Description:
The Julian Alps is the south-eastern most
region of the alps, straddling the border between Italy and Slovenia.
The
highest mountain in the region, and indeed the highest mountain in
Slovenia is
the Triglav at 2864m, in the heart of the Triglav national park. The
aim of this
trip is to climb the Triglav.
The hike to and from the Triglav will last at least 3 days, including two nights in mountain huts, but this could be extended if weather conditions permit, and the participants wish to do so. As we will travel for a whole week, this will hopefully give us a bit of flexibility to choose the best time in the week for the tour, although I intend to start the hike as early as possible. The rest of the week will then be free for other activities. Other activities could include white water rafting on the Savica or Soča rivers, cycling or mountain biking, visiting the historic towns of Bled, the towns along the Soča river or even the capital city Ljubjana.
Initially we will base ourselves in village of Stara
Fužina, on the
shores of the Lake Bohinj, from where the hike will start. We will find
accommodation until the start of our hike in the village, to which we
will
return at the end of the hike.
Length of activity, difficulty:
As written above, the hike will last at least
3 days. This is a high alpine area and the hike to the summit of
the
Triglav is a difficult hike (in total over 2000m of ascent, split over
two
days), although it will not involve climbing. There may be some exposed
sections, where sure footedness and a head for heights is an absolute
must.
Meeting point and ending point:
Will be discussed with participants after
registration.
Public Transportation:
If it is not possible to accommodate everybody in cars,
the nearest train station to Stara Fužina is at Bohinjska Bistrica, a
few
kilometres away. It is about a 7 hour train journey, via Villach and
Jesenice.
We can pick people up from the station in Bohinjska Bistrica.
Driving Insructions:
The
drive takes about 4-5 hours. Leave Vienna on the A2, driving past
Klagenfurt to
the motorway intersection at Villach, where you go south on the A11,
through the
Karawanken Tunnel into Slovenia. Once on the E61 motorway in Slovenia,
take the
exit for Bled at Lesce, and continue via Bohinjska Bistrica to Ribčev,
on the
shore of lake Bohinj, and then turn north to Stara Fužina.
Car sharing:
At
registration, please state if you can offer or need a lift.
Recommended Equipment:
As this is a high alpine
hike, and the weather can be very unpredictable, you should be prepared
for
everything. Good sturdy hiking boots, waterproofs, hat, gloves,
warm
mid-layer and light base layer clothing is necessary. For the huts, you
should
bring a torch, slippers, sheet sleeping bag, spare clothes for the
evenings and
don't forget your alpine club membership card. I also read somewhere
that you
should carry an ID with you on the hike. Food is available in the huts,
but I
recommend also bringing some snacks for along the way. Bring plenty of
water to
drink - it might be scarce in the mountains. I read that drinking
water is
not freely available in all huts.
The currency in Slovenia is the Tolar - I do not know if the Euro is accepted in the huts. Take enough Tolars to last the tour. Austrian Bankomat cards can be used in ATMs in Slovenia without a problem, but I am not sure if there is an ATM in Stara Fužina. To be on the safe side, I recommend stopping in a larger town on the way to withdraw some cash.
Comments:
Registration is necessary for this trip. Please
register either at the meeting in August or by telephone or e-mail to
the trip
leader. Membership of the OeAV is required to take part in the
hike.
Remember that Slovenia is not a Schengen country. This means you
need a passport (or maybe an ID) to cross the border. If you are
not an EU citizen - please check whether you require a visa. It
is your responsibility to have the correct documents necessary to enter
Slovenia!
Contact Information for Trip Leader:
Roger Starkie, 01/419 9287 (evenings)
or 0650 407 1287 (mobile).