Hiking in the Julian Alps: The Scenic Krn Loop in Slovenia
Wild landscapes, unforgettable nature experiences, and a variety of scenic highlights await you on a trip to Slovenia. The country is especially popular among outdoor lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Slovenia promises countless adventures in protected natural parks, particularly in the Julian Alps, the Karawanks, and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in the north. The Julian Alps alone feature 61 peaks over 2,000 meters high. One of the southernmost high peaks is Mount Krn, located above the town of Tolmin in the scenic Soča Valley. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Julian and Carnic Alps, the Soča Valley, and even the Adriatic Sea on clear days.
A circular hike to Mount Krn is one of the most stunning routes in the Slovenian Alps. Along the way, you’ll pass Slovenia’s largest alpine lake and many more natural highlights. In this blog post, I’ll share my personal hiking experience to Mount Krn – a true highlight of my road trip through Slovenia. I’m glad you’ve found your way to my travel blog – enjoy reading!
The circular hike to the Krn at a glance
If you click on a link below, you will go directly to the corresponding section of the route. It starts at a free parking lot in the picturesque Lepena Valley. The first section of the hike is promptly steep uphill over rocky switchbacks. After the ascent, you are rewarded with the two beautiful mountain lakes Dupeljsko Jezero and Krnsko Jezero. Across the Planina na Polju plateau, the trail again goes uphill towards the Krnska škrbina mountain pass. Shortly after, the peak of Krn is reached with a breathtaking panorama over the Slovenian Alps. The trail then continues along the Batognica ridge and the Vrh nad Peski ridge towards the Piramida na Peski monument. Through picturesque landscape the trail goes back to the plateau Planina Duplje and descends the same serpentines to the valley of Lepena.
The entire circular hike on the Krn is 24 kilometers long. We needed about 10 hours with breaks for the hike but were also forced to make a longer stop. In between, the route has a strong slope, for which a good basic condition is required. During the hike, almost 1900 meters of altitude have to be climbed and descended. The hiking trails lead over alpine terrain but are well developed and signposted. Hiking boots are nevertheless mandatory here. There are also several places to stop on the hike. I have marked the route and all important destinations on the map.
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24 km (10 h)
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↑↓ 1890 m
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Hard
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Dom Dr. Klementa Juga
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Well developed nature trails, alpine terrain
Alternative hike on the Krn
An alternative hike to Krn starts near Kobarid and leads to the summit via the south side of Krn. This hike is shorter and not quite as demanding. You can find a detailed description of the circular hike in this hiking guide about the Julian Alps*, which is well worth reading.If you’re looking for more information and tips on hiking in Slovenia, check out this blog article.
How to get to Krn in the Julian Alps
Travel by car
The beautiful hiking route to Krn starts at the mountain hut Dom Dr. Klementa Juga, where there is a free parking lot (see map). Between Bovec and the village of Soča, road no. 206 runs along the Soča. At the level of Podklanec, a bridge crosses the Soča. If you follow this road for 6 kilometers through the Lepena valley, you will reach Dom Dr. Klementa Juga at the end of the road. From Bovec the drive to the starting point of the hike takes about 25 minutes and from Kranjska Gora about an hour.
By bus to the Julian Alps
The nearest bus stop from the starting point of the hike is unfortunately 6 kilometers away at the bridge that crosses the Soča in Podklanec. This bus stop is called “Lepena K” (see map) and is served by buses that shuttle between Bovec and Kranjska Gora. The ride from Bovec takes 15 minutes and costs 1.80 euros. From Kranjska Gora the trip takes 1.5 hours and costs 5.80 euros. You can find more information on the bus company’s website.
If you want to learn more about traveling by car or public transportation in Slovenia, check out my travel blog about Slovenia.
My circular hike to Krn in Slovenia
Alpine hiking adventure in the Julian Alps
We reach the free parking lot in the valley of Lepena, located at 700 meters above sea level, early in the morning. Behind the mountain hut Dom Dr. Klementa Juga, where you can spend the night, the asphalt road ends. From there, a hiking trail leads uphill over switchbacks for 3.5 kilometers and 700 meters in altitude. The stony path runs through a beautiful forest and demands enormous effort right at the beginning of the hike. It goes steeply uphill and the loose stones on the ground require full concentration. In between, we catch magnificent views of the Lepena Valley, over which there is still a morning mist. At 1400 meters above sea level, the trail then runs through the valley between the peaks of Debeljak and Vrh Duplja. The first stage towards Krn is done.
Dupeljsko Jezero – insider tip in the Julian Alps
We keep to the left at the next junction and follow the signs towards the mountain lake Dupeljsko Jezero. The detour to the picturesque lake is worthwhile, because a grandiose landscape scene full of peace and serenity awaits us here in the middle of the Julian Alps of Slovenia. Those planning to climb Krn should not miss this attraction.
