The Triglav National Park is located near the border of Slovenia with Austria and Italy. The park covers about 4% of Slovenia and is one of the largest nature reserves in Europe. This is where you will probably fall even more in love with Slovenia. And that’s exactly why you can’t miss this 2 days itinerary in Triglav National Park 🥰.
Surrounded by the Julian Alps, the landscapes are phenomenal. The highest point of the park is Triglav mountain which is also the highest point in Slovenia (about 2900 metres).
There are 1001 experiences and places worth visiting in Triglav National Park. However, I leave you here what was my 2 days itinerary in Triglav National Park which includes its main points of interest.
Activities & tours at Triglav National Park
What is the best time of the year to visit Triglav National Park?
Although I visited Triglav National Park in March, this is not the best time of year to visit. I had some luck with the weather conditions (plenty of sunshine, despite the cold), but the vegetation was still quite burnt from the winter snow. In fact, there was still a lot of snow on the roads. Also, some places like the gorges (e.g. Vintgar and Tolmin) close during winter.
So, in order to enjoy many of the outdoor activities available, I recommend visiting Triglav National Park between June and October.
How many days do you need to visit Triglav National Park?
The answer to this question is a bit tricky as it depends a lot on what you want to do in Triglav National Park. If you are like me and just want to get to know the main points of interest, without walking any trails, then 2 days is a good starting point for your visit.
However, if you intend to do some activities and/or hike trails, then the ideal duration of the visit will depend a lot on the number of activities and trails chosen, so you should add a few more days to your itinerary.
📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: This itinerary does not include the trips to and from Triglav National Park. However, on the first day, I departed from Bled and on the second day, I still returned to Ljubljana. So please take this into consideration when you are planning your trip here.
Where to stay in Triglav National Park?
Although I only stayed one night in the park (in Kobarid), these are the main areas of the Triglav National Park with the most accommodation offers:
Do you need a car to visit Triglav National Park?
In my opinion, renting the car will make visiting Triglav National Park much easier, especially during the off-season. In addition to flexibility in travel, you will reach the various points of interest much more quickly.
However, it is not impossible to travel without a car in this park. During the summer, there are some public transport routes that make it easier to visit the Triglav National Park without a car:
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Triglav National Park Itinerary – Map of Main Points of Interest
Triglav National Park Itinerary – Day 1
» Pericnik Waterfall
The Pericnik waterfall is easily accessible – 10 minutes (steep but relatively simple path) from the car park. For the more adventurous, it is also possible to walk behind the waterfall. Actually, there are two waterfalls: the top and the bottom. However, the most famous one is the bottom one, as the waterfall is much higher (52 meters vs 16 meters).
Useful information:
- Where to park: 46°26’19.3 “N 13°53’46.8 “E
- Infrastructures: bar/restaurant next to the car park but not always open
- Distance: 1,6 km round trip (about 10 minutes)
- Route difficulty: rather steep but easy
- When to visit: any time of year but during winter the water may freeze
💡 EXTRA TIP: The city of Bled and also Vintgar Gorge, although they are not part of the park, are very close and worth a visit.
» Zelenci Nature Reserve
Technically it is not part of the Triglav National Park but it is so beautiful that it is worth the detour. Located just a short drive from Italy and Austria and near the town of Kranjska Gora, here you can find the source of the river Sava. The name Zelenci (which comes from the word “zelen”, i.e. green in Slovenian) is related to the colour of the water. I promise it’s not Photoshop – the water really looks like this! Plus, the landscape around the reserve is simply breathtaking!
Useful information:
- Where to park: 46°29’40.5″N 13°44’02.9″E or 46°29’35.9″N 13°44’30.7″E
- Distance: about 10 minutes from the car parking
- Route difficulty: very easy
- When to visit: all year
- There is an observation tower next to the reserve
- Water temperature is constant all year round (6ºC)
» Lake Jasna
This is probably the day of this itinerary with the largest concentration of beautiful sites. Lake Jasna, which is very close to Zelenci National Reserve, is another superb landscape. The lake is surrounded by the Julian Alps, making the surroundings even more special.
Parking the car is very easy and then you can calmly explore the lake. There is also an observation tower from where you can observe the lake from above.
Here you will also find the statue of the famous mountain goat Zlatorog, which is the symbol of Triglav National Park.
Restaurants near Lake Jasna
I suggest going to Kranjska Gora to look for restaurants as the restaurants by Lake Jasna are more expensive. Plus, you can also enjoy ad take a quick walk around this lovely little town.
» Vršič Pass
The itinerary continued on Slovenia’s most famous road. Built during the First World War by Russian war prisoners, this road crosses the Julian Alps and is known for its 50 sharp bends. The road links Kranjska Gora to Bovec and is about 25 km long.
