If you came to Slovenia to hike, you made the right choice! The country has an abundance of amazing natural landscapes, notable thanks to the Julian Alps that offer breathtaking views on the Soca Valley and Italy. The Slovenian mountains are an absolute must-see, so a great way to discover the country is to go hut-to-hut, which are usually never more than four hours away.
You will find about 181 mountain huts, bivouacs, shelters, and cabins to house you during your hikes in Slovenia. There is an option for everyone and the mountain huts are always welcoming and comfortable. They are an essential part of the Slovenian culture, and some of them are impressive enough to justify the climb.
Let’s find out which are the ten most impressive doms (the Slovene word for mountain huts) in Slovenia. They are all managed by the Slovenian Alpine Association, which partners with more than 290 organizations. They are responsible for all of these Slovenian wonders.
1. Alpine Shelter Skuta
The Alpine Shelter is a breathtaking and innovative structure designed to accommodate up to 8 hikers in 12 square meters of modern architecture. The cabin is located on the slopes of Mount Skuta, in the heart of the Kamnik Alps, Slovenia. The Skuta shelter was designed by the OFIS agency (also the designer of the Winter Cabin) to replace a 50-year-old refuge.
The aim was to play the modernity card while limiting the impact of this construction on the ecosystem and add even more beauty to the environment. The different parts of the shelter are fixed on pins strategically placed to protect the rocks. Its modules were manufactured in town and heliborne before being assembled on site.
The Alpine Shelter is made of three parts: the first room is a kitchen and storage space, the second room serves as living space and provides some sleeping accommodation, while the third module offers additional berths.
Alpine Shelter Skuta
2. Triglav Lakes Valley Hut: Koča pri Triglavskih Jezerih
The Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih is probably the most picturesque mountain hut in the whole Triglav national park, as well as one of the most popular ones. Its location is perfect, in the center of the park right next to Double Lake, two of the most exciting feature of the Seven Lakes Valley. The views on the mountains, the Valleys, and the Lakes are to die for.
The first hut was built on this breathtaking site in 1880 by the Austrian Tourist Club, next to the artificial Lake Močivec. It was expanded and modernized in 1986. Nowadays, the hut can receive up to 150 guests in four dining rooms and has 170 beds divided into 13 rooms (30 beds) and 13 dormitories (170 beds). There is also a Winter room that can accommodate about 18 hikers.
The stay also comes with delicious food and a warm welcome. Nevertheless, like most shelters in Slovenia, the washing facilities are somewhat limited: only ten showers are allowed every day in this hut. Make sure you book in advance, then you can also have the chance to get one of the private rooms.
Koča pri Triglavskih jezerih (1685 m), 4265 Bohinjsko jezero
Contact: info@pd-ljmatica.si / 040 620 783
Website/more info at: https://www.pd-ljmatica.si/koce/sedmera/&usg=ALkJrhgQb3O_lE5mCaBVOyB5yiVsCVnK9Q / https://www.facebook.com/triglavskasedmerajezera/&usg=ALkJrhjki9vKad9G_k6tOIBVsxaYoP3tgA
3. Kanin Winter Cabin
Completed in 2016, the Winter Cabin Kanin, or Zimska soba na Kaninu, is one of Europe’s most beautiful mountain huts thanks to a stunning futuristic design. It is located on a ridge of Mount Kanin, a Slovenian peak near the Italian border. It is made of glass and aluminum panels and cross-laminated timber; all conceived to resist extreme temperatures and weather.
It was also designed by the OFIS architectural firm and was meant to be at the same time very design and eco-friendly. The Kanin Winter Cabin was one of the projects selected for the Constructive Alps 2017 award. Only climbers, experienced hikers, and helicopters can access this cabin. Even its installation was complicated to carry out: it took three attempts to install and secure it firmly.
However, it was worth the hard work: this 9.7 square meters building offers an unparalleled 360-degree view of Italy and Slovenia: you can see at the same time the Triglav, the Soca Valley, and the Adriatic Sea. It can offer shelter to nine mountaineers on three different levels, allowing you to enjoy the beauty and quietness of the place in peace.
Be prepared for amazing views, no tap water, no electricity, no heating, and no toilets!
