The Highlands of the Julian Alps

Where the forest border ends and the mighty mountain ridges begin to rise, a whole new world opens up to us. The world of high mountains enchants every visitor with its power and greatness. In Slovenia, we have three mountain ranges, which rise above 2000 meters above sea level.
These are the Julian Alps, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Karavanke. Highlands of the Julian Alps.

Are you tempted to go to one of the two thousand peaks of the Julian Alps?
There are 352 peaks in Slovenia that rise above 2000 meters. The Julian Alps are one of the largest mountain groups in Slovenia. They cover an area of ​​around 4400 km².

The top 10 mighty two-thousand peaks of the Julian Alps

Triglav (2864 m)

Triglav is a 2864 m high mountain located in the heart of the Julian Alps. It is the highest mountain in Slovenia and the highest in the Julian Alps. 

on the Triglav peak stands the Aljaž Tower, erected in 1895 by Jakob Aljaž. Otherwise, the top of Triglav offers a beautiful view that stretches from the Adriatic Sea, through the Dolomites and High Tur to the Karavanke, Kamnik-Savinja Alps, Pohorje, through almost all of Slovenia to the highest peaks of the Julian Alps. A few trails lead to Triglav. Staring points are from the Vrata Valley, Krma Valley, Pokljuka, Bohinj via the Triglav Lakes, Zadnjica, Rudno polje, Zadnjica, Uskovnica, etc. All routes to the top of Triglav are long and technically demanding, so they are suitable for more experienced mountaineers.

Škrlatica (2740 m)

Škrlatica is the second-highest mountain in Slovenia. There is a cross on the top. By which we can quickly recognize the top from the neighbouring mountains. It also has a very recognizable north-northwest wall. You can see the wall from the road to the Vršič pass. From the top, there is a fantastic view of all the peaks above the Vrata valley, especially Triglav and the neighbouring Dolkova špica. The shortest route to Škrlatica is from the Vrata valley. The walking time is 6 hours. 

The route is very demanding. It takes some climbing skills to climb to the top. The climbing part of the path to Škrlatica has protected by steel rope and wedges.

Mangart (2679 m)

Mangart is one of the most visited mountains in the Julian Alps. Access to the top of Mangart is much shorter by a road that leads to Mangart saddle an altitude of 2000 m. The peak is spacious and gives us a beautiful view on all sides. The most beautiful view is on the neighbouring Jalovec, it is only a few meters lower than Mangart. A demanding marked path leads to the top of Mangart. 

You can climb the mountain via the Slovenian or Italian side. You will need about 2 hours of walking for the shortest route.

Jalovec (2645 m)

Jalovec is one of the tenth highest mountains in Slovenia. From the top, which descends steeply towards the three alpine valleys (Loška Koritnica, Tamar and Zadnja Trenta), we have a beautiful view of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps. You can reach the top of Jalovec from the Tamar valley, from the Vršič pass or Zadnja Trenta. The way to the top is technically demanding. The shortest route is from the Tamar Valley at 5:30 p.m.

Razor (2601 m)

The peak of Razor is above the alpine valley Mlinarica. The mountain peak, which is not spacious, has a beautiful view. Mountains above Kriški Podi are nicely visible. Triglav and Jalovec are not missing either. 

  • Zadnjica Valley – Razor 6 hours, 
  • Vršič Pass – Razor 6 hours and 
  • Vrata Valley – Razor (across Sovatna) 6:30 hours.

The Highlands of the Julian Alps offer many challenges to climb the highest mountains.

Visoki Kanin (2587 m)

High Kanin is the highest peak of the Kanin Mountains. The mountain top is easily accessible as you can get very high with the gondola. From the top, where is cross stands, there is a beautiful view of the western Julian Alps. In good weather, you will see also part of the Gulf of Trieste in the Adriatic Sea. A high demanding marked path leads to the top, which you will cross at 2:30.

Kanjavec (2569 m)

Kanjavec is a peak located between Dolič and Hribarice. From the top, we have a beautiful view of Triglav and other mountains above the valleys of Trenta and Bohinj. You can climb to the top from several directions, from Zadnjica valley, Blato mountain, Bohinj (Savica waterfall) or Vrata valley. You will reach the top in 6 hours.

Prisojnik (2547 m)

Prisojnik is a 2547 m high mountain located above the Krnica, Mlinarica and Suha Pišnica valleys.

Several marked paths lead to the top. The easiest route is (the Slovenian route) from Vršič (1611 m). A slightly more demanding trail is along the ridge and through the Prisojnik window from Vršič. Vršič – Prisank / Prisojnik (Slovenska pot) estimated time is 3:30.

What to experience in the highlands of the Julian Alps

Špik (2472 m)

Špik is a mountain located in the heart of the Martuljek mountain group. The peak is visible from the road that leads through Gozd-Martuljek. From the top, there is a beautiful view of the Karavanke, the Upper Sava Valley, the Martuljek group of mountains and other highest peaks of the Julian Alps. Four demanding marked paths lead to the top: 

  • Pišnica – Špik (through Kačji graben) at 4:45 hours; 
  • Russian Cross – Špik (past Koča v Krnici Hut) 5 hours, 
  • Russian Cross – Špik (through Kačji graben) 4:50 hours and 
  • Pišnica – Špik (past Koča v Krnici Hut) 5:30 hours.

Krn (2244 m)

With a height of 2244 m, Krn is the highest peak of the Krn Mountains, a mountain range that rises steeply above the central part of the Soča River. From the top, where the lookout panel is situated, we open a beautiful view that stretches from the Adriatic Sea, through Matajur and Breginj or Kobarid Stol to Kanin. There are quite a few paths to the top. The shortest and lightest is from Planina Kuhinja, namely 3:15 hours.

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