What does fitness and technical difficulty mean?

We have rated our tours on a scale from 1 to 5, 1 being the easiest and 5 being the most difficult. Fitness level difficulty tells you about how fit you need to be for a tour and how much walking there is. Most of our tours are suitable for most people that are regularly active and can walk for around 5-6 hours per day with breaks. Technical difficulty tells us about the paths we use – Level 1 means that zero hiking experience is required, while 5 is only for experienced hikers used to the exposure and basic climbing techniques.

Who will be our guide?

Our guided tours are led by UIMLA or IMFGA internationally licensed guides who have completed many years of training to make your hut to hut hike both safe and enjoyable. They are passionate individuals who call the Slovenian mountains their second home and are ready to share this adventure with you.

Can I get a private room?

Different huts have different options and sometimes, private rooms for 2 or 4 persons are available. It is not the rule and they require a very early booking . We will try to get you the best possible accommodation from what is available at the time of your booking.

How much in advance should I book?

We recommend booking as early as possible . Slovenian mountain huts are very popular and get booked up several weeks in advance, especially on weekends. If your booking is late, we will try our best to find a suitable alternative. Sometimes, last-minute spots open up. However, we cannot guarantee a free spot.

Do I need a sleeping bag?

No , all of the huts provide blankets, bedding and pillows, but you can bring your own silk or cotton sleeping liner.

I have food restrictions

All of the huts offer vegetarian options and usually at least one vegan option. Still, kitchens high up are basic, so don’t expect too many choices. Huts generally serve authentic meals like stews, soups, and sausages. If you have strict dietary restrictions, consider bringing your own food as they can’t make a special meal per request.

What about the water?

Most high-altitude huts in Slovenia don’t have a drinking water source , but you can buy bottled water for around 4,5€ per 1,5l. You can also bring a water purifier and filter rainwater or water from the lakes. Some freshwater sources are also on the way so you never have to carry too much.

How do I pay for the huts?

In our guided tours, we take care of the reservations for you, and you pay for the huts together with food on the spot. In most huts, you can pay with a credit card , but it is advisable to bring some cash just in case if the internet is down – After all, you're in the mountains. If you are a member of the UIAA Alpine Association , bring your card and you will get a discount. For our self-guided tours, the accommodation with half-board is included in the price.

How good is the cell reception in the mountains? Is there wifi available?

Cell reception is on and off in most parts of the Julian Alps. The reception is generally better on the peaks and exposed parts and worse in secluded valleys. Some huts offer paid wifi option, but not all.

Are the tours only possible in summer?

Most of the mountain huts only operate from June to September . Some huts are open sooner and longer, but those times change from season to season according to weather and snow conditions. Read about best seasons for hiking in Slovenia.

What if the weather forecast is bad?

Most of the tours can be done even in light rain , as long as you dress accordingly . It is not unusual in the summer that there are afternoon thunderstorms, so early starts are advisable. If the weather looks really bad, we will try to reschedule or propose an alternative tour.

What to bring for an overnight stay in the mountain hut?

Try to pack light, only take what you really need. You need your passport or ID for check-in, and some cash is advisable if the internet is down. Bring your sleeping liner and earplugs for the night, and a toothbrush and body wipes for hygiene. You don’t need slippers, they are in the hut already.

Seven Lakes Valley Hike: Quick Guide - Hut to Hut Hiking Slovenia

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Seven Lakes Valley Hike: Quick Guide

The Seven Lakes Hike, also known as Triglav Lakes Hike, is a classic Julian Alps route through high alpine pastures and limestone karst, linking lakes and mountain huts.

Anja

February 12, 2026

12 min read

Quick Facts

Trail type: out-and-back
Distance: 15.2 km
Time needed: about 6 hours
Elevation gain/loss: 1,051 m
High point on the route: Štapce 1,851 m
Turnaround landmark: Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (1,685 m) by Dvojno jezero (Double Lake)

About the Trail

This Seven Lakes hike in Slovenia (also called the Triglav Lakes Valley hike) is one of the best full-day routes in Triglav National Park. It is a high alpine basin in the Julian Alps where lakes sit in limestone terrain shaped by alpine karst.

It is a classic Triglav National Park route that starts high above Bohinj, climbs through forest into traditional alpine pastures, then drops into a limestone lakes basin to the signature Dvojno jezero scene beside Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih. You are looking at 17.5 km, 870 m elevation gain and loss, and about 8 hours on the trail, with two hut stops along the way.

