
Climbing Triglav Trail Description: Rudno Polje – Vodnikov Dom – Mount Triglav
How to Get to the Rudno Polje Trailhead
Drive to Rudno Polje
The ascent route from Pokljuka to Triglav starts at Rudno Polje, where there’s a large parking lot, Hotel Center Pokljuka, the Biathlon Stadium Pokljuka, and the Pokljuka Barracks.
Most people drive here. From Lake Bled, it’s a 25-minute drive.
From Lake Bohinj (Stara Fužina), it’s a 35-minute drive. There’s a slightly shorter route through Srednja Vas v Bohinju, but this route was closed for construction during our trip. Use the Promet website to check for current road conditions.
The official parking lot at Rudno Polje is located across from the barracks and close to Hotel Center Pokljuka (Google Maps). You won’t miss it.
It costs 5 EUR / day to park here (cash only), and you need exact change to pay for parking at the machine. This is where we parked and left our car overnight.
Take a Bus to Rudno Polje
In the summer season, there’s a hop-on hop-off bus from Lake Bohinj to Rudno Polje. Take the earliest possible bus (there are only three per day).
Taking a bus gives you more flexibility in terms of your “return” route. You could, for example, descend to Lake Bohinj via the Seven Lakes Valley, or through the high alpine pastures of Bohinj, after hiking to Triglav.
Pokljuka to Mount Triglav Ascent Route: Rudno Polje to Vodnikov Dom (3 hours)
From the parking lot at Rudno Polje, follow the macadam forest road for about 7 minutes to the bottom of a ski lift. Straight ahead, you’ll see a red trail sign on a tree, pointing you left to Studorski preval saddle (1:30 hrs), Vodnikov dom mountain hut (3 hrs), and Triglav (6 hours).
Turn left, and continue on the macadam road for another 10-15 minutes until you see another red trail sign, steering you right onto a forest trail.
The trail sign states again: Studorski preval (1:30 hrs), Vodnikov dom (3 hrs), and Triglav (6 hours). People park on the side of the road right here.
Follow this shady forest trail for an hour. As you ascend, the undulating path offers coverage from the hot sun and is altogether very pleasant. Through the trees, you’ll see the alpine pasture Planina Konjščica below on your left.
As you gain elevation, spruce gives way to larch, and you’ll see a magical display of wildflowers (in early summer) along the trail. Keep your eyes out for the Carniolan lilies, which look like orange globe ornaments.
When you reach a large green meadow at Jezerce basin, turn left. The sign says 1:45 hrs to Vodnikov Dom. Though flat at first, the trail quickly ascends once again, zigzagging up scree to Studorski preval (1892), the saddle between Ablanca (2004) and Veliki Draški vrh (2243 m).
From the saddle (signed 1:30 hrs to Vodnikov dom), the trail initially descends 60 meters. When it levels out, you’ll be hiking on a spectacular wildflower-lined balcony trail along the slopes of Tosc.
On your left, the Bohinj Valley and the Southern Julian Alps stretching out boundlessly. Behind you, Ablanca looks mighty radiant.
A footpath will eventually branch off to the right to the Tosc summit. However, you’ll stay on the balcony trail, continuing to horizontally cross the southern slopes of Tosc.
The trail “turns a corner” and Triglav comes into focus for the first time. The larches and wildflowers are particularly lovely here.
When the trail forks, take the right trail. The other trails lead to Voje valley, Planina Velo Polje, and Dolic mountain hut. From this point, it’s a mere 890 meters to Vodnikov Dom.
As you approach the hut, you’ll see the Velo Polje Planina below and hear a chorus of cowbells rising from the pasture.
Located on the western slopes of Tosc and above Velo Polje, picture-perfect Vodnikov Dom invites you to linger for a while.
Grab a bite to eat here, before continuing your hike. Their ričet (bean and barley soup) was quite good.
Just below the hut, there’s a water spring (free drinking water). Fill up all your bottles (or hydration reservoir), so that you don’t have to buy bottled water at Dom Planika.
Also, you can already see Dom Planika on a plateau just below Triglav.
Vodnikov Dom to Dom Planika (2 hours)
The trail from Vodnikov Dom to Dom Planika continues on the other side of the hut. Noticeably more “high alpine,” the trail is indeed “rockier,” characterized by loose rock and scree. There are some secured sections with steel cables and pegs. Nothing presents any difficulty (in dry conditions).
After an hour, you’ll reach an intersection at Konjsko sedlo (2019 m). Take the left trail to Dom Planika (signed 1 hour). The right trail leads to Triglavski Dom (1:30 hrs) and Dom Valentina Staniča (3 hrs).
As you steadily ascend, look back and you’ll see Viševnik peeking out between Veliki Draški vrh and Mali Draški vrh. The grade isn’t severe, but we were tired as we made that final push to the hut.
