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Triglav and the ridges of the Julian Alps in pink evening light, with a dark rocky summit in front

Sample journey · 7–9 days

Hut to hut in the Julian Alps: the Seven Lakes and Triglav

Bohinj, the Seven Lakes Valley, Planika, Kredarica, Triglav, Vrata & Kranjska Gora

Photo: David Bole / Unsplash

Illustrative journey ideas — not bookable packages. No prices, dates or accommodation are implied.

Slovenians say you only become a true Slovenian once you've climbed Triglav. The country's highest summit (2,864 m) is also its emblem, appearing even on the coat of arms. Yet the walk there matters more than the top: several days on limestone plateaus above the tree line, lakes reflecting walls of rock, mountain huts with hot soup and shared dinners, and mornings when the whole of the Julian Alps rises above a sea of cloud.

This sample route is a pure mountain journey for active travellers who enjoy walking several days in a row. Nights are spent in mountain huts, the summit day is walked with a licensed mountain guide, and a few easier days in the valley are kept for the end. It could be done with friends or as a small group; the stages, rest days and whether to go for the summit itself would be chosen around your experience and the weather.

The route

The journey

  1. Ljubljana
  2. Bohinj
  3. Seven Lakes Valley
  4. Planika hut
  5. Triglav & Kredarica
  6. Vrata valley
  7. Kranjska Gora
  8. Ljubljana
  1. A green mountain lake among boulders and spruce beneath limestone crags, with small figures at the shore

    01Days 1–3 · Bohinj & the Komarča wall

    From the lakeshore into the mountains

    From Ljubljana airport to Bohinj is about an hour and a quarter by road. Two nights by the lake, with a warm-up walk on day two: around the lake, or up to the Vogel ridge by cable car to let your legs get used to the height. On the third morning your luggage stays in the valley and your pack holds only what you'll need for a few days. From the Savica waterfall the path climbs steeply up the Komarča wall, with a few protected sections, to the Black Lake, the first of the Triglav lakes. Then forest, meadows and, in the evening, the hut beside the Double Lake at around 1,700 metres. Five to six hours in all.

  2. A grey limestone peak above dwarf pine and a grassy ridge in the Julian Alps

    02Day 4 · The Seven Lakes Valley

    Up the chain of lakes

    On day four the path climbs the valley past one lake after another, each higher, with fewer trees around it. Beyond them begins a kingdom of stone: limestone plateaus, dwarf pine and, with luck, ibex on the ledges. After five or six hours comes the Planika hut, at more than 2,400 metres, right beneath the summit of Triglav. In the evening, soup, tea and an early night, because tomorrow starts at first light.

  3. A large stone mountain hut among grey rocks, with a limestone massif rising into cloud above

    03Day 5 · Triglav & Kredarica

    The summit, with a guide

    Summit day starts early, while the weather is usually at its calmest. From Planika to the top of Triglav takes around two hours, and the final part follows the narrow ridge of Mali Triglav, fitted with steel cables and pegs. Here you need a helmet, a via ferrata set and a licensed guide, as well as a calm head for heights. On the summit stands the small metal Aljaž Tower, and on a clear morning you can see both the Dolomites and the Adriatic. The descent to the Kredarica hut, the highest in Slovenia, takes about an hour and a half, leaving the afternoon for rest. If the weather is against you, we skip the summit: the mountain isn't going anywhere.

  4. A white mountain lodge with a dark timber upper storey among spruce, below a tall limestone wall

    04Day 6 · The Vrata valley

    Down beneath the north face

    Day six is a long descent of well over a kilometre, first over stone, then through dwarf pine into the Vrata valley, with Triglav's north face, one of the tallest rock walls in the Alps, beside you all the way. At the head of the valley, a mountain lodge where lunch comes with the first cold beer after days in the hills, and a memorial to wartime mountain fighters in the shape of a giant climbing piton. From here it's about half an hour by car to Kranjska Gora.

  5. A grassy meadow and larches beneath the crags of Prisojnik near Kranjska Gora

    05Days 7–8 · Kranjska Gora & Ljubljana

    Easy days in the valley

    Two nights in Kranjska Gora, where your luggage from Bohinj is waiting. Day seven is free: a short walk to Lake Jasna or the Zelenci springs where the Sava begins, a bike ride along an old railway line, or simply a sauna and a book. For one more view, the meadows beneath Prisojnik above the Vršič road. On day eight it's about an hour to Ljubljana airport or, if time allows, an evening in Ljubljana's old town by the river.

Experience highlights

  1. 01

    The Seven Lakes Valley

    A chain of lakes in a limestone valley, each higher and colder than the last.

  2. 02

    The summit of Triglav

    A protected ridge with a guide and the Aljaž Tower on top, with a view to the sea in good weather.

  3. 03

    Evenings in the huts

    Jota or barley soup, shared tables and conversation with walkers from all over Europe.

  4. 04

    The north face

    The descent into the Vrata valley beneath one of the great rock walls of the Alps.

First, we listen. Then, we explore what's possible.

Make it your own

  • Without the summit

    Those who'd rather not tackle the protected ridge can stay at Kredarica or choose a lower loop through the Seven Lakes Valley and the Komna plateau; the mountain atmosphere remains.

  • With the Soča Valley

    After the trek, cross the Vršič Pass and spend a few days in the Soča Valley beside the emerald river.

  • Slower

    An extra night at the Seven Lakes hut allows more time by the lakes and keeps a spare day for the weather.

  • Privately

    With a private guide every stage can follow your pace, with no commitment to the summit in advance.

Practical considerations

  • Mountain huts usually open from late June to September; in early summer snow may linger higher up. In July and August huts are full, so places are worth booking well ahead, and summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms.
  • This is a physically demanding journey: days last five to six hours with big ascents and descents on stony ground. Good fitness and experience of mountain walking are needed.
  • The final part of the Triglav climb is a protected via ferrata section: a helmet, a via ferrata set and a licensed mountain guide are needed, as well as a calm head for heights. Equipment can be hired.
  • Huts have dormitories or small rooms and simple comforts; a light sleeping-bag liner and some cash are worth bringing.

General guidance only. Seasons, weather and wildlife are never guaranteed, and travel requirements are always worth checking before you go.

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