Scenic view of Double lake or Dvojno jezero in Triglav lakes valley in Julian alps and Triglav national park — This Seven Lakes hike is one of the best full-day routes in Triglav National Park

Step by Step Route Description

An about 8 hour hike that starts from a high point above Bohinj, climbs through forest into high alpine pastures, and finishes at the second mountain hut by Dvojno jezero as the main destination. Their tour stats list 17.5 km with 870 m elevation gain and loss.

1. Planina Blato trailhead to the first hut and first pastures

You start on a marked trail from a high altitude trailhead, moving through forest before the terrain opens up into the first pasture zone. This early stretch is the warm up phase where the trail feels sheltered and steady, with the first classic Bohinj meadow views arriving as the trees thin.

Planina Blato

Reached from the Bohinj side on a steady forest road, Planina Blato is a traditional alpine pasture that serves as a practical gateway into Triglav National Park. The open meadow and scattered huts create a clear change from woodland to high mountain terrain. Many walkers start here for routes toward the Seven Lakes Valley, using the pasture as a staging point to adjust pace and pack. With seasonal hut activity nearby, it’s a useful pause for orientation before climbing higher.

2. Pastures and shepherd landscape

The middle of the hike is built around alpine pastures where shepherd communities still operate in summer, which is a big part of what makes this route feel uniquely Bohinj rather than just a lake hike. Expect wide open grassland, simple wooden farm buildings, and long sightlines toward the Julian Alps.

Planina Dedno Polje

Set on a high alpine pasture above Bohinj, Planina Dedno Polje opens into wide meadows framed by forest and limestone slopes. Reached via steady forest climbs, it marks a clear shift from shaded valley terrain to exposed plateau landscape. Traditional shepherd huts and seasonal grazing reflect long-standing pastoral use. Walkers often pause here to rest and adjust pace before continuing toward the Seven Lakes Valley, using the open ground as a natural staging point within Triglav National Park.

3. Higher terrain toward the lakes basin

As you gain elevation, the landscape gradually shifts from grass to rockier alpine ground. This is where the scenery turns more dramatic and more “high mountain,” with the surrounding peaks starting to dominate the horizon.

Planina Viševnik

Located on open pastureland above the Bohinj area, Planina Viševnik lies along routes leading toward the Viševnik peak and the Triglav Lakes region. The meadow setting contrasts with surrounding forest climbs, offering space, light, and a clear sense of elevation. Traditional huts and grazing land reflect seasonal alpine farming. Walkers often cross this pasture during sustained ascents, using the open terrain to rest briefly and reorient before continuing toward higher, rockier stages.

4. Two mountain huts your pacing checkpoints

Along the route you pass two mountain huts where you can rest and get refreshments. The second hut is the key target of the day and the most natural place to take a longer break before turning back.

Seven Lakes Hut

Set within the Triglav Lakes Valley, Seven Lakes Hut stands amid open limestone terrain surrounded by a chain of alpine lakes. Reached after sustained high-altitude walking, it provides meals, water, and overnight shelter in an otherwise exposed environment. The setting is quiet and expansive, shaped by rock, sky, and changing light. Walkers pause here to rest and plan onward stages, making the hut a crucial support point within this remote alpine landscape.

5. Dvojno jezero and Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih the main payoff

The hike’s main destination is Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih, located by Dvojno jezero. This is the signature lakeside viewpoint and the planned turnaround for the day hike itinerary.

Dvojno jezero

Within the Triglav Lakes Valley, Dvojno jezero appears as two connected alpine basins divided by a narrow limestone ridge. The approach follows rocky highland paths where elevation feels steady rather than steep. Clear water reflects surrounding slopes and sky, reinforcing the quiet, open character of the plateau. There are no services at the shoreline, encouraging a brief rest rather than a prolonged stop. The twin lakes create a natural focal point that adds rhythm and visual balance to longer high-altitude stages.

Optional extension:

Triglav Tours notes that while more lakes are reachable deeper into the valley, the upper part is best enjoyed as part of a three day hike, rather than forcing it into a single long day.

Return

From the hut by Double Lake, you head back the way you came, using the huts and pastures as natural pacing markers for a steady, comfortable hike out.

Add-ons and Extensions

These are the easiest ways to upgrade the standard day hike into something more complete, without turning it into a totally different trip.

Easy Add Ons from the Main Turnaround

Jezero v Ledvicah, Kidney Lake
A straightforward extension beyond Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih. One common estimate is about 45 minutes one way from the hut area.