Krnsko Jezero – The largest mountain lake in Slovenia
The trail leads us to the mountain hut Planinski dom pri Krnskih jezerih, where you can eat and spend the night, and then runs across the plateau Planina Duplje. After passing a mountain pasture and grazing cows on the alpine meadows, we finally reach the mountain lake Krnsko Jezero. Lake Krn is the largest high mountain lake in Slovenia and a popular sight in the Julian Alps. A beautiful ecosystem with colorful plants and distinct biodiversity awaits you at this mountain lake. Lake Krn is rightly a popular destination in the Julian Alps.
If you prefer to travel in a group, there is a possibility to join a guided tour. You don’t have to worry about transportation, excursion planning, or food, but you can completely focus on the beauty of Slovenia. I recommend booking a tour through Viator portal, where countless activities around the world can be booked easily and safely.
Across the Planina na Polju plateau towards Krn
From the southern shore of Krnsko Jezero, a steep passage leads 120 meters in altitude up to the Planina na Polju plateau. The last stretch leads over a huge ice field. We walk through alpine meadows with colorful alpine flowers and enjoy the karst formations of the Julian Alps that surround the green valley. A steep stage follows with stony switchbacks that lead us briskly uphill towards Krn.
Short Facts for your Trip
The main season in Slovenia lasts from June to September. A hike to the 2200-meter high Krn is recommended only in the summer months. Between November and April, snow is to be expected. Even in August we had to hike over snow fields. In general, precipitation on the Krn is high all year round. On the following page you can find a climate table.
We needed about 10 hours for the entire hike with breaks. However, we had to take a longer break in between, because the path was impassable due to a herd of ibex. It is also worth staying longer in this area of Slovenia because there are some sights and natural spectacles waiting. For example, the beautiful valley of the Soča River or the large mountain lake Bohinj. Furthermore, the Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park offer countless hiking opportunities, which are described in detail in this hiking guide**, which is well worth reading.
The Lepena Valley is a good place to spend the night* Alternatively, accommodation is available in the town of Bovec* or in the village of Soča* It is also possible to spend the night in one of the mountain huts along the hiking route. Dom Dr. Klementa Juga is located at the starting point of the hike and Planinski dom pri Krnskih jezerih is located at Lake Krn.
The easiest way to get around Slovenia is by car. A parking lot is available around Orglice Waterfall. If you prefer to travel by bus and train, the websites of the train company and the bus company will navigate you through Slovenia. You can reach my presented hike by buses from the towns of Bovec or Kranjska Gora, which go to the Lepena K stop.
The hike to the Krn leads over alpine terrain, so hiking boots are mandatory. Hiking poles are also a good idea. Remember to bring headgear, sunscreen, and a long top. In the Julian Alps, you should have rain gear even in summer. GPS maps and a first aid kit might also come in handy. Since there are places to stop for refreshments, it is not necessary to think of provisions. Water can be refilled at several springs along the trail. You can find my selection of recommended hiking equipment for Slovenia on this page.
During the hike to Krn incredible views of the Julian Alps, the Carnic Alps and the Upper Adriatic Sea open up. The tour therefore lends itself to beautiful landscape shots. With wide-angle or telephoto lens, you are right here.
Ascent to the mountain pass Krnska škrbina between Krn and Batognica
The following ascent is very strenuous because the stony trail runs steeply uphill. In addition, we have to pass again a huge passage of ice. But the magnificent views of the Slovenian Alps compensate. In front of us, the rugged northern flank of the Batognica rock rises into the air and makes us aware of the superiority of nature. After 500 meters of ascent, we reach the Krnska škrbina saddle, located between the peaks of Krn and Batognica. From here we can see for the first time the southern foothills of the Julian Alps and even recognize the Soča between Tolmin and Kobarid.
Panorama of Slovenia on the top of Mount Krn
Across green meadows where sheep graze, we follow the trail on the south side of Krn towards Gomiščkovo zavetišče na Krnu. At the old mountain hut, we have lunch and take a rest. We have met few people on our hike so far. But at the mountain hut we have to notice that many people hike the easier way over the southern slopes of Krn to the top. The Krn seems to be a popular tourist destination in Slovenia.
After refreshment at the mountain hut, we hike the last 60 meters in altitude to the top of Krn (2244 m). From up here we have a fantastic panorama of the surrounding mountains of Slovenia. We can look far over the Julian Alps, see the Upper Adriatic Sea, and the beautiful valley of the Soča River. We also see Lake Krn, Planina na Polju and our already mastered way up here. The arduous climb up Krn was worth it.
If you are looking for more hikes in Slovenia, check out these books. The books are small and handy, offer useful information about hiking and detailed descriptions of the hikes. I am sure that you will discover hiking routes that you would not find without these book.
