The Julian Alps-Slovenia

If you love mountain areas, then come to the snow-capped elevations of the Julian Alps, one of the most fascinating tourist spots in Slovenia.

What lies in Slovenia, is the southeastern part of the great Alp arc.

Julijske Alp, the Slovenian term for the Alps Mountain, derived its name from Forum Julii, (now Cividale) a town founded by Julius Caesar across the Italian border.

It stretches from northeastern Italy to Slovenia and rises to the highest pinnacle of 2864 meters at the Triglav National Park.

It is surprising to know that the Alps Mountain was created by the Mesozoic marine sediments. Later, tectonic forces created cracks and wide slits and transformed them into different facets, which look simply stunning. This section of the Alps in Slovenia managed to preserve its unspoilt nature even in the 21st century.

As part of the former Yugoslavia Slovenia was shielded from drawbacks of western lifestyle however the closeness of Italy and Austria adds a modern world atmosphere to the region.

Understanding the Various Sections of the Great Range

The Julian Alps is a portion of the great Alps arc. It extends to the northwestern part of Slovenia. The surface area is 4400 square kilometer. The entire mountain range is divided into two sections – the Western Julian Alps and the Eastern Julian Alps. The whole mountain range constitutes about 150 mountains.

A few famous peaks include:

• Mangart at 2679 meters,

• Razor at 2601 meters, spik at 2472 meters,

• Kanjavec at 2568 meters,

• Tosc at 2275 meters,

• Prestreljenik at 2500 meters.

Other mountain tops above 2000 m include:

• Škrlatica,
• Stenar,
• Rjavina, and
• Cmir

The northern part of the Julian Alps is described as the most cheerful side of the mountains, since the sunrays are bright on the slopes. The portion falls within the Triglav premises, which is easily accessible from Bohinj town. You can take the walking path and the guider's advice to the crisscross lands of the snowy stretches.

As you scale the heights of the eastern slopes of the Julian Alps, you will discover the lush, green sprawling grounds of the Pohorje with the University town of Maribor as its capital.

When the sun is bright on the lands, the beautiful vineyards, lakes and forests are brimming with happiness, beckoning you to the picturesque ambiance. On the other hand, the place transforms into a white carpet during wintertime, with ample opportunities to enjoy skiing and other winter sports. Considering the skiing quality in this region, the World Cup Championship takes place here every year.

Spots that Conveniently Leads you to the Julian Alps

The Bovec pass leads you to one of the main region of the Gorica (or Gorizia) region in the mountain range. The Vrsic pass links you to the Soca and Sava river valleys in the Alps. It is a more defined road at 883 m from Ljubljana to the Gorica/Goriza. Apart from these, there are many other routes, which you should learn from travelers and local people before you venture out in to the Alps.

The majestic Brilliance of the Julian Alps

The Julian Alps is the storehouse of natural treasure that will win your heart the moment you arrive. The plentiful water sources and the rich flora and fauna make it a wonderful place for life. You will love every bit of your adventure through the crisscross paths of the mountain range and you are assured of an amazing memory worth to be cherished. It is the one place devoid of urban noise and life's burden, to take you to nature's innocence and richness.

Two glacier lakes Bled and Bohinj are must see spots here. Wee, every guide book describe them as picturesque and I can only tell you the same. Bled especially corresponds to the description due to the dreamlike setting of its castle and church on a wooded island in the crytal clear lake.

Skiing should be your must-do option when you are on the Julian Alps. The gliding smooth slope takes you on a breathtaking ride through the curves and corners of the snowy stretch. Bovec and Kranjska Gora are two particular resorts, which draw the bulk crowd every year. Find more ski resorts in Slovenia.

Especially, the Triglav National Park encloses the splendor of the mountains and the grassy slopes, which is surpassingly stunning. Visitors and trekkers are attracted to the unusual tower on Mount Triglav the highest peak of Slovenia.

Exploring the Julian Alps - Hiking

The best way to course round the mountain, is by trekking, skiing, or simply walking. Here is the opportunity to explore the mountain paths, through the Alpine meadows. The walking option will take your over the rocky paths and help you discover the deep gorges and the spectacular waterfalls.

Some trails might be quite demanding but you can find paths where you can walk at leisure even with kids. (Make sure you ask an experienced alpine tourguide about what trails are most suitable for you).

A number of routes also lead you to the charming villages cooping in the valley or at the mountain bends. The small brooks and streams foaming out of the mountains’ gorges are mind blowing. Remember to carry your camera with you to capture the subtle beauty trapped at every bend of the mountain.

Mount Krn at 2245 m is a characteristic peak within the Julaian Alp range. The panorama is just heartstopping: in clear weather you can see the shimmering blue of the Adriatic sea, the lush green of the valleys and the other, the azure of the Soca river. Read more about Hiking in Julian Alps.

Signposts in Julain Alps

The Pericnik Waterfall (Slap Pericnik) runs down the cliffs in two sections: the upper stretch is 16 m high while the lower one is 52 m. If you cross Vrata valley you can stand next to the waterfall and stand behind the lower waterfall. In winter the adventure-seekers can try ice climbing on the fozen watrefall. The fast-flowing mountain rivers like the Soca are perfect for white water rafting or canyoning. See more tips on adrenailne sports in Slovenia. The best time for hiking in the Julian Alps is spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) if you want to avoid the summer crowd that tend to peak in July and August. A local guide is the best friend of the obscure Alpine range. Hence, contact the best guide in town, who will introduce you to nature's splendor. Once you visited the area you’ll agree that the Julian Alps is an abundant natural storehouse that satisfies all kinds of tourists.

Sightseeing Tip

The world's 2nd largest mercury mine operated in Idrija town at the bank of the Idrija river. The Gewerkenegg Castle which was once the administrative seat of the mine houses the Idrija Museum which introduces the history of mercury mining and the history of Idrija. The Renaissance castle has been rebuilt a few times since its construction in the 16th century. Opening hours: daily 9.00-18.00, Admission: 3 € for adults, 1.70 for children. See more castles in Slovenia.

Some parts of the Julian Alps are popular hunting areas. Read more about hunting in Slovenia. The crystal blue rivers in the northwest part of the Julian Alps attract fly fishers from all every corner of the world. Find out more about fishing in Slovenia.

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