Mountain lake with turquoise water in Julian Alps (Jezero v Ledvicah) on a hiking trail called Seven lakes (Sedmera jezera), Triglav national park, Slovenia — Jezero v Ledvicah is about 45 minute from the hut area

Mala Tičarica
A classic summit add on when you still have energy. From Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih the ascent is commonly listed as about 1 hour one way, with a panoramic view back over Dvojno jezero and the central valley.

Triglav Lake and Mala Tičarica — Mala Tičarica offeres a panoramic view on Dvojno jezero

Best Upgrades for Multiple Days

Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih, Prehodavci Pass hut
A classic next stop deeper in the valley, sitting above the upper Triglav Lakes Valley and often used on multi day hut to hut routes.
Hribarice plateau and Čez Hribarice pass
A higher, wilder limestone world above the lakes that many longer routes use to connect toward Dolič and bigger Triglav group objectives.

Big Day Option for Strong Hikers

Loop that finishes via Komna and Črno jezero, Black Lake
A demanding full day loop that links the lakes area with the Komna plateau and passes Črno jezero on the way back.

Scenery of Bohinj Lake in Slovenia. People with backpack hiking and Nature in Slovenija. Backpackers at green forest. Beautiful landscape in summer. Alpine Travel destination. Alps mountains — There are several different ways to upgrade your standard day hike

Our Extra Tour Options

2-Day Hike

Overnight: Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih 1,686 m by Dvojno jezero
Day 1: walking time idea Planina Blato to the hut about 3 h 30 min in one common approach listing
Day 2: explore deeper into the valley, then hike back out

This option keeps the same iconic destination as the day hike, but turns it into a proper lakes experience. You reach the hut with time to slow down, then use the second day for extra lakes and viewpoints that feel rushed on a single long day.

Alpine lake reflecting mountains and forest under a blue sky with white clouds, small lodge visible.

2 days

2-Day Seven Lakes Valley Hike

3/5 Technical

2/5 Fitness

from 249 €/person

3-Day Hike

Overnight 1: Vodnikov dom na Velem polju 1,817 m
Overnight 2: Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih 1,686 m by Dvojno jezero
Day 1: time idea Planina Blato to Vodnikov dom about 3 h 50 min on one listed approach
Day 2: traverse from the Velo polje plateau into the lakes basin and sleep by Dvojno jezero
Day 3: optional short add on near the lakes, then hike out

This is the best choice if you want the scenery without a big single day push. Day 1 gets you comfortably into the high alpine zone at Velo polje, Day 2 brings the main lake's payoff with a second hut night by Double Lake, and Day 3 leaves space for a short bonus walk before the hike out.

3 days

Seven Lakes Valley Hut to Hut Hike

3/5 Technical

3/5 Fitness

from 375 €/person

Mountain Huts: Food, Water, Toilets, Sleeping

Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih sits right by Dvojno jezero and is the key stop for both day hikers and hut to hut itineraries.

Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih is the key stop for both day hikers and hut to hut itineraries

Food and Drinks

The hut serves hot meals and drinks, with typical options like stews, štruklji and zavitki.
Half board dinner is a choice from several set dishes, dinner is served until 8:00 PM, and they have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options, although they might be limited so it is highly advisable to bring your own snacks.
You cannot cook inside the hut, only outside with your own portable burner, and open fires are prohibited.

Jota

Traditional to western Slovenia and the Karst region, jota is a hearty soup made from beans, sauerkraut or sour turnip, potatoes, and pork or smoked meat. Served hot and thick, it is designed to sustain physical labor and cold conditions. For walkers, jota provides salt, protein, and long-lasting energy in a single bowl. Common in local inns and mountain regions, it reflects cross-border Alpine–Mediterranean cooking shaped by practicality, climate, and everyday nourishment.

Ricet - barley and bean soup with sausage

Ričet

Ričet is a traditional Slovenian barley stew commonly prepared with beans, root vegetables, and smoked pork or sausage. Slow-cooked and filling, it has long been associated with farm work and mountain life. For walkers, ričet offers a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and salt, making it well suited to long days on the trail. Often served warm in local inns, it provides steady energy and a comforting, no-frills meal rooted in everyday regional cooking.

