An Amazing Hike in the Seven Lakes Valley
Hiking in high mountain areas should always be approached with caution. Every hiker must exercise good judgment and self-assessment when considering daily conditions, whether related to the weather, trail difficulty, or personal physical fitness. Mountain conditions can change quickly, so it's essential to be prepared for unexpected challenges. Always carry adequate gear, water, snacks, and a fully charged phone. Let someone know your planned route, and check the weather forecast before you set out. Safety should remain a top priority to fully enjoy the beauty of Slovenia’s landscapes.
The Seven Lakes Valley, nestled in the heart of Triglav National Park, is one of Slovenia's most iconic natural wonders. Known for its crystal-clear high-altitude lakes, stunning alpine landscapes, and unique rock formations, it draws hikers seeking a change of scenery. Each lake, with its shades of blue and green, unfolds in a wild environment, surrounded by mountains and meadows that blossom in summer. Hiking through the valley offers spectacular views of Triglav and allows you to appreciate the biodiversity of this preserved region. It’s a challenging yet rewarding trail, perfect for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
– For our complete Slovenia itinerary, click here: Two Weeks in Slovenia: Itinerary, Tips and Advice –
How to reach the starting point of the hike?
From Bohinj, the easiest way is to drive up to Planina Blato, the starting point of the hike. However, you will need to pay an environmental fee to use the road (12€ in 2022). Take road 209 towards Lake Bohinj. In Ribčev Laz, cross the bridge and enjoy the views of the lake. Continue on this road towards Stara Fužina. In Stara Fužina, leave the main road just before the bridge and take the road that climbs to the left towards Blato – Voje – Vogar, continuing all the way to the end, where the hike begins.
For our stay in Slovenia, we rented a car from Renty, a Slovenian car rental company based in Ljubljana, which we chose for its flexibility and competitive rates.
During the summer months, a free shuttle can also drop you a little below the starting point of the hike. For more details and schedules, visit the official shuttle website.
Where to Stay near Planina Plato?
Planina Blato is a beautiful destination for nature lovers, but accommodation options on-site are limited. To make the most of the region while having access to more amenities, we recommend staying in Bohinj, located about 30 minutes by car. Bohinj offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from comfortable hotels to charming chalets, making it easy to explore Planina Blato and other nearby attractions. Additionally, the village of Bohinj is an excellent starting point for exploring Triglav National Park and enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking, all while benefiting from a friendly atmosphere.
We stayed in an Airbnb located near the lake, along the river by Savica.
Hiking the Seven Lakes Valley
Essential Tips
Parking: Free – located along the road at Planina Blato. It is recommended to arrive early, as spaces are limited and fill up quickly. GPS coordinates: 46°18’39.0″N 13°50’57.5″E.
Hike: About 20 km, with an elevation gain of 1200 m, of high difficulty.
Map: The Maps.me app, is essential during my hikes in the great outdoors, and is always with me.
Stages: Planina pri Jezeru, Dedno Polje, Planina Ovčarija, the double lake, and finally Jezero v Ledvicah.
The Ascent to Planina Pri Jezeru
The climb from Planina Blato to Planina pri Jezeru, our first lake, begins on a wide gravel road, easy to follow but demanding from the first few meters. The path rises quickly, and although the surface is stable, the ascent is immediately noticeable. In just 2 km, we gain nearly 400 meters of elevation, and this steep climb sets the tone for the hike. Although the trail is steady, the effort remains constant. In just over an hour, we reach Planina pri Jezeru.
Upon arrival, the landscape gradually opens up to reveal a deep emerald-green lake, nestled in the heart of a small, verdant valley and surrounded by fir trees. A few traditional alpine chalets dot the plain, their brown wooden roofs adding a rustic charm to this peaceful setting. We take advantage of the scenery for a well-deserved break, snacking quickly while taking the time to capture a few photos of this natural gem. After this brief pause, we resume our journey, our spirits already refreshed, heading toward Dedno Polje.
Dedno Polje alpine village
We continue along this wide, relentlessly steep gravel road, each step bringing us closer to the heights. The climb is demanding, but the beauty of the surrounding landscape keeps us going without hesitation. As we approach Dedno Polje, the wide road gradually gives way to a dirt path that winds through the mountains. Dedno Polje is a charming alpine village, with traditional chalets scattered across the valley, forming an idyllic scene. Cows peacefully graze in the meadows, adding a lively touch to this mountain tableau. The gentle ringing of bells around their necks echoes in the fresh air, creating a peaceful and almost timeless atmosphere.
We leave Dedno Polje, following the now narrower and winding path. We cross dense forests, only to suddenly find ourselves in the heart of peaceful meadows bathed in light. The ground is dotted with wildflowers in shades of blue, yellow, and purple, adding a vibrant touch to this already picturesque landscape.
The climb becomes gentler, and with each turn, we catch glimpses of new, enchanting details. We know we’re approaching Planina Ovčarija when, reaching the top of a ridge, the landscape suddenly opens up before us. The view is unobstructed, offering a majestic panorama: a meadow stretches below, bordered by fir trees, with the towering mountains in the background. The scene feels like something straight out of an alpine postcard, a perfect blend of tranquility and grandeur.
From Planina Ovčarija to the Double Lake
From Planina Ovčarija, our next goal is to reach the Double Lake, hidden behind a towering ridge that overlooks us. Two options are available: we can either bypass the ridge by taking a longer but technically easier path, or climb directly over it, a shorter but much more challenging route. We choose the second option, ready to face the extra effort. The climb is steep and demanding, each step bringing us closer to the summit with a mix of excitement and fatigue. However, once we reach the pass, we are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Double Lake, whose stunning beauty wipes away all traces of tiredness.
The descent on the other side is dizzying, a real challenge for those with a fear of heights. The trail drops sharply toward the lake, requiring caution and focus. Once at the bottom, we settle on a large rock by the water to enjoy a well-deserved break. The tranquility of the place, with the reflections of the sky in the crystal-clear water, perfectly complements our picnic.
Final stretch to Jezero v Ledvicah
For the final part of our hike, we hesitate for a moment before heading towards Jezero v Ledvicah. The hours are passing, and we know we will have to return by the same path, but the allure of this little natural gem is irresistible. We motivate ourselves and decide to explore it, a great decision! As we continue along the trail, we are fortunate to come across a family of marmots, with both adults and adorable young ones, playfully frolicking among the rocks.
This lake, the last one on our route, quickly becomes my favorite. As soon as we arrive, we are enveloped by an almost sacred silence. The water of the lake is so still at times that it becomes a perfect mirror, reflecting the surrounding landscape in perfect harmony.
To fully enjoy this moment, we find a spot on the lush hillsides surrounding the lake. Sitting there, we soak in the magic of the place, relishing the tranquility and beauty of this peaceful haven. The vibrant colors of the surrounding flowers, the clear sky, and the serenity of the lake create an idyllic scene that we will never forget.
We then return the same way, except for the ridge overlooking the double lake, which we choose to bypass this time. Fatigue sets in, and it is exhausted but happy that we reach our car, our hearts full of unforgettable memories from this amazing day.
EN 
FR 