One of the most climbed mountains in Slovenia is the giant Vogel next to Lake Bohinj. The 1922-meter mountain can be reached not only by hiking but also by cable car and a ski lift, with which anyone can walk on the grassy barren slopes.

The cable car takes enthusiastic tourists up to 1,537 meters, from where you can continue your journey uphill, or if you want a more relaxed and easier trip, you can take a walk on one of the many hiking trails (which doesn't ascend too much).

Quick Details

Mount Vogel Details
Country Slovenia
Height 1 922 meter
Parking Free
Cable car 08:00 - 16:00 / 18:00 (every day in season)
Season Spring - Autumn
Trails difficulty Easy - Demanding
Starting point Ukanc
Dog-friendly? Yes
Location Triglav National Park, Lake Bohinj
Range Julian Alps
Ljubljana distance 1.5 hours / 90 km
Website vogel.si

Photos

Vogel is deservedly popular with those who like to hike, trek - or just go into nature. The designed hiking trails have unparalleled beauty, while the panorama of the area is also unique.

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The picturesque Vogel - Slovenia

Map - Where is Mount Vogel?

Map, distance, approach, parking, getting there

Vogel is located next to Lake Bohinj, on the edge of the Triglav National Park. The mountain is part of the Julian Alps and thus also of the Slovenian Alps. You need to head towards the village of Ukanc.

  • Distance from Lake Bohinj: 20 mins / 8 km
  • Distance from Bled: 1.5 hours / 45 km
  • Distance from Ljubljana: 1.5 hours / 90 km
Vogel map - Ljubljana distance

Parking

We can park for free in the "Vogel Cable Car" valley. It is worth arriving early because Vogel is very popular in summer and the empty places can fill up soon.

Cable car and lift

The cable car runs every half hour during the summer peak hours from 8 am to 6 pm. With the opening hours shortened in spring and autumn, the last lift will come down at 4 p.m.

The cable car runs every day of the year, as Vogel is one of the most popular ski resorts in Slovenia. Its upper station is 1,535 meters. It can lift and drop roughly 900 people a day.

Opening hours

  • Season: Jan - Dec
  • Opening hours in summer: 08:00 to 18:00, every half hour every day
  • Opening hours in winter: 08:00 to 18:00, every half hour every day
  • Winter and spring opening hours: 08:00 - 16:00, every half hour every day
  • Chairlift (Orlove Glave): 08:00 - 16:00 every day - except in bad weather

Prices

  • Adult ticket: 20 euros
  • Adult return ticket: 24 euros
  • Child ticket: 10 euros
  • Children's return ticket: 12 euros
  • Bicycles: 4 euros
  • Dogs: 4 euros
Tip: At the upper station of the lift you will find the Viharnik Café, where you can go to the bathroom and have a glass of beer.

Hiking on Vogel by lift

Hiking to the top

The cable car doesn’t take us to the top. The starting point of the tour will be Rjava Skala, which is the upper station of the cable car - at 1,535 meters.

Climbing and hiking Vogel Details
Starting point Rjava Skala, 1535 m (last stop of the lift)
Is it a roundtour? Yes
Hike's length 11,4 km
Highest peak 1922 m (Vogel)
Altitude diff. 750 meter
Difficulty Intermediate
Duration 6 hours

It is worth knowing that however, the difference between the top and the lift is only 380 meters, during the hike you have to overcome a total level difference of roughly 750 meters!

The difficulty of the tour is moderate, good physical fitness is essential.

The terrain is technical - the soil is gravelly and stony. Do the climbing in proper hiking shoes only.

Keep in mind that there is no shadow on the mountain. Take a cap and at least 2 liters of water per person.

Route and tour description

Rjava Skala (1,535 m) - Vogel Ski Hotel (1,800 m) - Orlove Glave (1,682 m) - Shia Saddle - Vogel (1,922 m) - Zadnji Vogel Plateau (1,413 m) - Vogel Ski Hotel (1,800 m) m) - Rjava Skala (1,535 m)

Start your hike by admiring the fantastic panorama first when you exit the cabin, You will see a great view of Lake Bohinj. Take a look now, because you won't see it later from the top.

During the route, you have to head to the Vogel Ski Hotel, from where it is about 2.5 hours to reach the top.

If it is open, you can also use the second lift, as it cuts roughly 1.3 km along the length of the trail. However, it is worth keeping in mind that the elevator does not always run (in summer usually it does).

The chairlift takes you up to Orlove Glave, where you also find a bell. This is the one that makes your desires come true.

From the top of Orlove Glave, you have to follow a sign called Sija, which means "peak". Here you will soon reach the Vogel Ski Resort, from where we will enter the Saddle of the Sija. From here it is about 1 hour to the peak, which will also be indicated by a sign.

In the meantime, pay attention to the surrounding mountains of the Julian Alps, because you will also see Mt Triglav (the highest point in Slovenia).

You will soon reach the stage where chains help to move forward. The terrain and the sight are getting more and more exciting. Finally, you reach the top.

The way back

As you descend, you have to head for Zadnji Vogel Planina. Here in the high season, you can find grazing cows and a farmhouse where you can ask for a cheese tasting from local farmers.

After Yadnji Vogel Planina, the route goes back to the Ski Hotel, and Rjava Skala.

Trekking on Vogel

Bike park Vogel

Vogel is ideal with bikes as well. In the summer, a park operates on the ski slopes.

Vogel Bike Park, Ukanc | Source: website

Parachuting

The Vogel is perfect not only for hiking but also for skydiving. If you look up at the sky at Lake Bohinj, you can see plenty of parachutists - who started their jump from the Vogel.

Bicycles and parachutes are also allowed to be transported by cable car - both cost EUR 4.

Barrier-free?

Yes, the cable car is also wheelchair accessible. However, the lift is not, and the hiking trails are not.

Dog friendly?

Yes, many take their "besties" to Vogel. A dog ticket to the lift costs 4 euros.