Štruklji

Common across Slovenia, štruklji are rolled dumplings made from stretched dough filled with ingredients such as cottage cheese, walnuts, tarragon, or apples. They are typically boiled or baked, then sliced and served warm, either sweet or savory. For walkers, štruklji offer a filling yet gentle meal, providing carbohydrates and energy without heaviness. Frequently found in mountain huts and traditional inns, they represent everyday regional cooking closely tied to alpine hospitality and long walking days.

Žganci

Žganci is a traditional Slovenian dish made from buckwheat or corn flour cooked into coarse dumplings and often topped with cracklings, butter, or milk. Simple and rustic, they have long been a staple of rural and mountain diets. For walkers, žganci provide dense, slow-release energy well suited to sustained effort. Common in alpine huts and local kitchens, the dish reflects practical cooking shaped by availability, labor, and the demands of life in mountainous terrain.

Water

There is a spring water tap in front of the hut and the hut states the water is drinkable.
Inside, there are sinks with cold water and water use is limited, which is normal for remote huts.

Toilets and Washing

Toilets and wash basins with cold water are available on the ground and upper floors, with a note that water consumption is limited.
Showers are not available, only wash basins for hands and face.

Sleeping

Capacity is 135 beds (46 beds in 15 rooms, 89 beds in 6 dormitories) split between private rooms and dormitories. Private rooms are limited (15 rooms in total) and get reserved pretty early.
Regular sleeping bags are not allowed. Bring your own clean hut sheet liner, or use disposable bedding provided by the hut for an extra charge.

Capacity is split between private rooms and dormitories

Important Notes

Huts are seasonal and weather dependent so opening days can shift year to year, always check the current status before you commit to a route.
Beds are limited and sell out fast in peak summer so plan to reserve ahead if you want to sleep inside rather than gamble on walking in space.
Arrive early since many Slovenian hut reservations are only held until the late afternoon, after which your bed can be released.
Bring a sleeping bag liner and indoor hut shoes since huts expect you to take off hiking boots and sleep with a liner rather than a full sleeping bag.
Carry cash and expect weak connectivity because card payments and signals are not something to rely on in high huts.
Electricity and water are limited so charging can be shared and basic washing is typically at cold water basins rather than showers.

Close up of business woman hands holding a red leather wallet with 50 euro banknotes — Carry cash as the card payments can be unreliable due to poor connection in the mountains

How to Get There

Most hikers stay around Lake Bohinj, especially Stara Fužina and Ribčev Laz, because they’re the closest villages to the access road for Planina Blato.

Getting to Planina Blato Trailhead by Car

Planina Blato is reached via the Voje, Vogar, Planina Blato forest road, which has a gate and a year round road management charge. In summer, Bohinj encourages using organised transfers instead of driving up in your own car.

Practical tip:
In high season, Bohinj parking areas can be full, especially on weekends, so do not count on arriving late and still parking at Planina Blato. If the upper parking is full, you may need to park lower down and use the organised transfers instead of driving up.

Parking is available but it is limited during peak season

Organised Shuttles and Transfers

Bohinj runs seasonal organised transport to popular starting points. The official info hub is promet.bohinj, and Bohinj’s destination site points there for current timetables and ticket details.

If you want to reduce driving and parking hassle, look for transfers that serve the Voje, Vogar, Blato road corridor.

Bohinj runs a seasonal organized transport to popular starting points

Public Transport and Taxi Workaround

Regular buses get you into the Bohinj area, but they do not always line up perfectly with the Planina Blato road access. If you’re not driving, the common workaround is a taxi from Stara Fužina up to Planina Blato.

Best Time to Hike and Trail Conditions

A quick way to think about this hike is that you are dealing with high alpine terrain where conditions can swing quickly, even in summer. The most reliable hiking window is mid summer, while early and late season can bring snow patches and much colder mornings at elevation.

When	What the trail is usually like	Why go then	Main watch outs
June	Early season feel, but higher sections can still hold lingering snow patches depending on the year	Quieter trails and fresh alpine scenery	Snow patches and wet rock can slow you down, bring warmer layers for cold mornings
July to September	Most reliable period for mostly snow free hiking in the high Julian Alps, with the clearest paths and longest daylight	Best overall window for a full day hike without winter gear	Peak crowds and common summer afternoon thunderstorms, plan an early start and earlier return
Late September to October	Cooler temperatures and shorter daylight, conditions can shift quickly	Fewer people and crisp visibility on stable days	Early snowfall risk and very fast weather changes, conservative turnaround times matter
After rain or during wet spells	Limestone and rocky sections are more slippery, especially on steeper parts of the route	Still doable with good judgement and pacing	Higher slip risk on wet rock and slower progress, take extra care on the steeper secured sections

A walk in the valley of the seven lakes — The most reliable hiking window is mid summer

If you are aiming for the classic Seven Lakes Valley day hike experience with the least stress, plan for a stable forecast in July to September and build your day around an early start so you are descending before the typical storm window.

