Climbing Mount Triglav: Become a True Slovenian

Probably the most important question to ask, because by now you know there is also climbing to be done. And so it is, because despite the challenge in the final section to the summit, it is doable for someone of average fitness. Mount Triglav has numerous excellent trails from several surrounding valleys winding to the top. It is a mountain, which should be taken seriously because of its height and steepness at the very top. The via ferrata provides an extra challenge! But what exactly does the via ferrata mean?

Via ferrata means ‘iron path’. The term Klettersteig is also used. It is a reference to permanent measures to safely traverse steep and rocky terrain, think of ladders, safety wires or metal pegs. But do you have to be a mountaineer to climb Mount Triglav?

Definitely not! You can reach the summit of Mount Triglav even without climbing experience. However, it is important that you are not afraid of heights and are comfortable in rocky terrain. Whichever route you take, the final section to the summit is always a via ferrata, with each route having its own difficulty. You will wear a climbing harness with two carabiners that allow you to secure yourself. Wear a helmet for protection from falling rocks and climbing gloves for extra grip. That's it!

Our colleague also remembers the via ferrata quite well: 'The last part of the route up to the summit was absolutely unforgettable. The better climbing and scrambling, I loved it! After a short night in Vodnikov Dom, we left in the dark for the last part to the summit. With hands and feet upward, I did not feel a moment of fear. I will never forget the sunrise from the summit.'

There are several routes leading to Mount Triglav, each with its own starting point. From the Krma Valley, you can start with several routes to the summit. At the end of the valley, you'll find the Plemenice Route, the most challenging of all. To the west of the Krma Valley is the Vrata Valley, here you can start several routes to the summit as well. Both valleys are north of Mount Triglav and begin in the village of Mojstrana. From the capital Ljubljana, you can travel here by bus and train.

South of Mount Triglav you will also find several starting points, such as Lake Bohinj or Bled. Bled is the country's most famous landmark, its fairytale scene has amazed many visitors. Bled lies at the beginning of the valley, and at the end you'll find Lake Bohinj. From Ljubljana, you have a direct bus connection to Bled, or travel by train to Lesce-Bled. Lake Bohinj is a bit more difficult to reach, our colleague knows: 'Perhaps the most beautiful part of Slovenia, Lake Bohinj. I know there are several buses going to Stara Fuzina (a village next to the lake) every day, but I have never used them. Taking public transport to Bled and giving a thumbs-up waiting for a lift. I never had to wait long and I could practice my Slovenian during this half-hour ride.' Hitchhiking in Slovenia is very common and it makes your adventure a little more authentic.

And we don't want to keep Planica a secret. This ski jump complex is located at the beginning of the Planica Valley, at the end you can also start a trek to Mount Triglav. Maybe the zipline is for you, then you can experience for a moment what it is like to be a ski jumper.

Such a challenge is wonderful, but how long will it take? Climbing Mount Triglav can be done in 2 or 3 days. Meanwhile, you know several starting points for a Mount Triglav climb. Whether you start in Mojstrana, Bohinj, Bled or perhaps Planica, the program often appears the same. Once you arrive at the starting point, you trek to a mountain hut below the summit of Mount Triglav for an overnight stay. The night is often short, you start the ascent of Mount Triglav early in the morning. With a bit of luck, you will reach the top at sunrise and can enjoy the view with ease.

On a 2-day trek, you descend via the same path to return to the starting point. On a 3-day variant, you cross Mount Triglav to make a loop, obviously with a second night in a mountain hut. Of course, you can explore the Julian Alps even further, for instance in 5 days.

Our colleague also remembers which route he took: 'We drove by car to Pokljuka, arriving at Vodnikov Dom in about 3 hours. Early in the morning, we crossed Mount Triglav to descend to Lake Bohinj via Koca na Dolicu. We actually did a 3-day trek in 2 days, completely exhausted at the end!'

By now, you know more about the challenge ahead. Next question to be answered: Would you like to travel independently or be accompanied by a local guide?

