Another adventure in the Julian Alps awaited us. Our goal today was to cover the most beautiful Triglav Lakes route in a single day — normally a 2-day trek. We knew it would be demanding and intense, but the challenge made it even more exciting. We left Istria early (though not too early) at 6:30 a.m. from Buzet, heading via the motorway toward Ljubljana and Bled.
Access to the starting point
From the Koper–Ljubljana–Klagenfurt highway, take the Lesce exit and follow signs for Bled. (Coming from Ljubljana, this is the last exit before the Austrian border and Karawanks Tunnel.) If coming from Zagreb, pass Ljubljana and follow the signs for the Jasenica border crossing. The drive to Bled is scenic. Late July meant some traffic around Bled — we arrived around 9:30 a.m. From Bled, follow signs for Bohinj / Bohinjska Bistrica. After Bohinj Lake and Bohinjska Bistrica, head toward Stara Fužina, then up to the foot of the mountains. From there, drive to Planina Blato (Blato Mountain). Note: Parking at Blato costs 10 € per car. The drive takes about 10 minutes to the parking lot.
Planina Blato → Planina pri Jezeru (Mountain at Lake)
We started from Planina Blato. The first goal was the Planina pri Jezeru hut. The climb begins steeply — the first 20 minutes feel very demanding (knowing the full route is planned for ~10 hours). After that, the path levels out for a short time, then steepens again. After another half hour, we reached Planina pri Jezeru — with its stunning lake view. This first lake alone makes the hike worthwhile. Despite the steep start, almost anyone (including beginners and children) can reach this point. For those starting their hiking journey or seeking peaceful nature, the hut here is perfect for a weekend getaway. Around the hut, you’ll see plenty of grazing cows and other domestic animals.
Planina pri Jezeru → Dedno Polje → Koča pri Triglavskih Jezerih (Hut at Triglav Lakes)
After a very short photo break, we continued climbing. This was just the beginning — checking the time, we realised the schedule was tight. The path steepens immediately after the break. After 10 minutes, we reached the sign for “Dedno Polje” or “Preko Štapci”. We chose straight ahead. Soon we passed a cheese dairy with more cows — soaking in the classic alpine atmosphere and traditional mountain houses. After the dairy, the trail becomes a true mountain path — goodbye macadam, hello rocky terrain. Some sections are easier, others more demanding. After about half an hour, we reached a field where we lost some altitude. Crossing the field, signs appeared for Viševnik and Dedno Polje. We took the path around the mountain (“Čez Prode” ridge route) instead of straight over. After another 20 minutes, we enjoyed wonderful views of the surrounding Bohinjska Gora peaks. Then descend again — but soon compensated by steep climbs. We followed signs for Dvojno Jezero (Dual Lake).
The path turns right into the climb, then left through beautiful forest. After about 25 minutes, we reached the sign for Koča pri Triglavskih Jezerih — just 15 minutes more to the hut. Before arriving, nature rewarded us: exiting the forest, we were greeted by the unforgettable sight of Dvojno Jezero (Twin Lake). Crystal-clear water, mirror-like surface, sunlight creating paradise-like reflections — a moment you simply have to experience. We felt refreshed and alive in the summer alpine air. From the lake, the grassy trail to the hut is easy and attractive — nature wraps around you. We reached Koča pri Triglavskih Jezerih around 2:10 p.m. From Planina Blato (started 10:32 a.m.), it took about 3 hours and 30 minutes (with just 3 short breaks). Many hikers stop here overnight and continue to the biggest lake (Ledvice) the next day. Near the hut, you’ll find the potable water spring “Močivec”.
Koča pri Triglavskih Jezerih → Ledvice Lake → Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih
We took a 10-minute break at the hut. Time management was crucial — plan B was always sleeping in one of the mountain huts if needed (plenty of options). We decided to push on. Soon, the terrain turns rocky — high, solid walls remind you of nature’s power. After about an hour, we reached Ledvice Lake, nestled like a jewel in the rocky landscape. Its green surface ripples with mountain wind — impossible to fully capture in photos or words. A moment to truly breathe in and feel the place. Many visitors say they’ll return just for this view. We stayed only briefly — time was flying. Clouds began gathering from the Kanjevec direction (still hidden but visible on the map). From Ledvice, we continued toward Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih.
After another hour, we reached Zeleno Jezero (Green Lake), named for its vivid colour. Total walking time so far: ~5 hours. From here to Prehodavci hut: another 30 minutes. We were pretty tired. Two team members (Robert and Roberto) continued straight to the hut. The rest of us climbed over the ridge to meet them later. (I’ll admit — partly an excuse to take more photos of the stunning scenery.) After a short break and photos at Zeleno Jezero, we climbed steeply through characteristic rocky terrain. Halfway up, we rejoined the others from Prehodavci. For anyone planning to continue to nearby summits from here, a helmet is recommended (though not mandatory). The climb took about an hour, then we began descending toward Planina pri Jezeru and back to Planina Blato.
Descent from Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih to Planina Blato
After the final uphill from Zeleno Jezero, we crossed the highest point of the day — the saddle called “Vrata” (Door), not a peak but still impressive. We didn’t summit any extra peaks due to time, but the lake views rival those from many summits. Yes — the Triglav Lakes route can be done in one day with good weather and fitness. However, you’ll likely have to skip side summits. The descent is relatively gentle and scenic in true alpine style. We dropped through rocks back to Planina pri Jezeru, capturing unforgettable sunset photos along the way. We reached Planina Blato just before 9 p.m. — total ~10 hours. At the end, we couldn’t resist stopping at a guesthouse in Bohinjska Bistrica for dinner. Highly recommended: don’t drive long distances after such a day — rest if possible.
This epic one-day Triglav Lakes loop is tough but incredibly rewarding — pure Julian Alps magic!
Trek Goat Tips for the Triglav Lakes Trail
- Best time: July to September. Earlier in the summer, snow may linger on higher passes.
- Total time: ~10 hours (if you do it in a day). Consider splitting the hike into two days for a gentler experience.
- Accommodation: Mountain huts at Koča pri Triglavskih Jezerih and Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih offer basic sleeping and meals.
- Essential gear: Hiking boots, layers, plenty of water, snacks, and, optionally, trekking poles.
- Photography tip: Golden hour at Dvojno Jezero is pure magic. Don’t rush past it.
- Access note: The toll road to Planina Blato is narrow and steep. Drive with care and park responsibly.