The Seven Triglav Lakes Hike Review (2025): What You Need to Know

So, you’re thinking about the Seven Triglav Lakes hike for 2025, and honestly, that’s a fantastic idea. There’s something about Triglav National Park that sort of just sticks with you. It’s actually more than a collection of mountains and trees; it has a very real personality. You kind of feel the history in the air, you know, between the quiet woods and the enormous rock faces. This trek is, in a way, one of the best ways to get properly acquainted with the Julian Alps. We’re not talking about a simple walk in the park here; at the end of the day, it’s a proper two-day trek that asks for a bit of stamina from you. Yet, it gives back so much more, like your first look at a lake so clear it feels unreal. This review is basically just about sharing what the experience is actually like, with some pointers I wish I had before I went. Read our full review: Seven Triglav Lakes Hike Full Review and Details

First Impressions: Setting Off from Planina Blato

Okay, so your starting point is more or less Planina Blato, which is a high mountain pasture. You can get there by car, but it’s a narrow road and you have to pay a toll, frankly. The real hike starts right from the treeline. The morning air up there is just incredibly fresh, and you often hear the distant sound of cowbells, which is a pretty great way to begin any day, right? The initial part of the trail is, to be honest, a bit of a workout. It goes up through a thick forest, and the path is just a little steep. You’ll definitely feel your leg muscles waking up pretty quickly. There aren’t many open views at first, just you and the trees, so it’s a good time to get into your rhythm. After a bit, you’ll pass the Koča na Planini pri Jezeru hut, which is a lovely little spot for a quick coffee if you feel like it. From there, the terrain starts to open up, giving you, like, a sneak peek of the rocky world that is waiting above.

As you keep going higher, the forest kind of gives way to more rugged ground with patches of dwarf pine. This is where you really start to feel like you’re in the high mountains. The path gets a little more rocky under your feet, so you’ll want some good, sturdy boots for this part, seriously. The walk to the first of the seven lakes actually takes a bit of time, and the anticipation really builds up. By the way, the path is marked very well with the classic Slovenian Knafelc markings – a red circle with a white dot. You’d honestly have to try pretty hard to get lost. It’s in this section, before you see any of the famous water, that you sort of connect with the peacefulness of the place. It’s quiet, apart from your own footsteps and breathing, and that is just a very special feeling.

The Valley of the Seven Lakes: An Honest Look

So then you get there, you reach the start of the valley itself, and it is pretty much everything people say it is. The first lake, Jezero pod Vršacem, is sometimes completely dry in late summer, which can be a bit of a surprise, frankly. But don’t worry, the good stuff is just around the corner. The next stop is Mlaka v Laštah, which connects you to Dvojno Jezero, or the Double Lake. And well, this is where you’ll probably take out your camera for the first of many times. The sight of the Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih hut sitting right next to these two joined bodies of water is absolutely iconic. The water is incredibly clear, and the whole scene just looks like a postcard, you know? It’s a great spot to stop for a longer break, eat your packed lunch, and just absorb the view.

Moving on from the Double Lake, the path follows the valley floor, which is a relatively flat and enjoyable walk. This section, in a way, lets you appreciate the grandeur of the surrounding peaks without needing to climb them. Your next big sighting will be Veliko Jezero, or the Great Lake. It’s the largest of them all, and its deep blue color is sort of mesmerizing. It’s also called ‘The Kidney’ because of its shape. Past that, you will find Zeleno Jezero, the Green Lake, which has this incredibly deep emerald color that makes it look almost magical. Then comes Rjavo Jezero, the Brown Lake, which is a bit different from the others. Finally, if you go all the way up, you reach Jezero pod Vršacem, the highest one. The whole walk through the valley is just a series of stunning reveals, one after the other. It’s not just about ticking off seven lakes from a list; it’s about watching the character of the landscape shift with each one.

Frankly, seeing the different colors of the lakes, from the deep blue of the Great Lake to the shocking green of Zeleno Jezero, is something that photos just don’t fully capture. It’s really a very personal experience for your own eyes.