Slovenia’s past – Historical hiking trail over the summit of Batognica
We descend from the peak and again reach the mountain pass Krnska škrbina. From there we take the trail no. 1, which leads over the top of Batognica (2164 m) and ends at the mountain saddle Prag. The narrow path runs along ruined posts, bunkers and trenches built during the First World War. In fact, the top of Krn was even destroyed by artillery fire at that time and has been somewhat lower since then. Caution. This trail runs partly directly on the precipice over narrow paths and the ridge of Batognica. You should have a head for heights and be sure-footed. On the north side of Batognica there is an easier hiking trail that also leads to the mountain pass Prag.
Across the south side of Vrh nad Peski to the Slovenian monument Piramida na Peski
At the mountain saddle Prag we keep to the left and hike across the southern side of Mount Vrh nad Peski and Mount Piramida. Here we have to be careful, because the trail consists only of scree and gravel. At one point the path is even exposed and we have to cross the cutting over loose stones. However, the views on this stage are magnificent. After 1.3 kilometers we reach the monument Piramida na Peski.
The ibexes in the Julian Alps
From the monument Piramida na Peski we go steeply downhill on stony trails for about 200 meters in altitude. Out of nowhere we discover a large herd of ibex directly above us on the mountain slopes. The herd is just starting to move and after only a few seconds we hear a loud noise above us. We jump to the side and already loose stones rush from the mountain slopes above us to the ground. That was close. Since the herd runs parallel to the hiking trail on the mountain slopes, we have to wait for what feels like an eternity until the ibexes have moved away.
The untouched nature of Slovenia
After the small shock, we hike for 2 kilometers at a constant altitude on an idyllic hiking trail. This runs along green meadows, colorful flowers, and rock faces. In the distance, the peaks of the Slovenian Alps rise into the air. We reach a junction from which we hike back to the Planina Duplje plateau via serpentines. Some of the rocks are marked “Kr. Jezero”. Once again, we pass the alpine pasture and its meadows.
The last stage of the hike on Krn
We leave the Planinski dom pri Krnskih jezerih and the Dupeljsko Jezero on the left on the way back and hike on a stony road back to the cable car. There an agonizing descent over serpentines awaits us. The loose stones on the trail demand full concentration one last time, but this is gone after more than 20 kilometers in alpine terrain. After 10 hours in the Julian Alps, we reach the parking lot. Exhausted, but happy that we have taken on this wonderful hike to the Krn.
If you are looking for a travel guide to Slovenia, check out this book. I personally like this travel guide series very much. The authors give travel tips especially for individual and low budget travelers. Moreover, not only the well-known sights are described, but also more unknown places are mentioned.
Conclusion: The Krn Loop Hike – An Alpine Gem in Slovenia
The hike to Mount Krn is one of the most beautiful routes I’ve experienced in the Julian Alps. If you love mountains, stunning views, and diverse landscapes, this tour is for you. With wildflower meadows, serene alpine lakes, and breathtaking panoramas of Slovenia’s peaks, this trail is truly special.
That said, the route is demanding and best suited for experienced hikers. Expect loose rocks, steep slopes, and exposed sections – surefootedness, a head for heights, and good fitness are essential.
The loop covers about 24 kilometers and takes around 9 to 10 hours. I did it in August, during peak season, with great weather – though it was still quite chilly at the summit. The trail was mostly quiet, with other hikers appearing mainly at the top. Keep in mind that snow is likely from winter into May. If you’re visiting the Soča Valley, the Krn hike is a must. I’d absolutely do it again.
Hotels and accommodation in the Julian Alps
The best starting point for the hike to Krn is the valley of Lepena. In the valley there are even some accommodations and campsites* An alternative is the town of Bovec, where many accommodations are available* In the town there are sights, bus connections, supermarkets and restaurants. I myself stayed in the town of Soča*, which is about 15 minutes from the starting point, and was very satisfied.
It is also possible to spend the night in one of the mountain huts located along the trail. Under the following links you can find the website of Dom Dr. Klementa Juga and Planinski dom pri Krnskih jezerih. Both huts are marked on the map.
Of course, in the Julian Alps and in the Soča Valley there are countless other places that offer accommodation. Below you will find a selection for the entire region around the Krn.
I hope you enjoyed my travelogue about Mount Krn. On my Slovenia Blog I show you other beautiful travel destinations in Slovenia and share valuable tips and experiences for your trip to Slovenia. Did you like my blog post? Was I able to help you? Then I would be happy if you recommend my travel blog, leave a comment, or follow me on Instagram. Thanks for reading and have fun on your vacation in Slovenia.
The references marked with an asterisk (*) are so-called commission links. If you click on such a referral link and buy something, I get a small commission from the provider. For you, the price does not change! I see it as a small thank you for my work and look forward to any support.
