That Time I Climbed Mount Triglav (and Fell in Love with Slovenia)
In early August, I felt that familiar itch for my next adventure. I was still riding the high from my last trip to São Miguel in the Azores (check out my blog post about it!), but I was ready to get moving again. A chat with a friend steered me toward Slovenia. She couldn’t stop raving about it — and once I started researching, I saw why. Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Ljubljana — it all sounded like my kind of place.
But it was Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak, that really captured my imagination. Climbing it quickly became the centerpiece of the trip. Everything else fell into place around that. So before I dive into Slovenia’s lakes and city life, let me start with how I hiked Mount Triglav — an experience that left a mark on me.
Why Triglav?
Climbing Triglav is a rite of passage for Slovenians — a symbol of national pride and identity. Almost every local I met had done it, many as kids. I booked my ascent through Much Better Adventures, choosing their two-day climb via the Krma Valley route. There are several ways up, but this one strikes a great balance between challenge and beauty.
By the time I set off, I’d already spent six days exploring Slovenia (more on that later). If you’re short on time, the 2-day/1-night climb is ideal. You’ll catch a breathtaking sunset and sunrise from the hut near the summit — moments I’ll never forget.
Weather and Mindset
I climbed in late August and lucked out with mostly good weather. But the mountains are unpredictable. Just a week earlier, another group had to turn back due to poor conditions. It reminded me of my attempt to summit Mount Aneto in the Pyrenees — I had to turn back halfway. At the time, I was gutted. But that experience taught me something: the mountain always has the final say. If it happens again, I’ll meet it with more acceptance. That’s just how it goes.
Where We Stayed
Our group — four women and one guide — stayed overnight at Triglav Lodge at Kredarica (2,515m). For a mountain hut, it felt surprisingly modern: comfy beds, solid food, and an unbeatable location.
I love staying in huts. There’s something sacred about them. Boots lined up at the door, everyone gathered around wooden tables sharing a communal meal. Whether you’re fresh from the summit or gearing up for it, there’s this shared sense of purpose. You see the weathered faces, the elite gear (Arc’teryx, Patagonia, The North Face), and you know you’re among fellow mountain lovers. Lights-out comes early — sleep doesn’t always follow. Altitude plays its own game.
What to Pack
One perk of joining Much Better Adventures: they provide essentials like helmets and harnesses for the via ferrata section. The mountain hut also supplies blankets and pillows, so you can travel a little lighter. That said, you still need to carry all your gear, so pack intentionally. Snacks, layers, personal items — you’ll feel every gram by hour four.
Fitness and Difficulty
Triglav is no walk in the park, but if you’ve got a decent fitness base, it’s very doable. Some sections are steep, but we paced ourselves well — chatting on the easy stretches, going quiet when the climb demanded more focus.
The toughest bit was summit day. Thick fog rolled in during the via ferrata section, where we navigated cables and ladders. Having two experienced guides for that part made all the difference
Pro tip: Always ask your tour company how many guides are assigned per group, especially if the route is technical.
Best Moment? Surprisingly, Not the Summit.
Yes, standing at the top of Triglav was incredible — the relief, the sense of achievement, the snack break with a view. But honestly? The moment that stayed with me most was the evening at the hut. Watching alpine goats leaping effortlessly across cliffs at sunset? I was mesmerised. That moment of quiet awe — that was it. I felt so present. After the summit, we hiked back down to our starting point. A long, full day, but worth every step.
You can book a spot at Dom Planika pod Triglavom (2,402m)
From Peaks to Lakes: Slovenia’s Other Treasures
Triglav was a highlight, but Slovenia has so much more to offer — and its lakes are pure magic.
Lake Bled was my first stop after landing in Ljubljana. I had plans to visit Vintgar Gorge the next morning — a perfect intro to Triglav National Park. The gorge is a 1,600-meter-long, 250-meter-deep canyon and the country’s first protected natural attraction. Give yourself at least three hours here — there are a couple of return trail options you might want to explore.
Tip: Book your tickets online and take the free shuttle from Bled’s main bus station. Or better yet, walk back (about 40 minutes through peaceful countryside). It’s worth it if you have the time.
You can visit solo or with a guide. Plan ahead — after exiting the gorge, choose either the King of Triglav Trail or the River of Trees Trail to return.
Adrenaline and Stillness in One Place
Lake Bled has a little something for everyone. I booked a canyoning tour with Outdoor Slovenia — adrenaline guaranteed, and the guides were brilliant.
Tip: Bring earplugs. I ended up with a blocked ear after one of the bigger jumps.
If I ever run my own retreat, it’ll probably look like my days at Bled, a mix of action, movement, and quiet moments to reset. I did the three-viewpoint hike to Ojstrica, Mala Osojnica, and Velika Osojnica. The steepest? Mala. The most rewarding? All of them.
I also ran the 6km loop around the lake — the perfect excuse to enjoy a slice of Bled Cream Cake guilt-free. Between hikes, I sketched and read by the water, watching kayakers paddle out toward Bled Castle. It felt like something out of a dream.
Lake Bohinj: Less Touristy, Just as Magical
After three nights in Bled, I took a bus to Lake Bohinj, curious after all the whispers I’d heard on the road. And yes — even if you’ve seen Bled, Bohinj is 100% worth visiting. It’s quieter, wilder, and equally stunning.
I walked the full 11km loop around the lake, kayaked on mirror-still water, and hiked to Savica Waterfall — 8km round trip, including 553 steps to the top.
Savica sits near Ukanc, at the far end of Lake Bohinj. To be honest, it didn’t blow me away — but maybe I just prefer a more dramatic cascade. It was late August, and the dry summer hadn’t helped the flow. Entry is €4, and the only viewpoint is a small terrace about ten meters from the falls — tight and crowded in peak season.
Ljubljana and my final thoughts
I squeezed in one night in Ljubljana before heading home. It was short, but I made the most of it by joining a Guru Walk free walking tour — definitely recommend it.
Slovenia blew me away. Jagged peaks, crystal-clear lakes, charming cities, and kind-hearted people. Public transport was solid, but if you rent a car, you can go even further — Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, and the Piran Salt Pans are all within reach.
Slovenia quietly surprised me at every turn — peaceful, romantic, and perfect for couples. As a solo traveller, I had to look past that. There were definitely moments when I wished I had someone to share it all with. But that’s part of the deal — you go anyway, and you make it your own. You keep showing up for the world. And Triglav? That mountain will stay with me for a long time.
