Triglav gets its name because of its three peaks, the tallest of which measures 2864 metres and is the highest peak of the Julian Alps. Triglav National Park was founded in 1924, it covers over 840 square kilometres and is Slovenia’s only national park.
This year marks the 240th anniversary of the first recorded ascent to the summit of Triglav. The climb took three days and on August 26 1778 four courageous men; Luka Korošec, Matija Kos, Štefan Rožič and Lovrenc Willomitzer made history.
It’s said that every true Slovenian should stand on the summit at least once in their life. If you are brave enough, and fit enough, you can follow in the footsteps of the four intrepid explorers and take on the challenge yourself. There are numerous guided tours available, most of which involve an overnight stop – one day options are for experienced climbers only.
When you reach the top you can stand by the Aljaž Tower and reward yourself with magnificent views out across the Julian Alps to the borders of Austria and Italy. The tower was built in 1895 and named after mountaineering priest Jakob Aljaž, who, after purchasing the summit of Triglav, claimed the right to build the cylindrical tower. Together with four other workers he brought the iron and zinc coated sheet metal parts to the summit where they then erected it themselves. During the communist era the tower was painted red with a red star. In June 1991, proclamation of Slovene independence, the Slovenian flag was raised on top of the tower. It has since been restored to its original appearance.