With a guide

We at Bookatrekking.com can imagine that you still have some doubts, especially about the last part to the summit of Mount Triglav. In that case, it's best to opt for a guided trek. A local guide who knows all the ins and outs and can support you if needed. You won't have to worry about the route to follow and you'll get to see some more hidden spots. With professional guidance, you will be led across the via ferrata section.

Without a guide

If you are familiar with via ferrata, then a self-guided trek is a good option for you. You are on your own, but you will always have help available remotely. All the equipment is provided you need for the via ferrata, you will be familiar enough with it to get to the summit on your own.

During your ascent of Mount Triglav, you will stay in mountain huts. Mountain huts are simple, generally with fantastic mountain views, hearty cuisine and a warm atmosphere. In clear weather, you can enjoy a beautiful starry sky. The first hut of the Slovenian Mountain Society was built in 1893. Today, they manage 161 huts that accommodate more than 1.5 million hikers a year. The Julian Alps, with Mount Triglav as its highest point, has 43 mountain huts. The mountain huts are in most cases about 2 to 3 hours of hiking from each other. Wild camping is not allowed in this region, so you are bound to spend the night in mountain huts.

Some general information about the huts

Most mountain huts have limited facilities, so don't expect the luxury of a hotel. Not every mountain hut is the same, depending heavily on altitude and accessibility. Nevertheless, in general there is quite a bit to say:

• Mountain huts offer a simple place to sleep in dormitories with bunk beds and simple mattresses. Room sizes can range from 2 beds to 30 beds, with the most common room size being around 8 beds.

• Most mountain huts cannot be reached by car; they are supplied by helicopter. This does affect comfort, but all the more cosy and authentic.
• The karst landscape that surrounds the mountain huts prevents the formation of surface water. So at high altitudes, there is no drinking water available. Toilets, however, are available in most mountain huts. If showers are available, be prepared to pay a few euros extra (3-5) for this luxury.
• Most huts offer food and drinks at reasonable prices. A menu of traditional Slovenian dishes such as various stews, Carniola sausage or a tasty štruklji to top it off. Our colleague was also served another meal at the mountain hut: 'I can also remember Jota, a savory and affordable meal of sauerkraut and beans topped off with a pork sausage.'
• Most mountain huts that cannot be reached by vehicle are open only during the summer season. This depends on the snow, which usually disappears sometime in May or June, depending on the altitude. In September or October, most mountain huts close their doors. However, winter rooms are available for the winter months, which are unlocked rooms separate from the hut and similar to a bivouac.

Treks to the summit of Mount Triglav are available between June and October, outside these months the mountain huts in this region are closed. July and August are the most popular months, temperatures range between 10 °C and 25 °C. The mountains provide cool air when temperatures rise in lower areas. Summer weather in the mountains is quite cool; when it heads towards 30°C on the Slovenian plains, it is only 10°C at the top of Mount Triglav. On the hottest summer days, the weather in the mountains can change quickly. Thunderstorms are relatively common during this period and they develop quickly in the late afternoon. July and August are very popular for locals, the mountain huts are pleasantly crowded.

In the pre-season and post-season (June, September and October), temperatures are slightly lower and you can enjoy the mountain trails without the summer heat or winter cold. In the early and late seasons, you will meet fewer people along the way. It is often below freezing at night and snow can remain in nooks and crannies during this period. The weather on the mountain is very variable during this period, one day it is comfortably warm, and one day later you will need a winter jacket. Make sure you are ready for that. Don't underestimate the extreme and unpredictable weather in the mountains, come prepared for all weather conditions

To climb Mount Triglav, you should think of costs between €200 and €350. This depends on the number of days and also whether you climb the summit accompanied by a guide. Should you be on the trail with a guide, you may also tip as a sign of good service, not unusual in the trekking world. In that case, assume around € 5-6 per day.

Most meals and drinks in the mountain huts have normal prices, but water, soft drinks and beer are relatively expensive. For a cup of coffee, you pay € 2, and for a beer about double. Enjoy a hearty meat stew for around € 8 or a sandwich for € 6. Note that the huts do not accept debit cards! Only cash. Don't feel the need to worry about this? Then opt for our organized treks, with and without a guide.