The journey will be full of bends, but the views are fantastic. Due to its altitude, it is usually covered in snow during winter. So it is best to confirm that the road is open before embarking on your adventure. You can check the most up-to-date information here.
Each curve is numbered and you will want to stop at several places (the views of the mountains are superb) but I especially recommend the following stops:
- Russian chapel (turn 8) – built in 1916 on the site where many of the war prisoners lost their lives following an avalanche
- Pagan Girl (turn 12) – nature carved what looks like a girl’s face on the mountain
- Stone constructions left by previous visitors (turn 17)
- Vršič Pass – the highest point on the road (at 1611 metres)
Useful information:
- There are several possible stops (viewpoints, among others) along the route
- At most stops, it is possible to easily park the car
- Road length: 25 km (one-way)
- In winter it usually closes due to snow so you should confirm beforehand if the road is closed
» Virje Waterfall
One of the most photogenic waterfalls in Slovenia… a real gem! The access is relatively easy and after parking the car you only have to walk 10 minutes. The waterfall is about 12 meters high and the flow of water varies throughout the year.
- Where to park: 46°20’08.6″N 13°30’46.2″E
- Distance: 10 minutes on foot from the car park
- When to visit: all year round. In summer, it is possible to bathe there (easy access to the water) and in winter it freezes sometimes
💡 EXTRA TIP: Near Virje waterfall, there is Boka waterfall – the highest Slovenian waterfall (106 metres high). Access is not so easy but there are some viewpoints of the waterfall (namely this one: 46°19’06.5 “N 13°29’41.6 “E).
» Kobarid
Kobarid is an excellent option to stay overnight while visiting the Triglav National Park. Although located outside the park, the place itself is lovely and offers some local lodgings and a few restaurants.
Restaurants in Kobarid
- Hisa Polonka (€€€): very pleasant space and with friendly service, the menu is smaller, but of high quality
- Bar Cinca Marinca (€): a good option for breakfast with a privileged view over Kobarid church
Accommodation in Kobarid
When I was in Kobarid I stayed at Apartments Masera. It’s a very central guest house with everything you need. A more modest but still pleasant option!
Triglav National Park Itinerary – Day 2
» Kozjak Waterfall
Also outside Triglav National Park, this waterfall is worth a visit. It was probably my favourite waterfall of all the ones I visited in Slovenia. However, it takes a little longer than the other waterfalls to get there.
Useful information:
- Where to park: 46°14’58.8″N 13°35’15.7″E (supposedly you need to pay for parking but no one was there to collect the money when we visited)
- Do not type “Slap Kozjak” directly on Google Maps as it is wrongly labeled. Choose to park the car in the park I suggest above and walk the rest of the way.
- Distance: 1h (round trip) and fairly flat
On the way to the waterfall, stop also to appreciate the beautiful blue colours of the river Soča and also Napoleon’s bridge over the river.
» Tolmin Gorges
Similar to Vintgar Gorge, there is also Tolmin Gorges. Here too it is necessary to pay to visit and there is a pre-defined route of about 2km. The visit is very interesting and you can see crystal clear water yet again and still cross one of the most vertiginous bridges in Slovenia.
During this visit, you can enjoy some of the most emblematic places in the Tolmin Gorges, such as Dante’s cave, the Bear’s Head Stone and the Devil’s bridge.
Useful information:
- Free parking
- Closes between the end of October and March and the timetable depends on the time of year
- Price: 6€ for adults during low season and it can get up to 10€ during other seasons
- Distance: 2km (takes about 1h30 round trip)
- More information here
Restaurants in Tolmin
- Gostilna Zatolmin (€€): typical restaurant with relatively affordable prices and generous portions
» Lake Bohinj
This lake, together with Lake Bled, was one of my favourite places in Slovenia. It is hard not to be amazed by such natural beauty in one place 😍. The silence hovered in the air, there were half a dozen ducklings swimming in the lake, the water reflected the magnificence of the mountains. It was hard to ask for more after this… truly thrilling!
In the summer it is possible to hire a boat to sail on this beautiful lake but also to go swimming. In any case, the visit is a must at any time of the year. After all, Lake Bohinj is the biggest natural lake in Slovenia.
Useful information:
- Parking is not always easy and is often paid for.
- There are some trails in this area that you can explore.
- In Vogel, you will find one of the best viewpoints of the lake. You can go by car or take the Vogel cable car.
💡 EXTRA TIP: Near Lake Bohinj there is another well-known waterfall – Savica waterfall. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to visit this waterfall. But it could be a good addition to this plan!
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