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Triglav National Park

Triglav National Park (Triglavski Narodni Park) is Slovenia's pride and joy. Centered around the focal point of Triglav (2864 m), the "Three-Headed" mountain found on everything Slovenian ranging from the national flag to Laibach's LP Krst pod Triglavom (Baptism under Triglav), the park covers nearly all of the Slovenian section of the Julian Alps, a total of nearly 85,000 hectares.

Culture and History

It may be that the Triglav complex owes its magic in part to its relatively small scale, making the uninitiated think that he is seeing every secret unveiled at once: a mere delusion; but in a topography so intricate and difficult, in such a veritable maze, it is a delight to lose oneself, to escape, to be free.... Triglav rules over a dreamworld, sundered from time, full of unbelievable hidden nooks, of unsuspected passages, of sudden visions of cliffs which cannot be real. Surely there is no other mountain land like this.

-- Tom G. Longstaff, President of the Alpine Club, London

History

First proposal to protect the area around Triglav came from Prof. Albin Belar in 1906. Unfortunately the idea was not realized at that time. It was not until 1924 that Alpine Conservation Park was established in Triglav Lakes valley. In 1961 the Triglav National Park was founded in the area of Triglav Lakes valley. In 1981 new borders were defined to include a larger area that is still protected today. In 2003 Triglav National Park was included in UNESCO MaB (Man and Biosphere) network.

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Climate

Travel to Triglav National Park & Visa Requirements

There are a number of approaches into the National Park, but most visitors arrive via the southern towns of Bled or Bohinj. The best starting point are definitely the villages Dovje and Mojstrana with three the most famous valleys - Vrata, Kot and Krma.

Fees/Permits

Tours & Getting around Triglav National Park

Triglav National Park attractions and sightseeing

  • Dovje-Mojstrana, a thousand-year-old-village,beautifully laid out among terraced fields and orchards along the southern foot of the steep sunny slopes of the Karavanke, a village with many typical features of alpine architecture preserved, the most outstanding being the arched doorways of farmhouses.
  • The lakeside town of Bled on the edge of the park, is a major attraction in itself. Bled's scenery is almost impossibly romantic, with a little white church on an island in the center of an emerald green mountain lake, Bled Castle perched high above and the peaks of the Julian Alps all around -- and it is consequently often packed with honeymooning couples and the like.
  • Lake Bohinj, some 30 kilometers to the southwest, is more off the beaten track but still has the full complement of medieval churches and awe-inspiring scenery.
  • For those traveling by car (or with shoe leather to burn), the crossing from Kranjska Gora to Bovec via the delightfully named Vršič Pass has some awe-inspiring scenery.
  • If you're feeling even lazier, try the two-hour train trip from Jesenice via Bled to Nova Gorica.

Triglav National Park city tours

The real gems of Triglav, however, are hidden deeper in the park.

  • The easiest trip from Bled is to visit the spectacular Vintgar Gorge, only 4.5 km away, which features a wooden footbridge path (dating to 1893) running for 1600 meters along the Radovna River, terminating at the Šum waterfall.
  • From Bohinj the place to see is the 60-meter Savica Waterfall, the site of Laibach's baptism at the foot of Mt. Triglav; this is the beginning point of several routes to the summit.

Climbing Triglav

But the thing to do in Triglav National Park is, of course, to climb the mountain itself. However, while those 2864 meters may not sound all that fearsome, Triglav is a real mountain and while you don't need any climbing skills to ascend it you should have no fear of heights or steep parts and you should trust your grip. Starting from the nearest mountain hut, the easiest route to the peak will take less than a day. There are many steep parts but everywhere there are cables and metal handles to hold on to. As on all mountains, the weather can be viciously changeable, with temperatures alternating between +30 and -10°C even in midsummer. The routes to the top are open only between June and October, and hiring a guide (or joining a guided group) is, while not legally mandated, very advisable due to at times labyrinthine route. Most climbers spend two nights on the route, although fitness nuts have been known to complete it in a single day. Just remember to watch out for Zlatorog, the golden-horned chamois of the mountain!

Triglav National Park souvenirs & shopping

Triglav National Park Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Triglav National Park nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

Triglav National Park cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

Mountain huts offering simple meals and accommodation are scattered about the national park; reservations are strongly advised in peak season.

Lodging

Camping

Camping is prohibited in the TNP.

Backcountry

Stay safe

When hiking, always check weather conditions [1]. In case of storms seek shelter (mountain huts, etc.). You should have proper equipment for hiking (hiking shoes, helmets, clothes (with warmer clothes in backpack even in Summer!). Use of ropes and belays is advisable for ferratas.

In case of emergency call 112 or contact nearest mountain hut.

Get out

Contact

Official Travel Guide by Slovenian Tourist Board

This page was last edited at 03:08, on 14 August 2008 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by Beenish, Damjan Rajapakse, Jani Patokallio, Colin Jensen and Yann Forget, Wikitravel user(s) Shaund, DorganBot, WindHorse and PierreAbbat and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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