Triglav Lakes Valley aka Seven Lakes Valley (circular trail; 2-days hike) (09/2022)
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 17.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 4,708 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Easy
- Elevation loss
- 4,708 ft
- Max elevation
- 7,375 ft
- TrailRank
-
79
4.8
- Min elevation
- 3,874 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Moving time
- 9 hours 4 minutes
- Time
- one day 7 hours 14 minutes
- Coordinates
- 4955
- Uploaded
- September 3, 2022
- Recorded
- September 2022
near Blato, Bohinj (Slovenija)
Viewed 2265 times, downloaded 109 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
Technical difficulty: 2/5
DAY 1: Planina Blato - Koča na planini pri Jezeru - Dedno polje - Vrata (pass)- Zasavka koča na Prehodavcih (eng. Blato pasture - Lodge on the pasture at the Lake - Dedno field - Vrata (pass) - Lodge at Prehodavci)
DAY 2: Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih - Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih - Dedno polje - Koča na planini pri Jezeru - Planina Blato (eng. Lodge at Prehodavci - Triglav Lakes Lodge - Dedno field - Lodge on the pasture at the Lake - Blato pasture)
Note #1: This is a 2-days hike with a sleepover at the Lodge at Prehodavci. It's a loop hike which goes through neighboring valleys divided by prominent alpine peaks. It can also be done in one day, but it would be about a 12hrs hike at normal pace. Also, moving time in the recorded trail is underestimated. It's probably closer to 12-13hrs. It can be taken in reverse without issues.
Note #2: Mobile reception is very spotty throughout the trail. Through most of the valleys you only get edge (E) signal, which is useless. At higher points, you can get strong 4G signal, including at the lodge. So, plan accordingly, load your maps and GPS trails in advance!
Note #3: Weather is fickle in the Julian Alps. You will need to prepare for sun, wind or rain. Definitely check the weather forecasts in advance: https://www.hike.uno/mountain/zasavska_koca_na_prehodavcih/1/175. Mornings are usually sunny, while cloud covers start after noon. Take this into account if you want to see the lakes in all of their beauty. We started our return trip at 8:30 from the Lodge at Prehodavci, and the sun still hasn't reached the first few lakes when we passed them.
Note #4: The lakes aren't polluted; on the contrary, most of them are crystal clear. However, the water from the lakes is not officially potable without filtering it first.
Note #5: No special equipment needed for this trail; it's not technically demanding.
Note #6: In the warmer seasons all of the lodges are open, and serve traditional Slovenian food, and drinks.
--
- START DAY 1 -
Day 1 begins at the trailhead which is the parking lot at the Blato pasture, above the Stara Fužina hamlet. Entry to the mountain is paid for motorized vehicles (15€/day). The fee includes parking anywhere on the side of the road going up the mountain. Follow the asphalt road until it gives way to the gravel road, and about 200m from this point the road ends in larger parking lot (also a dead-end). It can get crowded fast there, so if you're out of luck you'll need to park lower down the road.
The trailhead is marked by an information panel, and along the way are many marked intersections. You will generally need to follow the sings pointing to the next lodge (slo. koča).
As you climb higher, the forests and pastures will slowly give way to a more alpine landscape, culminating in barren rocky peaks as you get above the 2000m above sea level. The ascent is steady, but the elevation gain is evenly spaced and it's never too steep for too long.
The most striking part of the ascent is the stretch from Vrata pass until the Lodge at Prehodavci. Be aware that from the pass the lodge will look like it's "just around the corner", but there's no direct path to it, and you will need to go for a good 1-1.5hrs in a roundabout way to finally reach it. However, you'll be rewarded by one of the best views in Julian Alps!
The lodge offers accommodations, food, drinks, etc. Make sure to reserve your beds in advance, because it WILL be busy.
- END DAY 1 -
- START DAY 2 -
Day 2 begins with an early morning start from the Lodge at Prehodavci. The descent is through the famous Seven Lakes Valley, which is sort-of false advertising because there are actually 10 lakes there. You won't be passing near all of them, though.
The trail on the descent gets grassier early, and you will most likely see a free-roaming ibex or two. As you get lower, the vegetation grows denser, and the sparse pastures will give way to proper woods and forests.
