Carey Justi - The Julian Alps of Slovenia: Mountain Walks and Short Treks (Cicerone Walking Guide)

Podkoren in the upper Sava valley (Walk 1)

Thus wrote Tom Longstaff, former president of the Alpine Club, of this mountain range at the south-eastern end of the Alpine chain that stretches across Europe. The Julian Alps are not as high as their western relations the highest peak, Triglav, is 2864m but they are no less imposing. The limestone scenery here is outstanding steep rock faces plunge into forests and flower meadows, while waterfalls and rivers cascade from the cliffs only to mysteriously disappear into the bedrock and re-emerge elsewhere. Beautiful open pastures nestle beneath crags and are scattered through the forests that abound as far as the eye can see. The flowers, painted an amazing rainbow of colours, change with height and situation but always retain the same great variety of hue. The mountain walker can return here again and again, but always find a new delight in the changing landscape and seasons.

The main bulk of the Julian Alps lies within the borders of Slovenia, in the north-west corner of the country, with a small part of the range extending into Italy. The name was known in Roman times, and is thought to be linked to the imperial Roman family of Julian. Slovenia has been called Europe in miniature because this tiny country, only about half the size of Switzerland, really does have a bit of everything coast, caves, plains and rivers as well as some truly magnificent mountain scenery, which is the focus of this book. Although only 11% of the land area is covered by high mountains, 90% is higher than 300m above sea level, and Slovenia still proudly considers itself an Alpine country. It is hard to overestimate the place of Triglav in Slovenes hearts; it is considered the soul of the nation, and essential for all true Slovenes to climb the mountain at least once in their lives.

The Triglav National Park, which contains most of the Julian Alps range, is Slovenias only national park. Development is kept to an absolute minimum this is an area where the walker, not the motorist, reigns supreme. The footpaths and protected routes on the mountains are well maintained and signed, and the many mountain huts are strategically placed for refreshment and overnight accommodation so it is possible to wander for days or even weeks without descending to the valley at all. The abundant wildlife chamois, ibex, marmots, choughs and even eagles seem comfortable with the walkers who share their landscape, making for excellent animal and bird watching, and plenty of photo opportunities.