Dom Planika Check-In
Now that you have arrived at Dom Planika, the first thing you should do is check into the hut. Check-in is possible after 3 pm. Present your identity (passport), alpine membership card (if you have one), and your name (reservation).
Let them know if you have a sleeping bag liner with you. Otherwise, they’ll automatically charge you for bed linen (4 EUR).
After paying for your stay, settle in and drop off your stuff in your room. Shoes are not allowed in the sleeping area, so slip on your sandals, or hut slippers first.
Dom Planika to Mount Triglav: Triglav Via Ferrata (1:30 hours)
From Dom Planika, it’s a 463-meter ascent to Mount Triglav. Look for the red trail sign pointing you to Triglav čez Mali Triglav, which means Triglav over Mali Triglav.
Much of the trail is exposed, so hike cautiously and take care. When you reach the ridge, you’ll join the trail from Triglavski Dom.
From Mali Triglav (2725), you’ll hike along a very narrow ridge path to the summit of Triglav. It’s like hiking from a giant’s shoulder to the top of their head. Luckily, this stone giant doesn’t move.
Below, on your right, you’ll see Triglavski Dom on Kredarica plateau. On both sides of the secured path, the slopes drop vertically. It’s thrilling, but also harrowing at times. The final climb to the summit is very well secured.
When you reach the peak, you’ll feel like you entered heaven. Enjoy the summit, and descend via the same route.
Why We Hiked to Mount Triglav on Day 1
It’s entirely up to you whether you want to hike up to Triglav on day 1, or day 2.
After eating dinner (à la carte, not half board) and relaxing for a good 1:30 hours, we decided to continue to the peak. We were motivated to summit on day 1 because the weather forecast predicted a thunderstorm the next day, and we didn’t want to rush.
We also knew that the trail wouldn’t be very busy, given our late start, which we prefer.
We started the hike at 6:00 pm in early July on a full moon. Given the long summer day, we had another 3 hours of light to work with.
We witnessed the sunset on our way down from Triglav to Mali Triglav and it was sensational. Because of the full moon, it wasn’t pitch black. However, we still needed our headlamps to safely guide us in the last 30 minutes.
Recommended Headlamp: Black Diamond Equipment Spot 350 Headlamp
Stay in Dom Planika pod Triglavom (2401 m)
Dom Planika is a nice refuge, situated at 2401 meters. Run by a lovely group of young people, we felt quite welcome here. The food was mediocre, but we didn’t have high expectations.
When you make your reservation (and when you check-in), you will be asked if you want to pay for just your overnight stay, B&B, or Half Board (includes breakfast and dinner).
We decided to book “overnight stay” only because we wanted maximum flexibility. We didn’t want to be tied down to a certain dinner, or breakfast time. It worked well for us because we could eat dinner at 5 pm, ordering a la carte, before climbing to Triglav. And we woke up for sunrise and hiked down to Vodnikov dom for breakfast.
Reservation | Make an online reservation via the alpsonline platform. Alternatively, you can email Dom Planika: domplanika.pod.triglavom@gmail.com. If you email the hut, they will send you a price list.
You may need to confirm your reservation 3-5 days prior to your arrival.
Arrive before 5 pm. Your reservation is only valid until 5 pm on the day of your arrival. After 5 pm, your reservation no longer holds. If you plan on arriving later than 5 pm, notify the hut in advance.
Payment | You can pay in cash, or by credit card.
Prices | Alpine Membership discounts apply. Pricing varies depending on room choice (private room, or dormitory) and alpine club membership.
Showers | None
Drinking Water | There’s no running water in the hut. You can buy bottled water for 4.50 EUR. We recommend filling up your water at the spring/fountain at Vodnikov dom
Food | Half board dinner is available from 6 pm – 8 pm. If you didn’t opt for half-board, you can order dinner anytime until 9 pm.
Rooms | private rooms (2 beds), shared rooms (4 beds, 6 beds), and dormitory rooms available.
Check-in | 3 pm
Check-out | 9 am
Storage | If you need to store your stuff in the hut, while you’re hiking to Triglav, they have a special luggage room. You can leave your extra gear and clothing in your room / bed from 3 pm until 9 am. Keep your valuables with you at all times.
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Plan Your Trip to Slovenia
Travel Destinations:
- Where to Stay in Slovenia
- Triglav National Park Travel Guide
- Lake Bohinj
- Lake Bled
- Kranjska Gora
- Pokljuka Plateau
- Logar Valley
- Kobarid
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Moon & Honey Travel is an independent blog created by two passionate hikers. We are able to provide free content to you, because of ads and affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Happy travels and happy trails, Sabrina and Kati