International Multisport Meccas: Julian Alps, Slovenia
Traverse the unknown end of the Alps–by trail, canyon, and cliff face–on this demanding journey in and around Triglav National Park.
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Hike
They may lack the fame of their Swiss and Italian neighbors, but the Julian Alps are packed with limestone palisades, alpine lakes, wildlife like chamois and ibex, and mountain huts in postcard settings. These highlights–plus tagging the top of 9,396-foot Mt. Triglav–make the approximately 21-mile, three- to four-day traverse of Triglav National Park a classic alpine outing. Ascend on the Tominsek route’s via ferrata, traversing narrow ledges on cliffs that drop off hundreds of feet; hikers without a head for heights can take the easier Prag route to the Kredarici Hut. Beyond Triglav’s summit, descend via Planika Hut to the Triglav Lakes Valley, squeezed between the sheer walls of Ticarica and Zelnarica Peaks. Hut information: slovenia.info
Via Ferrata
From the town of Bled, climb an iron ladder up 8,356-foot Mt. Prisojnik, passing through two “windows” chiseled through the rock. lifetrek-slovenia.com
Canyoneer
Rappel through waterfalls and negotiate narrow, technical gorges on a descent of Fratarca and Mlinarca Canyons near the valley of Bovec. lifetrek-slovenia.com
Cost $$
Book and Map
Julian Alps of Slovenia, by Justi Carey and Roy Clark (Cicerone, $23); Triglav National Park map (omnimap.com, $17)