Slovenian Mountain Trail

The Slovenian Mountain Trail isn’t just a trail. It’s a hike through Slovenia’s heart, a journey filled with natural highlights, difficult ascents, and the joy of meeting many nice hikers on your way. It’s a real challenge but the Slovenian people will treat you with trail magic and they’re very proud of their Slovenska Planinska Pot.

The Slovenian Mountain trail is one of the most difficult hiking trails in Europe because you’ll hike exposed on some ridges. The usage of a Via Ferrata kit and climbing helmet is recommended at some stages.

The trailhead lies in the historical city of Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest town. For centuries, this town was lying in Austria but after WWI it became Yugoslavia and later Slovenia. After hills in Pohorje, you’ll hike through three majestic mountain ranges onto the Adriatic Sea at Debeli Rtic.
Experience Slovenian hospitality as you explore more than 55 cozy mountain huts and conquer at least 35 peaks, including the majestic Mt. Triglav, nestled within Slovenia’s sole national park. The panoramic views from the summit of Mt. Triglav are a reward in themselves, offering a beautiful view over the traversed ridges and those that await.

In Maribor, you can gather last-minute essentials and acquire your SMT logbook for collecting stamps from various checkpoints along the trail. The first stage stretches through Pohorje’s hills and eases you into the hike, presenting a perfect setting to adjust to the trail life. Remember, the region’s summer heat demands you be hydrated and have knowledge of water refill points.

As you advance into the Kamnik-Savinja Alps after 6 days, the trail unveils its alpine heart. This lesser-known chalk rock mountain range, bordering Austria, introduces you to elevations surpassing 2,000 meters. Peaks like Raduha, Skuta, and the towering Grintovec challenge you with iron pins and cables, where you need a Via Ferrata set for safe passage. You can sleep here at one of the most magical places in Slovenia: Bivak pod Skuto. This beautiful bivak hut only provides a bed so make sure you’ll bring enough water and food.

After the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, you’ll hike to the Karawanken range and here you’ll find a bit easier stages, where chalk mountains form a natural frontier with Austria. Here, you traverse high mountain passes and ascend Stol where you’ll hike together with the sheeps.

The pinnacle of the trail awaits in the Julian Alps, within the serene bounds of Triglav National Park. Here, you ascend Slovenia’s highest peak, Mt. Triglav but also the Jalovec, Razor, and Prisojnik. Make sure you book your stay at Triglavski dom na Kredarici, Slovenia’s highest mountain hut, just under the summit of Mt. Triglav at 2515 meters above sea level.

As the mountains recede, the trail meanders through the hills of Idrija you’ll now have some views of the Adriatic Sea. The last days, though long, are filled with alpine meadows and pastoral scenes, leading you to the sea.

The best time of the year to hike the Slovenian Mountain Trail is undoubtedly from the end of June until the end of September. As you’re hiking in the mountains be aware that there might be snowfields in late spring and early summer and there might be early snowfall in late summer and early autumn. While you’re hiking from hut to hut, note that most mountain huts open in mid-June and close in mid-September. Generally, the hiking season in the European Alps is limited to the summer months when the weather is milder and the mountain huts are open.

Keep in mind that the weather in the high mountains can change rapidly, and it’s essential to be prepared for various conditions, including sudden rain or snow showers. Always check trail conditions, and local weather forecasts before embarking on a mountain hiking trail. Slovenia is known for its thunderstorms, mostly in the late afternoon, so make sure you check the weather.

For safety reasons, always equip yourself with essentials while hiking a long-distance trail, especially high up in the mountains. Bring a sleeping bag or liner for mountain hut nights as this is mandatory. For sure on this trail, bring your trekking poles for more stability and to save your knees during the descents.

For this trail, a Via Ferrata kit and helmet are recommended for your safety during the more difficult stages in the Julian Alps, climbing the Triglav, and stages in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.

Layering up in the mountains is essential for comfort, safety, and adapting to changing weather conditions. Pack always multiple layers such as:

• The base layer: This layer is closest to your skin and its primary purpose is to wick moisture away to keep you dry. Look for materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics designed for moisture management. Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture and can make you feel colder.
• Mid layer: The mid-layer provides insulation to help you retain heat. Fleece, down, or synthetic insulated jackets work well for this.
• Outer layer (Hardshell): This is your protective layer against wind and rain in the mountains. A good outer layer is breathable and waterproof or water-resistant.
• Additional layers: always bring some extra dry clothes with you and a down jacket for the chilly moments during a break, early mornings, or evenings.

When hiking the Slovenian Mountain trail, keep in mind your hiking experience and skill level, as some trails in Slovenia can be challenging and exposed. This also requires proper equipment like the Via Ferrata kit and experience.

Membership of an Alpine Club not only gives you mountain hut discounts but also supports trail systems and mountain huts. Check that your insurance covers mountain hikes, and reserve mountain hut sleeping spaces in popular sections near Mt. Triglav to make sure you have a sleeping place in the high mountains.