The best place to rest and chill on Day 2 is at the Dvojno jezero (eng. Double Lake) near the Triglav Lakes Lodge. It's literally 2 lakes very close to each other, hence the name.
The descent trail meets the ascent trail from the previous day at Dedno field, after which you'll follow the same way down to the parking lot.
- END DAY 2 -
For additional information about specific sites and waypoints, see the WAYPOINT DESCRIPTIONS.
Waypoints
Car park
3,874 ft
Car parking / 'Planina Blato'
You will need to pay an entry fee for motorized vehicles at the foot of Planina Blato. The fee is 15€/day. You take a ticket at the ramp near the start of the asphalt road, and you pay it when you exit. It's all done via a pay machine which accepts 5, 10 and 20€ bills and also credit cards (don't know if the machine returns change!). Once you enter the "pay zone", you are free to park anywhere on the side of the road, in a way that doesn't block traffic, of course. The parking place nearest to the trailhead is at the end of a short section of gravel road (about 200-300m), which follows after the asphalt road ends. An ALTERNATIVE WAY of getting about is to park outside the "pay zone" which is much cheaper (3-5€/day), then take a free public shuttle (P+R) to a spot very near the trailhead (the Vogar/Blato intersection, which is maybe another 200-300m from the car parking). You will however need to take care of the shuttle's arrival/departure schedules. More info here: https://promet.bohinj.si/en/parking/
Intersection
4,065 ft
Intersection #2 / go left
You are following the trail to the "Lodge on the Mountain at the Lake" (slo. Koča na Planini pri Jezeru).
Intersection
4,274 ft
Intersection #4 / follow 'Planina pri Jezeru'
Continue towards the "Mountain at the Lake".
Intersection
4,932 ft
Intersection #5 / follow 'Planina pri Jezeru'
Continue following the "Mountain at the Lake" signs.
Mountain hut
4,932 ft
Intersection #6 / 'Koča na Planini pri Jezeru'
Lodge on the Mountain at the Lake; a very nice lodge on a grassy hill overlooking the whimsically called "Lake on the Mountain at the Lake" (Jezero na Planini pri jezeru). Yes, that's actually it's official name :) There's plenty of tables to sit at and enjoy yourself for a bit, along with the grazing cows.
Lake
4,920 ft
'Jezero na Planini pri jezeru' / Lake on the Pasture at the Lake
If you're trying to find any logic in the naming, don't. Just go with it :) And try not to think what came first - the pasture or the lake?
Intersection
5,093 ft
Intersection #7 / follow 'Dedno polje'
Continue straight, following the sign to a nearby shepherds village "Dedno polje'.
Intersection
5,335 ft
Intersection #8 / 'Dedno polje' pasture / follow 'Zasavska koča'
A pasture located in a lee basin, around which herdsmen cottages were built in the days when cattle was actively raised here. From this intersection, start following the "Zasavska koča" signs.
Intersection
5,330 ft
Intersection #9 / 'Dedno polje' pasture / follow 'Prehodavci'
The sign now points to 'Prehodavci' instead of 'Zasavska koča', however it's the same place.
Waypoint
5,832 ft
Wooden gate
This picturesque wooden gate marks the end of the forests and woods, and the beginning of true alpine landscapes in the upper regions of the mountain.
Mountain pass
7,348 ft
Intersection #10 / 'Vrata' pass / follow 'Koča na Prehodavcih'
Another important intersection. Numerous trails branch here. 1. You can make a detour to Zelnarica peak. 2. You can cut the trail short and turn towards 'Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih' (Triglav Lakes Lodge). This is useful if you're doing this trip in one day, but you'll be missing a few lakes along the way, and the beautiful sights at the Lodge at Prehodavci.
Intersection
7,341 ft
Intersection #11 / follow 'Prehodavci'
Continue towards the "Lodge at Prehodavci".
Intersection
7,052 ft
Intersection #12 / follow 'Z. jezero'
The signs posts say 'Zeleno jezero' (eng. Green Lake), however you will at some point turn and arrive at the 'Rjavo jezero' (eng. Brown Lake) first. The Green Lake is located lower than the Brown Lake.
