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.
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. Worth it!
I climbed in late August and was lucky with 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 due to bad weather. 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.
A Night at Triglav Lodge
Our group, four women and one guide (soon two guides for the last ascent) stayed overnight at Triglav Lodge at Kredarica (2,515 m). For a mountain hut, it felt surprisingly modern: comfortable beds, hearty meals, and views that are simply unbeatable.
As you sit around, hikers pass by, some descending from the summit, others gearing up to go. There’s a quiet, shared sense of purpose. Weathered faces, elite gear (Arc’teryx, Patagonia, The North Face) it’s clear you’re among fellow mountain lovers. Lights-out comes early, though sleep doesn’t always follow. Altitude has its own rules.
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.
Best Moment? Surprisingly, Not the Summit.
Yes, standing at the top of Triglav was an achievement, mission accomplished, job done. Even when the fog hung thick and our views were limited, it felt good to have made it to the summit.
The moment that stayed with me most wasn’t at the summit, it was the evening before, watching alpine goats leap across cliffs at sunset.
Watching alpine goats leap effortlessly across cliffs at sunset, surrounded by the heart of the Julian Alps, was simply stunning. Roaming around the lodge, soaking it all in, felt magical in a quiet, grounded way.
After the summit, we hiked back down to our starting point. A long, full day, but every step was worth
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
From Peaks to Lakes: Slovenia’s Other Treasures
Triglav was a highlight, but Slovenia has so much more to offer and its lakes feel like pure magic.
Lake Bled was my first stop after landing in Slovenia. The next morning, I headed to the impressive Vintgar Gorge, the perfect warm-up for Triglav National Park. It’s a 1,600-metre-long, 250-metre-deep canyon, Slovenia’s first protected natural attraction. Give yourself at least three hours here. There are a couple of return trails worth exploring if you want to wander a little further.
With time to spare, I walked back to town, about 40 minutes through peaceful countryside. On a sunny day, it’s a beautiful way to soak up the fresh air and simply be outside.
Tip: Book your tickets online and take the free shuttle from Bled’s main bus station.
Adrenaline and Stillness in One Place
The town of Lake Bled has a little something for everyone, families, couples, groups of friends all soaking up the same calm, happy energy. I booked a canyoning tour with a few people staying at my accommodation. We were all clearly chasing the same adrenaline hit, and once one person suggested it, the rest of us followed. We chose Outdoor Slovenia, and the guides were genuinely fantastic.
Tip: Bring earplugs. One of the bigger jumps left me with a blocked ear for the rest of the week — not ideal.
If I ever run my own retreat, it’ll probably look a lot like my days in Bled: movement, adventure, and slow pockets of quiet to reset.
I hiked the three classic viewpoints: Ojstrica, Mala Osojnica, and Velika Osojnica. The steepest? Mala. But they were all worth climbing.
I also ran the 6km loop around the lake, yes, even more walking, hiking, running. The perfect justification for a slice of Bled Cream Cake afterward. And let me tell you… it wasn’t just one slice.Between hikes, I sketched and read by the water, watching kayakers glide out toward Bled Castle.
Lake Bohinj: Less Touristy, Just as Magical
After three nights in Bled, I took a bus to Lake Bohinj. I’d heard so many people rave about how beautiful and less touristy.
That my one-night plan quickly became two. The moment I arrived, I knew I wanted longer.
I walked the full 11km loop around the lake, kayaked across the stillest water I’ve ever seen, and hiked to Savica Waterfall an 8km round trip with 553 steps to the top.
Savica sits near Ukanc at the far end of the lake. After all those steps, my jaw didn’t exactly drop; I’d been expecting something a bit more dramatic. But it was late August, so the flow might have been weaker. Entry is €4, and the only viewpoint is a small terrace about ten meters from the falls. I can imagine it getting tight during peak season. Still, the hike itself was worth every step.
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.
Going to Slovenia was a good move. It’s perfect for solo travellers and just as special for couples and families who love the outdoors. Public transport worked well for me but renting a car lets you go even further: Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, and the Piran Salt Pans are all within reach.
There were moments, sitting by the lake, when I wished I had someone to share it with. But that’s part of solo travel, you keep showing up for yourself, make the experience your own, feel grateful for the opportunity, and keep moving forward.
And Triglav? That mountain will stay with me for a long time.
Thinking of another summit to climb? Visit my Albania article here
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