There are three ranges in the Alps within Slovenia: the Julian Alps, the Karavanks (Karavanke), and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. All three mountain ranges are located in the northern part of the country and form a common tourist area - the Alpine region. Part of the area covered by the three mountain ranges belongs to the historical region of Gorenjska.
Quick Details
In our current article, we present these three mountain ranges:
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The Alps in Slovenia | Local name | Area | Highest peak | Major cities |
---|---|---|---|---|
Julian Alps | Juliske Alpe | 4 400 km2 | Mt Triglav - 2864 m | Bled, Bovec, Kranjska Gora |
Karavanke | Karawanken | 5 227 km2 | Veliki Stol - 2236 m | Solcava, Jesenice |
Kamnik-Savinja Alps | Kamniško-Savinjske Alpe | 900 km2 | Grintovec - 2558 m | Kamnik |
Map
The map below shows the northwestern part of Slovenia. To the left is the Julian Alps across Italy, in the middle is the Karavanke - on which Slovenia shares with Austria. The smallest of the three is the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, which is the easternmost in terms of location.
- Julian Alps: Slovenia and Italy
- Caravans: Slovenia and Austria
- Kamnik Alps: Slovenia
The Slovenian Alps are a real heaven for those who love outdoor activities. This paradise attracts thousands of hikers, mountaineers, skiers, and bikers each year.
In winter, of course, skiing is the main sport, but many people try out snowshoeing ice climbing or dog sledding - which is becoming more and more popular every year.
In spring and autumn hiking and cycling dominate the countryside, while in summer water sports, via Ferrata and climbing prevail everywhere.
Mount Triglav
Those who are not afraid of challenges can climb Slovenia’s highest peak, the 2,864-meter Triglav Mountain in the Julian Alps.
The mountain can be climbed in one day for those who are experienced, alpine hikers. In contrast, most people prefer to do a two-day tour. In this case, you have to spend the night in the Triglavski dom (tourist lodge) and then start the summit in the morning.
If you want to go on a more solid trip, you can roam the trails on many pleasant tours. You can choose from more than 60 different sports here!
Via Ferrata and climbing seasons are in the summer.
#1 Julian Alps
The Julian Alps are the most significant of the three mountain ranges in terms of territory and attractions. Slovenia's most beautiful mountain trails and via Ferrata routes can be found here.
Triglav National Park, the only national park in the country, is also located in the Julian Alps. If you have never been to Slovenia and like to be in nature, we would definitely recommend the Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park first.
The Julian Alps | Details |
Country | Slovenia, Italy |
Local names | Julijske Alpe / Julische Alpen |
Area | 4 400 km2 |
Length | 126 km |
Width | 94 km |
Highest point | Triglav (2 864 m) |
Major cities | Bovec, Bled, Kranjska Gora, Tarvisio |
Top5 attractions | River Soca, Triglav mountain, Mangart pass, Lake Bled, Vintgar gorge |
Most popular activities (summer) | Rafting, canyoning, hiking, mountaineering, via Ferrata, biking |
Most popular activities (winter) | Skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, dog sledding |
Ljubljana distance | 130 km |
The mountains were named after Julius Caesar.
#2 Karavanke
It got its name from the Caravans from the fact that its mountains stand behind each other like horse-drawn carriages in a caravan. A significant part of the 120 km long Karavanke is in Austria. Its highest point is the 2,236-meter-high Veliki Stol.
The countryside is rich in steep slopes, picturesque peaks, valleys and gorges, and waterfalls. These natural treasures are home to a variety of plant and animal species.
Karavanke | Details |
Country | Slovenia |
Area | 5,227 km2 |
Length | 120 km |
Width | 65 km |
Highest point | Veliki Stol (2,236 m) |
Major cities | Solcava, Jesenice |
Top5 attractions | Stol, Golica mountain, Jezersko |
Most popular activities (summer) | Hiking, climbing, biking, canyoning |
Most popular activities (winter) | Snowshoeing, winter hiking |
Ljubljana distance | 70 km |
The mountains and hills are surrounded by well-kept hiking trails and climbing routes. Everything from easy to difficult level can be found here.
One of the most beautiful peaks is Kepa, which is 2,143 meters high and can be reached directly from the Upper Sava Valley.
#3 Kamnik-Savinja Alps
The smallest of the three mountains is located near the Austrian border, at about 900 km². It is named after the city Kamnik and the Savinaja river.
On the hill, Uršlja Gora (Ursulaberg) one can find the historic border between Carniola, Carinthia, and Styria.
The Kamnik Alps is a true hiking paradise with endless opportunities and trails. There are a total of 28 peaks above 2000 m in the Kamnik Alps.
Kamnik-Savinja Alps | Details |
Country | Slovenia |
Local name | Kamniško-Savinjske Alpe |
Area | 900 km2 |
Length | 66 km |
Width | 26 km |
Highest point | Grintovec (2,558 m) |
Major cities | Kamnik, Kranj |
Top5 attractions | Logar Valley, Solcava Panoramic Road, Velika Planina, Kamnsiki-Bistrica, Jezersko |
Most popular activities (summer) | Hiking, climbing, biking |
Most popular activities (winter) | Snowshoeing, skiing |
Ljubljana distance | 60 km |
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