A Night in the Mountains: Choosing Your Hut

Alright, at the end of the day, you will need a place to sleep, and the main choice is the Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih hut, which sits by the Double Lake. First things first, you absolutely have to book your spot months in advance, especially for a weekend in the summer. Seriously, it gets completely full. Showing up without a reservation is a very bad idea. The experience of staying in a mountain hut is, you know, a core part of the adventure. It’s basic, so don’t expect luxury. You’ll likely be sleeping in a dormitory-style room with bunk beds and a bunch of other tired hikers. Bring your own sleeping bag liner; it’s generally required and just better for you anyway. The atmosphere, however, is fantastic. There’s a real sense of community, with everyone sharing stories from their day on the trails over a warm meal.

The food is pretty much what you’d expect: simple, hearty mountain fare. Things like goulash, barley soup, and sausage are staples. They are extremely filling after a long day of walking. You can also get drinks, like beer or a hot tea, which tastes just incredible in that setting. Remember to bring cash, because cards are often not accepted or the machine might not work. By the way, another tip is to pack light for the overnight stay; you really only need a change of socks, a toothbrush, and something comfy to sleep in. The hut quiets down early, as most people are up at the crack of dawn to continue their trek. Waking up in the middle of the mountains, with the first light hitting the peaks, is a genuinely special moment. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Triglav Mountain Hut Booking)

The Trail Beyond: What to Expect on Day Two

Okay, so on the morning of day two, you basically have a few options for your route back. A very popular choice is the path over the Komna plateau. This route is quite different from the one you took to get into the valley. Instead of staying low, you climb up above the valley, and this path gives you these huge, sweeping views that are just incredible. The initial part of the walk from the hut is a bit of a climb, so your legs will get a nice wakeup call. Once you are up on the plateau, the walking is a little easier and the scenery is just completely open. It feels, in a way, like you are walking on the top of the world.

This trail eventually leads you to the Dom na Komni hut, which is another great spot to stop for a drink and soak in a final view of the high peaks, including a distant look at Mount Triglav itself on a clear day. From Dom na Komni, it’s pretty much all downhill back towards Lake Bohinj. And when I say downhill, I mean it. The path is a long, winding descent through the forest. Frankly, your knees will feel it. Hiking poles are your best friend on this section, seriously. It’s a very different kind of physical challenge from the climb on day one, but the sight of the beautiful Lake Bohinj appearing through the trees is a very welcome reward. The whole loop, you know, gives you a very complete picture of what this part of Slovenia has to offer.

Packing Smarter: Stuff You’ll Actually Be Glad You Brought

Now, let’s talk about gear, because bringing the right stuff can literally make or break your trip. It’s easy to overpack, but it’s also easy to forget something you really need. I mean, the goal is to be prepared without carrying a bunch of useless weight on your back. The most important thing, at the end of the day, is your footwear. Make sure you have hiking boots that are properly broken in; getting blisters on day one is a really awful experience. A good rain jacket is also non-negotiable, you know? The weather in the mountains can change in a flash, even if the forecast looks perfect. I’ve seen sunny mornings turn into rainy afternoons pretty quickly.

Here’s a short list of things I was really glad I had with me, to be honest:

1. Cash: Like I said before, you really need it for the huts for food, drinks, and your stay. Don’t just rely on a card.
2. A Reusable Water Bottle: There are springs where you can refill, so you can stay hydrated without carrying gallons of water from the start. Just check with locals or at the hut which springs are safe.
3. Hiking Poles: My knees were very, very thankful for these, especially on the long way down on the second day.
4. A Power Bank: Your phone is your camera and maybe your map. Having a way to recharge it is just a smart move, obviously.
5. Sun Protection: The sun is surprisingly strong at high altitudes, so a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are things you should definitely pack.
6. A Small First-Aid Kit: Just the basics, like blister plasters, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes. You will hopefully not need it, but it’s better to have it, right?

Basically, packing for this trip is about being prepared for a proper mountain environment. Layers of clothing are a great idea, so you can adjust to the changing temperatures throughout the day. A warm fleece or mid-layer is kind of essential for the evenings at the hut, which can get a little chilly.