Mangart saddle
TRIP TO THE HIGHEST ROAD AND SADDLE IN SLOVENIA
Mangart hut is located just over 100 meters above Mangart saddle, where the highest road in Slovenia leads. From the hut, which is open in the summer season, we have a beautiful view of the nearby Mangart and most of the peaks above the valley of the Koritnica river.
Mountains: Julijske Alpe
Height: 1269 m
Walking time: 2 h 20 min
Difficulty: easy marked trail
Altitude difference: 812 m
Lat/Long: 46.4234°N 13.5937°E
Terrain type: hills
Trail type: forest trail
TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS
Beginning of the trail, asphalt road
At the beginning of the trail
When we get to the Mangartska Planina, we walk to the nearby shepherd’s hut, after which we continue along the slightly overgrown path that leads over the mountain. After we arrive in the forest belt, and then quickly reach a narrow strip of meadow along which the old abandoned road continues (you can also get here if you continue on the road on the mountain and then left at the first crossroad in the direction of Mangart saddle). Bad road or the cart climbs slowly, and then, when we cross the torrent, it finally turns into a mountain path. A few minutes of moderate ascent follows, and then we cross the asphalt road. On the other side of the road, we climb the folding steps, and then we reach a clearing, where the path turns left and begins to climb relatively steeply. After a few minutes of ascent, we cross the road again, and then we reach it again just a few steps higher.
Driving to the top
Driving to the top, view of Mangart peak
Here, the marked path continues to the right (the unmarked path over the Gladki rob on the left) and leads us to a small tunnel with beautiful views of the Loška Stena. After the tunnel, we have a beautiful view towards Mangart, and then, when we reach the belt of larch forest, we leave the road and continue to the left along the marked path that intersects the bend. When, after a few steps, we step onto the asphalt road again, we just cross it and continue the ascent along the marked path, which first climbs moderately, then descends and continues diagonally to the right. While crossing, we first reach a small ravine, and then the torrential Nakel ravine (the Nakel ravine begins at the border ridge itself, and then descends steeply all the way to the Koritnica river (a stream called Ilovec flows in the lower part)).
View of the road and the tunnel
We exit the ravine diagonally to the right, then the path turns left and begins to climb steeply. We climb steeply for a few minutes, and then we approach the torrent again, where the path turns right and climbs transversely over a short jump. After the jump, the path flattens out a bit, and then across a mostly grassy slope, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, it leads us back to Mangart road, which we follow to the right. Shortly after stepping onto the road, the path leads us to the last tunnel, which is quite long. As the road is quite busy, it is a good idea to use a flashlight in the tunnel so that other participants will notice us more easily. After the tunnel, we cross another ravine, and then we reach a small intersection, where we continue to the left in the direction of Mangart hut on Mangart saddle. It is only a few minutes’ walk from the intersection and we arrive at the mentioned mountain hut.
AFTER AN ACTIVE DAY
Our modern apartment complex comprises 4 buildings and offers 19 above-standard apartments in which tradition and comfort join hands. Our accommodation offers excellent opportunities to relax after an active day:
- whirlpool and sauna,
- massages in the apartment,
- rental of sports equipment (including hiking poles and electric bicycles),
- help in organizing additional activities
The apartments are designed with respect for the pristine nature of the Triglav National Park and the cultural heritage of the local environment. They are characterized by spaciousness, brightness, carefully selected natural materials and top-quality equipment in a modern Alpine style.
