Triglav National Park is set in northern Slovenia, near the borders with Austria and Italy. It’s home to Vršič Pass, a famous mountain pass known for its curvy road and the scenic views of the Julian Alps. There are also plenty of trails, lakes, and cabins, as well as small villages with traditional alpine architecture.

Getting to Triglav National Park is fairly straightforward thanks to the major roadways that connect it to other cities. Its northern entrance is in the town of Kranjska Gora, which sits about 53 miles (85 km) north of Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana. Despite the distance, it’s also fairly easy to reach the park from the country’s eastern hub of Maribor. 

If you’re traveling internationally, Triglav National Park is quite close to Villach, Austria. Villach is linked to other large Austrian cities such as Graz and Vienna by highways, bus lines, and train services.

If you have time to extend your trip, this 8-day itinerary combines hiking and sightseeing in Triglav National Park with the famous emerald waters of the Soča River Valley.

From Villach, Austria

Duration: 30 minutes - 1.5 hours

The closest city to Triglav National Park’s northern entrance (the mountain town of Kranjska Gora) is Villach, Austria. Driving takes just 30 minutes, with both rental cars and private transfers available. The route begins on road B3 and travels almost directly south and across the border to Kranjska Gora.

You can also use public transportation, but must first take a train to Jesenice in Slovenia. From there, you can grab a bus the rest of the way to Kranjska Gora. In total, you’ll arrive in about 1.5 hours.

Once in Kranjska Gora, you’ll head south on Route 206 along the Pišnica River. After passing Lake Jasna, you’ll find yourself entering Triglav National Park via Vršič Pass. There are several hiking trails and sights soon after you enter, but it’s worth the full drive to see the beauty of the Julian Alps. The village of Trenta—a great spot to see traditional alpine architecture—is about halfway to the town of Bovec, which is the park’s western entrance.

From Ljubljana

Duration: 1 - 2 hours

Triglav National Park and Kranjska Gora are connected to Ljubljana by two major roadways: highway E61—which takes you just past the town of Jesenice—and route 201. A quick, 1-hour drive will get you there, passing right by the popular town of Lake Bled. 

Buses also travel the same route, arriving in Kranjska Gora in about two hours. You can get as far as Jesenice by train, but must then continue an additional 30 minutes by bus or private transfer.

For better details of the journey, check out How to Get From Ljubljana to Triglav National Park. For travel between Kranjska Gora and Triglav National Park, see the previous option.

From Maribor

Duration: 2.5 - 4 hours

Maribor is Slovenia’s eastern hub and second-largest city. You can reach Triglav National Park by highways and regional buses. If you choose to go by car, you’ll follow highway E57 west until Ljubljana and then transition to highway E61 north. This will take you about 2.5 hours.

Buses offer numerous departures each day, but you must first connect in Ljubljana. In total, it’ll take about four hours to reach Kranjska Gora. For travel between Kranjska Gora and Triglav National Park, see the first option.