Zimska soba na Kaninu (2270 m), 5230 Plužna
Contact: +386 41722601
Website/More info at: https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=fr&sl=sl&u=https://www.pzs.si/novice.php%3Fpid%3D11488&prev=search&pto=aue
4. Triglav Lodge at Kredarica
If you want to discover the Triglav, Slovenia’s symbol, and highest peak, which is in the heart of the Slovenian culture, you should definitely book a stay at the Triglav Lodge at Kredarica. This mountain hut is actually the highest one in Slovenia and the most popular one in the Triglav part of the Julian Alps.
The Triglav Lodge, or Triglavski dom na Kredarici in Slovene, stands on a plateau between the Triglav and the Rjavina, right under the peak of Kredarica. You can also find a small cave and a chapel dedicated to the Lady of the Snows in the area.
It was first opened in 1896, and you can visit it every month of the year, even if it is best to hike in the Triglav during Summer or early Autumn at last. In this hut, you will find all the comfort you need even if it is in high altitude (2515 meters above the sea level), from electricity to a washroom and all of this with an ecological implication and respect for the ecosystem.
Triglavski dom na Kredarici (2515 m), 4281 Mojstrana
Contact: +386 04 2023181 in situ / Planinsko društvo Ljubljana-Matica, Miklošiceva 17, 1000 Ljubjana, phone +386 01 2312645
Website/More info at: https://www.summitpost.org/kredarica-hut-triglavski-dom-na-kredarici/349588
5. Planika Triglav Mountain Hut
This mountain hut is nestled right under the top of the Mount Triglav, 2401 meters above the sea level. You will have to walk about six hours to get to the hut and from there, one hour and a half to the top of the Triglav. Unlike most Triglav mountain huts, Planika Triglav is not crowded, even if it remains one of the most popular ones in the area.
The first cabin to be built on this plateau, the Triglav temple, dates back to 1871 but rapidly crumbled. Nowadays, there are two huts in the refuge and a small building for WC. Altogether, the place can welcome 123 persons, from June 1st to September 30th, with no Winter room.
In Planika Triglav, you will find warm people and a cozy place to sleep, eat, and drink beer, but no tap water. Then, you cannot shower either. Only the water rain arrives up there.
Dom Planika pod Triglavom (2401), 4265 Bohinjsko jezero
Contact: +386 (0)51 614 773
Website:More info at: https://www.summitpost.org/dom-planika-pod-triglavom/656658
6. The Czech Lodge Above Jezersko
The Czech Lodge, or Češka koča in Slovene, is one of the country’s most famous mountain huts. Its name refers to the deep friendship that links Slovenia with the Czech Republic, a few centuries old relationships since this mountain hut is one of the oldest in the country.
The hut is located at Spodnje Ravni, in the heart of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. It is 1543 meters above the sea level and makes an excellent base for the travelers that come from Jezerko. You can reach this cozy hut by numerous hiking trails.
The most experienced hikers will enjoy the trip to the Skuta mountains, to the Dolgi hrbet, the Kočna, or again the Grintavec. The short hikes lover can also find what they want with a hike to Vratca.
This fantastic accommodation is a traditional mountain hut, so you can benefit from great comfort and enjoy various soups and stews. Everything is homemade there, from the apple strudel to the fantastic herbal tea.
When coming to the Czech Lodge, you have several stay options, from small rooms to dormitories. Altogether, the hut offers 53 sleepover spaces, including 20 in a dormitory and 33 beds in separate rooms. The dining room can accommodate up to 70 hikers that will feast with dishes in sauce and pies.
Opening hours of the Czech Lodge:
In May and in the first half of June: on the weekends (from Friday PM, till Sunday PM).
From the second half of June, till the end of September: throughout the whole week.
The plus of this hut is that you can book group reservations outside of those regular opening times.
Mountain hut Češka koča, Zgornje Jezersko 65, 4206 Zgornje Jezersko
Contact: ceskakoca.si@gmail.com / +386 40 28 33 00
Website: https://www.pdradovljica.si/roblekov-dom/
7. Roblek Hut at Begunjščica
The Roblek Hut is an inescapable stop while visiting the Karawanks and especially if you hike to the peak of Begunjščica. It welcomes hikers from all around Slovenia, but mostly from the Draga Valley, around Ljubelj or again Begunje. This refuge is a really popular place in the country.
The main upside of the Roblek Hur is its unparalleled view on the Triglav and all of the Julian Alps. You can even admire the breathtaking Lake Bled. Furthermore, you will also have the chance to treat yourself with warm Alpine culinary specialties.
Moreover, the uniqueness and richness of the place have also been rewarded with the price of the best mountain hut in 2017, but mostly by a folk song. Indeed, the famous musician Slavko Avsenik created the music for a song called Na Roblek, or “Going to Roblek” to pay tribute to this remarkable place.
