Next to Kobarid, in the Triglav National Park, you will find the Alpine Krn Lake. The lake is not only the most beautiful glacial lake in the Krn Mountains (2,244 m) but also the largest glacial lake in Slovenia. It is only accessible by hiking and every year, countless tourists admire it.

The solitary lake is 300 meters long, 150 meters wide, and offers a perfect view of the surrounding barren mountains (Julian Alps). The deepest point of the lake is 17 meters.

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Swimming and fishing are prohibited in the lake due to its very sensitive ecosystem.

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Quick Details

Lake Krn Details
Country Slovenia
Local name Krnsko jezero
Location Triglav National Park, Soca Valley, Julian-Alps
Major cities nearby Bovec, Kobarid, Lepena
Ljubljana distance 2.5 hours / 120 km
Parameters 300 m long | 150 m wide | 17 m deep
Where is it located? 1 385 m
Nearest mountain hut Planinski dom pri Krnskih jezerih (1 385 m)
Starting point, parking dr. Klementa Juga hut (700 m)
Attractions nearby Mt Krn, Lepena Valley, Town of Kobarid, River Soca, Kozjak Waterfall

Photos

Lake Krn, Krn Mountains
In addition to the Triglav Lakes, it is considered to be the most beautiful region in the Triglav National Park.

Where is Lake Krn?

Parking, map, distances, approach

The lake is located at the highest mountain of the Krn mountains of the same name (also Krn). You will find the lake on the northern face. The nearest larger town is Bovec. The other towns in the Soca Valley are within easy reach: Tolmin, Kobarid, and Lepena.

  • Distance from Bovec: 0.5 hours / 21 km
  • Distance from Kobarid: 1 hour / 42 km
  • Distance from Tolmin: 1 hour / 58 km
  • Distance from Ljubljana: 2.5 hours / 120 km
Lake Krn map - Ljubljana distance
Lake Krn map - hiking (Google Maps)

Getting there and parking

The easiest way to get there is from the Lepena Valley (you can park at the starting point). The tour's starting point is a tourist lodge in Lepena (17a, 5232 Soča, Slovenia).

  • The starting point of the tour: Dom dr. Klementa Juga v Lepeni
  • GPS: 46.3037 ° N / 13.6814 ° E

More about Lake Krn

The water is home to 40 plant species, mostly algae, and 24 inferior animal species, dominated by tiny crustaceans. The area around the lake is full of vibrant, colourful alpine flowers, including endangered species.

The Krn Mountains and Lake Krnsko were once the sites of the bloody events of the Isonzo Front and the dark period of the Rapallo border. The remains of ditches, caves and barbed wire testify to WWI.

The greenish lake fits in perfectly with the alpine landscape. It is a picturesque place that many photographers visit. If you’re lucky enough and there aren’t many tourists, fabulous pictures can be taken.

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Good to know: The plural form of Krnska Jezera refers to Lake Veliko (Krnsko), Lake Dupeljsko and Lake Ložnica.

Hike to Lake Krn

Route: Lepena Valley, dr. Klementa Juga hut -> Planinski dom pri Krnskih jezerih -> Lake Krn -> Lake Dupljesko -> Planinski dom pri Krnskih jezerih -> dr. Klementa Juga

The starting point of the hike is the Lepena Valley - the Dom dr. Klementa Juga. From here you need to head towards the lake on a wide forest path. After about 1.5 hours of forest hiking, the trail opens and in 1 hour you will finally arrive at the lodge. From the hut, there is only another 15 minutes' walk to the lake.

  • Starting point: Lepena valley
  • Hike duration: 6-7 hours (up and down)
  • Elevation: 685 m
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Family-friendly: Yes, with kids above 8yrs

For those who are hungry, the Lake Krn Lodge serves great local food. Hiking is possible all year round, but the lodge is only open in the summer.

The hiking trail to the lodge is easy and well-marked. Everyone can do the beautiful forest hike. The route is a bit steep, but you don’t have to worry. Many families with children come here to hike.

The lake is a popular hiking destination among those, who like multi-day hikes. It offers a great starting point for many other hiking trails.

Dupljesko lake

There is another beautiful alpine lake nearby - named Dupljesko. However, this is much less known, it's only a 15-minute walk from here.

Planinski dom pri Krnskih jezerih (1 385 m)

Very close to the lake, only 15 minutes on the north side of the mountain is the hut Planinski dom pri Krnskih jezerih.

Let’s try some local delicacies while staying here. Washbasins can only be found here along your way. The house provides not only meals and accommodation.

  • Email: krnskoj@gmail.com
  • Address: Krn 26, 5222 Kobarid
  • Season: every day from June to September
  • Number of beds: 53 beds in rooms, 57 beds in the common area
  • Beds in winter: 18 beds

Krn peak is another 3-hours-hike (one way) from the Lake cottage. The hike is a bit strenuous, the level difference is an extra 860 meters.

Read more: Climbing Mt Krn