Hikers on Mt Triglav in Slovenia's Julian Alps Standing at 2864m, Mt Triglav is the most visited and best known mountain in Slovenia. It is also the country’s most revered, featuring on their coat of arms. At the start of the 20^th century, Slovenia was under occupation and attack by various forces, from fascist Italy to the Nazis. Some of the fiercest and most important battles occurred in the Slovenian Alps, and the region is now eternally carved into the national identity, with Triglav becoming a national symbol of pride. In local folklore, the shape of Triglav has been described as a three header monster due to the fact it has three main peaks. Hence its name, which derives from the locally pronounced “Tri glave”. Every Slovenian worth their salt will make it an ambition to climb Triglav at least once in their life, typically during summer when the peak is more accessible. Do not be alarmed by the word ‘climb’. It is used often when discussing ascending to the top of a mountain. One does not need to be a mountaineer to climb Mt Triglav; however previous trekking experience will naturally make the trip to the top more comfortable for you. Ascending Mt Triglav is a challenging undertaking, but possible for fit walkers. Ascending Mt Triglav is a challenge, but possible for fit walkers Triglav can be found in Triglav National Park, located just an hour away from the capital, Ljubljana, in the stunning Julian Alps, where Ernest Hemmingway wrote his book ‘Farewell to Arms’. The park covers 838 square kilometres and is the largest protected area in Slovenia, holding a special status that sees the conservation of the region policed more strictly than any other park in Slovenia. Mt Triglav has numerous excellent paths from various surrounding valleys, which lead up to the very top in a meandering way. While you can walk to the top – or even take the option to get there by via ferrate on fixed wire ropes – it always must be remembered that this is a mountain, so should be taken seriously due to its height, steepness at the very top and some traversing of narrow ledges on the way down. On a clear day from the summit the views stretch far across the Julian Alps, all the way to a peak called Grossglockner in Austria, and to the Adriatic Sea on the south. If you enjoy walking, connecting many of the spectacular hikes in the Julian Alps with a trip to the top of Mt Triglav is an exciting experience you should strongly consider. UTracks specialise in walking & cycling trips in Slovenia.