Trekking in Triglav National Park, Slovenia

This is a guide for how to plan a 3 day hut to hut hike in the Julian Alps in Slovenia. It's a beautiful and varied hike, starting in the forest and climbing up to rocky peaks that resemble the dolomites and make you feel like you are hiking on the moon. At the end of September, when we did the hike, we had beautiful weather, and the place had a very authentic feel. Not at all crowded or touristy. Most of the time we we're alone on the trail, but there were plenty of hikers to meet in the huts.

Information about hut to hut hiking in Slovenia is fairly sparse. So we took a bit of a gamble with this plan, using chatGPT. But it worked out great. We chose Slovenia because the huts remain open till Sep 30, if the weather is good (we travelled in the third week of September). And the huts are easy to book - we made reservations ourselves online maybe 2-3 weeks in advance.

Regarding difficulty - this hike has no technical sections. I am not in some amazing shape, I think anyone who is used to hiking can do the hike. There are 1-2 steep sections of going up and down on loose scree - I think these were the scariest parts. But you just need to go slow and be careful. There was a short part of scrambling with ladders on the third day, but I think there is an alternative route too. There are no via ferratas, and you don't need a helmet. For those who continued on to climb Mount Triglav (not us), it is possible to rent equipment at the huts.

NIGHT BEFORE

We arrived at lunch time at Ljubljana airport, rented a car, and drove first to Bled. Stopping by the famous lake, we climbed about 15 min to see the view. The we continued on to sleep in Bohinjska Bistrica which we really liked. There are a few towns in Bohinj area where you can stay the night before the trek.

DAY 1

Planina Blato -> Koča na Doliču

We woke up at 5 am to get an early start. We were told that the car park in Planina Blato fills up early, so we wanted to make sure we get parking. Parking costs about 20 euros a day (it cost us 50 euros for 3 days, you pay when you leave at the gate - bring cash). It was good to start early, because the climb was very long. We climbed about 9 hours with breaks. We downloaded a map to Gaia GPS app. We also consulted with the owners of the hotel where we stayed in Bohinj they were very helpful in explaining what route to take.

The climb is not technical but very long. It seemed the hut would never be in sight.

The hut itself is fun because the location is beautiful, and it's not easy to get to so everyone is a serious hiker. But it's fairly basic - no running water so no showers, you have to buy bottled water at 6 euros a bottle, toilets are outside. The food is not great but it's fine, although breakfast was sufficient - scrambled eggs and bread.

DAY 2

Koča na Doliču -> Koča pri Triglavskih Jezerih

There is some climbing back to the mountain pass, but then the rest is mostly a descent, passing by several lakes on the way. It took us about 7 hours, but we also took our time. The second hut is very big, and also doesn't have showers, but does have tasty mountain water to fill your water bottle, and normal toilets. It was fun for us to meet other hikers at this hut, and the food was a bit better than the first hut. There is a nice lake up in front of the hut, where it is nice to sit and sunbathe in the afternoon and morning.

DAY 3

Koča pri Triglavskih Jezerih -> Planina Blato

The third day was longer than expected. We were surprised how much we actually climbed on the first day, meaning how much we had to descend on the third day. Also, the day started with a big climb above the lake, and at the end of the climb there was some scrambling on the rock and some metal ladders. It wasn't so difficult, but can be a little scray for someone with the fear of heights. I think there is another path around it.

On the way down (and on the way up), you pass by a herders community (a few huts) where they make their own cheese and traditional dishes. We tried the cheese, and Strukli, a Slovenian large dumpling with homemade cottage cheese. It was delicious.

If you find this post helpful, or have questions, please comment or reach out.

WHAT TO PACK?

You don't need much for a 3 day trek. But anyways, a list so you don't forget:

• 28 L - 38 L backpack (mine is 28 L)

• Hiking boots

• 2 Hiking socks

• Trekkking poles

• Hat

• Sunscreen

• Cash for huts and parking

• Power bank

• Lip balm

• Hand cream

• Head Lamp

• Reserve Batteries

• Refillable Water Pouch + 3 L per day

• Rain coat (didn't use)

• Cover for bag in rain

• Liner (sheet) for sleeping

• Hiking shirts - 2 short

• Hiking shirt - long (I use one from Patagonia that is very light and protects me from the sun)

• Trekking pants or tights for hiking (At night it was a bit cold, I wore my trekking pants over my tights)

• Fleece

• I brought gloves, a warm hat, and a puffy jacket - but it was not cold so I didn't use

• Energy bars

• Meds and first aid

• Pajamas (it was hot in the room, I wore summer pajamas)

• Hut flip-flops (the huts do have flip flops if you need to borrow)