Hut-To-Hut Hiking in Slovenia? These Are Your Best Options

Slovenia is surrounded by Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. The land of the chicken, it is sometimes said. Take a look at the country's map and you'll know why. Slovenia is also the transition from east to west, which makes for a mishmash of cultures. Slovenia was part of Yugoslavia for many years and only relatively recently became an independent country. That makes locals very proud these days, especially of the country's natural beauty. After Scandinavia, it is the greenest country in Europe; in 2016, Ljubljana (the capital) was Green Capital of Europe.

The Julian Alps have everything you wish for as a mountain hiker, but these mountains may put you off if you are here for the first time. There are a number of things to consider when planning a hut-to-hut trek in Slovenia, we have listed the most important ones:

Loose rocks, deep cliffs

Triglav National Park and the Julian Alps consist mainly of limestone mountains, which means nothing more than that you often have to pass steep chasms, over loose rocks and your paths are often very exposed to the weather. For the more challenging treks, experience in the mountains is a requirement, fear of heights is not advisable and you need to prepare well in terms of your equipment, fitness, and weather conditions.

Via Ferratas

Due to the steep paths and rocky terrain, you will encounter via ferratas on many treks in Slovenia. Via ferrata means an iron path and it is a reference to permanent measures to safely traverse steep and rocky terrain, think ladders, safety wires or metal pins.

Does that mean you need to be a mountaineer for a trek in Slovenia? No, it doesn't! You 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.

Are you going with or without a guide?

Are you starting to have a little doubt after reading the above? 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 necessary with your via ferrata. You won't have to worry about the route to follow and you'll get to see some more hidden spots. If you are familiar with via ferratas, then a self-guided trek is a good option for you. You are on your own, but you always have help available remotely.

As mentioned earlier, the Julian Alps are the place to be for a hut-hiking trip in Slovenia. This region is largely dominated by Triglav National Park, Slovenia's only national park and known for its eponymous peak. But with 84,000 hectares and 43 different mountain huts, it still offers a whole range of options for your hut tour. Around the National Park, there are several places where you can start your trek.

It is home to the Soca Valley, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. This western part of the national park is perfect for activities such as rafting, supping, cycling, paragliding, and, of course, hiking. South of Mount Triglav National Park you will find Lake Bohinj or Bled. Bled is the country's most famous landmark, its fairytale scene has already amazed many visitors. Bled lies at the beginning of the valley, and at the end, you will find Lake Bohinj. This is the starting point of most Mount Triglav climbs.

The roof of Slovenia and a guaranteed challenge, that's Mount Triglav (2864m). The highest peak in the Julian Alps is Slovenia's national pride and a must for any adventure-seeker. Mount Triglav, a mythical mountain that actually has three peaks, is Slovenia's national symbol and is even displayed on its flag. The literal translation of Triglav is Three Heads, which explains it all! You reach the summit in as little as two days, stay overnight in typical mountain huts and finally get the chance to pull out your via Ferrata equipment. Indeed, a mountain summit where you literally climb to the top! At least, the last 400m to the summit. Once at the top, you can take off your climbing gear for a while and look for the best spot to take pictures of the Aljaž Tower. Going for an adventure full of challenges and traditions? Then opt for Mount Triglav.

The Julian Alps Traverse is one of the most spectacular hut treks in Europe. This self-guided trek leads you from Kranjska Gora to the other side of Triglav National Park where you finish in Tolmin. This trek is no "walk in the park" with over 1,000 altimeters per day, steep chasms and challenging mountain passes. Whereas Triglav National Park can be very crowded in summer, on many of the trails and mountain huts here you will only meet locals who are also looking for the undiscovered gems of Triglav National Park. Do you have experience in mountaineering and are looking for something a little different from your hut hike in Austria? This is the one!

Looking for a cool hut tour with all the natural highlights, but not looking for difficult Via Ferratas? Then you've come to the right place. This circular hut tour starts from Lake Bohinj, leads you to beautiful high-altitude mountain huts and brings you back to Bohinj via the 'Valley of the 7 Triglav Lakes'. This hut tour is certainly not to be underestimated with hiking days of at least 5 hours and many altitude metres, but requires no experience with Via Ferrata. You can also combine this hut tour with climbing Mount Triglav.

Out and about with the family? Then opt for a guided trek. Our guide is happy to take you: "Come with me on this incredible 3-day trek in Slovenia, where we'll hike from hut to hut around pristine lakes in the beautiful Lepena Valley, surrounded by high mountains, fresh air and blooming wildflowers. We hike on a sunny trail, past steep mountains, alpine meadows and glacial lakes in one of Europe's most beautiful regions. You will be amazed by the picturesque views of Lake Triglav and Rno, surrounded by enchanting hills.

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. In most cases, the mountain huts are 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 a mountain hut.

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.

Most treks in Slovenia are available between June and October, outside these months the mountain huts 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.