In Roblek Hut, you can choose amongst one of the 18 beds in private rooms and 15 in dormitories, while eight are reserved for the Winter room. The dining room can host up to 42 guests.
Roblekov dom na Begunjščici (1657 m), Poljče 31, 4275 Begunje na Gorenjskem
Contact: dom.roblek@gmail.com / +386 (0)51 323 402
Website: https://www.pdradovljica.si/roblekov-dom/ / more info at https://en.pzs.si/koce.php?pid=67
8. The Orožnova koča hut above Bohinj
The most informed hikers will choose to take a hike in the Bohinj surroundings, in the heart of the Julian Alps. If you take the path from the lake towards the Za Liscem mountain pasture, right under the Črna prst mountain, you will find the lovely Orožnova koča hut.
There are many easy trails around the Orožnova koča hut, so it will be easy to join the place and the other ones around since the nearest hut is only at one hour of an easy hike away. It is also accessible by car, with a short stroll of an hour and a half, and by train or bus with an additional two hours and a half hike.
In this accessible place, you will find no private rooms, but 24 beds in a dormitory. If you are lucky, you can also enjoy a homemade lunch with another 29 guests while enjoying the rare plants of the area and a mix of both continental and Mediterranean climates.
Built by local inhabitants during the ruling of the former Alpine Association of Slovenia, it is located on the traces of an ancient hut, the first erected by the Slovene Mountaineering Society.
Orožnova koča na planini Za Liscem pod Črno prstjo (1346 m), Ravne v Bohinju 0 n 4264 Bohinjska Bistrica
Contact: begus.franc@gmail.com / +386 (0)41 645 118
Website/More info at https://en.pzs.si/koce.php?pid=202#karta
9. Mountain Refuge Under Špiček
The Zavetisce pod Spicko Refuge is located right under the Mount Špiček (the needle culminates to 2192), 2064 meters above the sea level. This shelter is a peaceful and quiet place that can only be reached by true mountain lovers. It takes about four hours to hike there from Vršič. Once up, you will enjoy a fantastic view of the Upper Soča Valley and the Zadnja Trenta. You can also see various other peaks, such as the Triglav, the Razor, or Prisojnik.
This lovely refuge is also right next to Mount Jalovec, which is considered by most to be Slovenia’s most beautiful mountain: it is also represented in the Slovenian Alpine Association’s logo. You can be there in 2 hours and a half starting from the hut, and it is definitely worth it.
This refugee can welcome 25 persons in a shared sleeping area, four people in the Winter cabin, and 44 people to eat. The place is open from the end of June till the end of September.
Zavetisce pod Spicko Refuge (2064m), Trenta 84, 5232 Soča Valley
Contact: podspickom@gmail.com / +386 41 543 039
Website: http://www.pdjesenice-drustvo.si/en/?subpageid=214
10. The Ruše Lodge on Pohorje
While stopping in Ruše Lodge, you will discover the most popular and the oldest mountain hut in the Pohorje region. More than anything, you should go visit the mountain post for its culinary treats, which will give you a taste of the region’s specialties. The main highlights are the Pohorje pot, the Pohorje omelet, and many other sweet treats.
This mountain hut also organizes various outdoor activities, such as picnics and trips in the Summer and the construction of a snow village during the Winter. The primary purpose of this place is to make you feel welcomed and relaxed and to make you enjoy some great dishes.
The place is rent by the same people since 1986 and owned since 1997. Ever since, the staff was eager to propose a memorable experience to every hiker and biker that was passing through the mountain cabin. However, the hut was actually built in 1907 and destroyed during World War II fightings.
You can choose between two formulas: full or half-pension to enjoy your stay at its most. There is a high demand for this very visited mountain hut, so make sure to book your accommodation with the contact info below!
The Ruše Lodge (1246), Frajhajm 64, 2208 Pohorje
Contact: milan.klancnik@siol.net
Website: https://www.ruskakoca.si/eng/
A Shelter for Everyone!
Wherever you choose to go hiking in Slovenia, you will find an amazingly cozy shelter with a warm welcome on your route. I particularly recommend you try one of those great ten places, but every site will be a pleasant surprise and will allow you to enjoy the Slovenian impressive hiking trails and views on the mountains.
Make sure to book your accommodation in advance if you really want to stop high in the mountains. Plus, it could be interesting to book a hiking tour with one of our professional guides!
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