Introduction
The Seven Lakes Valley (Dolina Triglavskih jezer) is often described as the spiritual and geological heart of Triglav National Park, Slovenia’s highest-protected alpine area. Stretching between the Komarča cliffs and the rocky basins below Mount Triglav, this high-mountain valley brings together glacial lakes, karst plateaus, lunar rock formations and pristine alpine ecosystems in one long, continuous landscape.
Each lake is a remnant of ancient ice, each basin a carved memory of the last Ice Age. For hikers and nature enthusiasts, the Seven Lakes Valley is one of the most iconic and unforgettable routes in the Julian Alps — demanding enough to feel like a real mountain journey, yet still accessible to fit, well-prepared walkers.
Geography and Geological Origin
The Seven Lakes Valley lies between roughly 1,300 and 2,000 metres of elevation, carved by glaciers that once filled the upper basins of the Julian Alps. As the ice advanced and retreated, it left behind:
- deep glacial cirques
- rocky depressions that later filled with water
- moraine barriers that now act as natural dams
- high-alpine karst terrain dotted with sinkholes and limestone slabs
The lakes vary widely in size, depth and colour. Strictly speaking, there are more than seven — depending on how you count, there can be up to ten lakes — but seven named lakes form the classic route that gave the valley its title.
The most iconic lakes
- Black Lake (Črno jezero): the deepest, set lower in the valley and framed by spruce forest
- Double Lake (Dvojno jezero): two connected basins in a karst hollow near the Triglav Lakes Hut
- Great Lake (Veliko jezero / Ledvica) Must-see – the largest lake, shaped like a kidney and often seen as the “signature” view of the valley
- Green Lake (Zeleno jezero): smaller but with intense emerald tones
- Brown Lake (Rjavo jezero): shallow, with warm brownish colours from mineral-rich sediments
The whole valley is inside Triglav National Park, where conservation rules are strict: there is no swimming, no camping outside huts and no building development, which keeps the landscape surprisingly intact for such a famous route.
What to See: Key Natural Features
1. Chain of Alpine Lakes Must-see
The main experience is the sequence of lakes themselves. You move from forest-framed lower basins to bare, rocky bowls higher up, with each lake sitting in its own glacial “room” and offering different colours and shapes.
2. Komarča Cliffs
If you approach from Lake Bohinj, the day starts with the steep Komarča wall — a dramatic limestone barrier that forms the lower entrance to the valley. The ascent is exposed in places but well secured and gives a real sense of “stepping up” into the high mountains.
3. High-Mountain Karst and Lunar Rock
Mid-valley terrain is classic high-alpine karst: sinkholes, broken pavements of limestone, rugged ridges and slabs of rock that look almost lunar. Snow often lingers in shady pockets well into summer.
4. Alpine Flora and Fauna
Despite the harsh conditions, the valley is rich in life. With a bit of patience you can spot:
- chamois and ibex on rocky slopes
- alpine newts in the colder, quieter pools
- edelweiss and blue gentian flowers
- old larches that turn golden in autumn
5. Mountain Huts and High Passes
Two key mountain huts structure most multi-day routes:
- Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih – the classic base on the shore above Double Lake
- Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih – high above the upper valley with wide views over the Julian Alps
From here, high passes link the valley to Trenta, Križ Lakes and the wider Triglav massif.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (July–September)
The main hiking season: all lakes are usually accessible, snow has mostly melted and huts are open. Weather is more stable, though afternoon storms are still possible.
Autumn
Golden larches, cooler air and fewer hikers make this one of the most beautiful times to walk the valley. Nights are colder and some higher sections can see early snow.
Late spring
Snow often still covers higher lakes and passes, but water levels and contrasts are dramatic. Only suitable for experienced hikers with proper equipment.
Winter
A full winter environment: deep snow, avalanche risk and closed huts. Only for mountaineers with full winter gear and experience.
Photography Highlights
- Reflections in Great Lake at sunrise or in calm evening light
- Strong emerald tones of Green Lake in mid-summer
- Mist drifting between basins on cooler mornings
- Side light hitting the Komarča cliffs and upper ridges
- Autumn larches surrounding Double Lake and the nearby slopes
The valley rewards both big panoramic scenes and small details — rock textures, patterns in the water, alpine silhouettes and mirror-like surfaces when the lakes are still.
How to Get There
Main approaches
1. From Lake Bohinj (via Komarča) Must-see route
- Very steep ascent up the Komarča wall
- Roughly 3–4 hours to reach the first lakes
- The classic and most popular way into the valley
2. From Planina Blato / Vogar
- More gradual, scenic approach via alpine pastures
- About 4–5 hours to the central part of the valley
- Well-suited to multi-day treks linking several huts
3. From Trenta / Prehodavci side
- High-alpine approach from the Soča side
- Used mainly by experienced hikers or as part of longer traverses
Difficulty
Overall moderate to challenging, depending on route and conditions. Expect steep sections, rocky ground and full-day effort. Good footwear and realistic timing are essential.
Public transport
Seasonal buses run to the Bohinj area (especially Ukanc and Lake Bohinj), which makes the Bohinj approaches the most accessible options without a car.
Interesting Facts
- The valley is part of the oldest protected area in Slovenia, first protected in 1924.
- Most lakes have no surface outflow — water circulates through underground karst systems.
- Great Lake (Ledvica) is the largest lake inside Triglav National Park.
- The valley is home to rare species such as the alpine newt and several specialised high-alpine plants.
- The route forms part of the classic Triglav Lakes Hiking Trail, one of Slovenia’s most famous long-distance mountain routes.
Conclusion
The Seven Lakes Valley is a concentrated lesson in alpine geology — a long chain of glacial basins, clear cold lakes and sculpted rock that has barely changed in centuries. As the core landscape of Triglav National Park, it feels both ancient and carefully protected.
Whether you hike it as a demanding day route or as part of a multi-day trek between huts, the valley delivers some of the strongest scenery in the Julian Alps and captures the essence of the Alpine Serenity region: wild, quiet, and deeply shaped by ice and time.