Mountain hut
7,096 ft
'Zasavska Koča pri Prehodavcih' / Lodge at Prehodavci
The crown jewel of the high. Located at 2071m above sea level, this mountain lodge offers one of the best and most stunning views in the Julian Alps. The lodge offers accommodation, authentic food and drinks. They accept credit cards as well as cash. There is a charging room for mobile phones and power banks, but you need to bring your own chargers. There is a WC/outhouse near the lodge. About 10 minutes behind the lodge, following the direction to 'Dolič' there is a spring of fresh potable water. Otherwise, you can replenish your water by buying it at the lodge for 4€ (1.5 L bottle). The Lodge is in the vicinity of three smaller lakes (starting from the northernmost one): Jezero pod Vodnikovim Vršacem. Mlaka v laštah, Rjavo jezero. More info about the hut: https://en.pzs.si/koce.php?pid=34
Intersection
6,973 ft
Intersection #13 / follow 'Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih'
The way down from the Lodge at Prehodavci, in general you'll be following signs pointing you to the next lodge in the valley - Triglav Lakes Lodge.
Intersection
6,969 ft
Intersection #14 / follow 'Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih'
Intersection
6,760 ft
Intersection #15 / 'Zeleno jezero' (eng. Green Lake) / follow 'Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih'
Mountain hut
5,753 ft
Intersection #17 / 'Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih'
The Triglav Lakes Lodge, also the intersection of a few branching paths.
Lake
5,743 ft
Dvojjno jezero #1 (eng. Double Lake)
The first of the two lakes adjacent to the Triglav Lakes Lodge.
Lake
5,731 ft
Dvojno jezero #2 (eng. Double Lake #2)
The second of the two lakes adjacent to the Triglav Lakes Lodge.
Intersection
5,764 ft
Intersection #18 / follow 'Koča na Planini pri Jezeru'
Intersection
5,706 ft
Intersection #20 / go left
There is another branching path to the 'Planina pri Jezeru' (eng. Pasture at the Lake) which is longer (about 1h 25min); the other one (which we took) is about 50mins.
Religious site
5,603 ft
Boltova kapelica (eng. Bolt's Chapel)
I'm not sure who or what 'Bolt' was, or if I'm translating this correct. Anyway, it's a quaint little chapel in the tree.
Comments (11)
You can add a comment or review this trail
Thank you for a very good description, can you recomend any books /maps about this area? Regards Kari and Håkon from Norway.
Hi, I'm glad you've found this trail useful!
Unfortunately, I don't know of any books or official guides, but I would recommend a website called "Hiking Croatia": https://www.hikingcro.com/
It's in Croatian, but you can run it through Google Translate or some other similar tool. Anyway, the authors are avid hikers, and have recorded and described a number of beautiful trails in Croatia, Slovenia and Italy.
On the website, choose "Blogovi" (Blogs) from the menu. Then under "Categories" choose Planinarenje Slovenija (Hiking Slovenia) and it should list you all the trails from the area. In fact, this trail is actually based on the recommendation from this website :)
Anyway, I hope you find something to your liking!
Cheers!
I have followed this trail View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Moderate
Thanks a lot for the route and the detailed description!
We've done it in a single day (9h30min). We'd recommend to do it the way you (and us) did it: clockwise - the higher altitude in the first half of the walk.
Recommended!
Hey, I'm glad you've enjoyed the trail. And congratulations on pulling it off in just one day!
The best track I have ever downloaded!!! Veryvery good explained!! Thanks a lot!!
I'm happy you liked the hike and found the trail useful. Cheers!
Burtal
The road is closed until 1st may, be aware of going earlier
I have followed this trail View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Moderate
This is not a review but a suggestion: next time try to include Veliko Špičje in your route, either on your ascent to Prehodavci, or your descent to "Koča pri sedmerih jezerih". It is not at all difficult (even though it looks like it is), and it feels much more like a real mountaineering.
Hej Andrej, thank you for the suggestion!
You're welcome. Maybe I should also point out that the" normal" traverse of Veliko Špičje does not require any climbing equipment or knowledge: it's just mountain hiking. But if one's knees are not the youngest, trekking poles are a very good idea.