Mount Krn (2,244 m), Slovenia - Hiking, climbing, huts ...

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The highest point of the Krn Mountains is Mount Krn (with the same name). It is a real alpine hiking paradise. It does not stand out in terms of height, as there are several higher peaks in Slovenia (see Triglav at 2,864 m).

However, most of the mountains are located further north, while Krn stands a little lonely on the southern part of the mountain range.

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Map - Where is Krn located?

Map, distance, approach, getting there, parking

Krn mountains are located on the western side of Slovenia, not far from the Italian border. The mountains are part of the Julian Alps on the western part of the Triglav National Park, in the Soca Valley.

It belongs to the district of Kobarid, but the nearest city is Bovec. The well-known River Soca flows west of the peak, the smaller river Lepena to the northeast, and the stream Tolminka to the southwest.

Parking

The peak, Lake Krn, and many interesting points can only be reached by hiking! The cable car does not go to the mountain. The starting points of the hike are written more precisely for each route. Starting points:

• Krn, south face - via Ferrata
• Drežnica, south face
• Lepena, north face - summit, and Krn lake tour

Distances

• 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

Mountain huts & lodges

If you stay for several days, spend a day in one of the mountain huts.
We would recommend the Krn Lake Hut for accommodation. From here, many hiking trails start and the summit can be conquered as well. The building is located in the middle of the mountain, which is why it is ideal.

The huts homes are open on average between June and August.

Hiking and Climbing

Summits, route, hiking trail, hike

Hiking the trails of the Krn Mountains, everyone can find their own calculations. There are many easy hikes, intermediate trails, more advanced summits, and even a via Ferrata route.

• The intermediate and the demanding climb (summit) starts from the north of the Lepena Valley.
• The via Ferrata route and the easy hike start from the south of Drežnica and Krn.

The most beautiful view of the 2,244 meter-high Krn mountain is from Kobarid or Drežnica, from where you can see the western wall.

On the southern face of the mountain lie the small villages of Krn, Vrsno, Drežnica, Drežniške Ravne and Magozd.

During the First World War, the battles of the Isonzo took place in the area. The Italian name for Krn is Monte Nero, meaning Black Mountain. The top of the adjacent Batognica mountain (2,164 m) was blown up by an accidental weapons depot explosion. Many remnants of the war can still be found around the peak.

#1 Easy Hiking on the South

If you want to hike in the fabulous Krn Mountains, but do not want to reach the peak, head to the south, namely the Kuhinja Hut (Koča na planini Kuhinja - 1,012 meters). The hut is in an idyllic setting, as the southern face of Krn is famous for its interestingly shaped peaks.

• Face: South
• City: Krn
• Starting point: Kuhinja hut (1,012 m)

#2 Krn Lake hike

The most popular attraction is Lake Kr at an altitude of 1,385 meters. It is the largest and highest glacial lake in Slovenia.

• Face: North
• City: Lepena
• Starting point: dr. Klementa Juga hut (1,385 m)
• Duration: 6 - 7 hours
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Before reaching Lake Krn, you will first reach the tourist hut on Lake Krn (Planinski dom pri Krnskih jezerih). The lake is 15 minutes climb from here.

Depending on your schedule, it’s worth spending as much time as possible by the lake so you can sniff the fabulous nature within yourself. the duration of the hike is approx. 3 hours, the level difference is 750 meters.

15 minutes from the ice lake is the lesser-known but also unique Dupljesko Lake. You might want to discover it as well.

#3 Summit (2 Days Tour)

To conquer the peak, it is worth choosing the north route. By choosing this side, you will find the lake halfway. Your starting point is from the Lepena Valley, dr. From Klementa Juga hut.

• Face: North
• City: Lepena
• Starting point: dr. Klementa Juga hut
• Duration: 6 - 7 hours up, and the same down
• Recommendation: Divide it into two days and stay in the Krn Lake hut

Reaching the lake, you can relax. When you are ready to continue, move on to the top. The peak of the Krn mountain is 3 hours from the lake and another 860 meters ascent.

• Total duration: 12 - 14 hours
• Difficulty: Demanding, strenuous

#4 Via Ferrata - Southern route

You can also conquer the summit from the south if you want to do via Ferrata. The route is classified B-C. The route starts from Drežnica.

The lower parts of the route are rated B, and before you reach section B-C leading to the summit, you find even a section of difficulty A. The upper part is steep. Two steep ladders follow (B-C), followed by a rocky terrain (B).

Below the peak Gomiščkovo shelter awaits you (Gomiščkovo zavetišče, 2 184 m). From here an additional ten minutes hike to the summit.

• Face: south
• City: Krn
• Starting point: Dreznica (554 m)
• Duration: 7 - 10 hours (up 4-6 hours, down 3-4 hours)
• Difficulty: difficult strenuous
• Level difference: 1,690 meters, of which via Ferrata approx. 700 meters

Both the summit and via Ferrata are difficult and strenuous.