Essential Packing List

Footwear and Walking Gear

Broken-in hiking shoes or boots
Hiking poles (very helpful on long descents and uneven terrain)
Optional: light gaiters (early season snow patches or scree)

Tourist with hiking boots walking on footpath in forest. Trekking trail in woodland. Waterproof leather ankle boot — Proper broken-in hiking boots are essential

Backpack and Waterproofing

25 - 35L backpack
Rain cover or waterproof liner (one is enough)
Keep your pack lean: most people aim for roughly eight to twelve kilograms including water

Close up of male hiker holding his camping backpack. Traveler opening backpack while traveling in beautiful wood

Clothing Layers

Base layer (merino or synthetic, avoid cotton)
Lightweight hiking top for warm valleys
Mid-layer (fleece or light synthetic)
Insulation layer (light down or synthetic puffy for cold mornings and hut evenings)
Proper waterproof shell jacket
Waterproof pants (worth it when storms hit)
Hiking pants or shorts (depending on season)
Warm hat and light gloves
Sun hat or cap
Two to three pairs hiking socks, plus one spare set of underwear

Shoes and a set of hiking clothes for the spring season. — Make sure to pack proper layering clothes

Hut Overnight Essentials

Sleeping liner (generally required in Alpine huts; bring one even if bedding is provided)
Earplugs (dorms)
Small toiletry kit (toothbrush, travel soap), plus a small pack of tissues or toilet paper
Cash (some huts still rely on cash due to remoteness/connectivity)
Optional but useful: membership card (PZS / UIAA partner clubs) for hut discounts

Safety and Everyday Items

Sunglasses and sunscreen (plus lip balm)
First aid basics (blister care, pain relief, personal meds)
Headlamp
Phone with offline maps and emergency contacts
Water capacity for one and a half to two litres
Snacks for the gaps between huts (plus electrolytes on hot days)
Power bank (sockets can be limited)

Safety Notes

Start early in summer because afternoon thunderstorms are a common mountain pattern in Slovenia
If you plan to use huts, expect limited connectivity and do not assume card payments will work, carry cash as a safe backup
The Štapce line includes a steeper, more alpine feel section, slow down on wet rock and keep space between hikers on the secured parts
Use a mountain forecast rather than a lowland forecast, ARSO is the official source for Slovenia’s weather services

Always check reliable local weather forecast before heading out

Ready, Set … Hike!

Ready for one of Slovenia’s most iconic mountain days. Start early, pace the climb so you reach the lakes with time to enjoy them, and turn around if weather starts building fast. Triglav National Park recommends good planning, the right gear, and letting someone know your plan before you go.

If you’d like help turning this into a smooth day-by-day plan, check out our tours or contact us—our local hiking experts can recommend the best stages for your dates and pace.

Best Time for Hiking in Slovenia: Month-by-Month Guide

A practical month-by-month guide to Slovenia hiking conditions: when high trails open, huts run full service, storms build, and crowds peak on classics.

14 min read

Alpine village with church tower nestled between steep, forested mountainsides in Mangartom.

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Seven Lakes Valley Hike: Quick Guide

The Seven Lakes Hike, also known as Triglav Lakes Hike, is a classic Julian Alps route through high alpine pastures and limestone karst, linking lakes and mountain huts.

Quick links

Quick Facts

About the Trail

Step by Step Route Description

Add-ons and Extensions

Easy Add Ons from the Main Turnaround

Best Upgrades for Multiple Days

Big Day Option for Strong Hikers

Our Extra Tour Options

2-Day Hike

2-Day Seven Lakes Valley Hike

3-Day Hike

Seven Lakes Valley Hut to Hut Hike

Mountain Huts: Food, Water, Toilets, Sleeping

Food and Drinks

Water

Toilets and Washing

Sleeping

How to Get There

Getting to Planina Blato Trailhead by Car

Organised Shuttles and Transfers

Public Transport and Taxi Workaround

Best Time to Hike and Trail Conditions

Essential Packing List

Safety Notes

Ready, Set … Hike!

Have questions? Talk to us.

2-Day Seven Lakes Valley Hike

Seven Lakes Valley Hut to Hut Hike