What can you expect from Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB routes?
Slovenia, a small green country, distinguished by numerous natural gems. In the southwestern part it has access to the Adriatic Sea, in the south you can find mysterious forests with remnants of primeval forests, and in the northern and northwestern parts it is covered by the Alps, which rise up to almost 3000 m. And it is in this natural gem, which is also protected by the Triglav National Park, that you will circle through the magnificent routes of Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB.
Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park are also a refuge for many wild animals. Among the most iconic is certainly the ibex, which, as a symbol of this region, you can also find in our logo.
They enchant us again and again. Don’t believe it? Come and see for yourself, but for an for introduction, just keep reading 😉
Around Julian Alps and around Slovenia’s highest mountain – Triglav…
Our longest route, which is also the supporting route of the event’s story, circles Julian Alps and the highest Slovenian mountain, Triglav (2864 m). In 170 km, it takes you from the iconic Soča Valley through the scenic peaks above Lake Bohinj all the way to Lake Bled. In the meantime, Triglav will accompany through the ridge sections – you’ll be able to admire it on your left side.
In the second part, you will first have to climb to the mountain hut on Stol (2174 m) and then run along the beautiful ridge of Karawanks, which is considered to be one of the most stunning trail running sections in Slovenia. It is a more than 20 km long ridge area that offers incredible views of Austria and the highest peaks of Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park.
What can I expect on my run at Julian Alps Trail Run by UTMB?
The emerald river Soča
The start of the longest route is in a beautiful alpine valley – the Soča Valley, which is known mainly for the emerald Soča River. With its magical colour, this is considered one of the most beautiful European rivers. Shortly after the start in Kobarid, the trail will take you right under the peaks of Julian Alps. To the area where the legendary mystical creature Goldhorn guards his treasure. Maybe you’ll get lucky and will even get to catch a glimpse of it during the race. 😉
Triglav National Park – The wild Tolmin Gorge
The routes will offer you beautiful views of the Julian Alps and the heart of the Triglav National Park. You’ll also get to discover parts of the park during the race itself – this way you will be able to experience the beautiful Tolmin Gorge, which is considered one of the most stunning gems in Triglav National Park. It also represents the lowest point of the park. This is definitely an area, where we recommend slowing down a bit and taking it all in.
Baška grapa – Below the Goldhorn’s kingdom
The most mysterious part of the route awaits you between Tolmin and Soriška planina. Paths that even the locals don’t know all that well and places that still retain their authenticity and homeliness. Beautiful views and routes that we searched for with the help of locals, who surely know these trails best. This is the area that under the mountains between Tolmin and Bohinj, where you can also often find the mysterious Goldhorn.
From Soriška planina to Ratitovec – Mt. Triglav and an incredible Julian Alps viewpoint
After you leave Baška Grapa and climb towards Soriška Planina, you will be greeted by an extraordinary view of our highest mountain – Triglav, 2864 m. In the next 10 km, you will spend quite a bit of time on the scenic ridge all the way to Ratitovec. Triglav and other peaks of the Julian Alps will accompany you all the time on your left. But if you look a little further into the valley, you will also notice Lake Bohinj down below, which is considered a real natural gem of the Julian Alps.
Into the wild of mysterious forests at Jelovica
The mysterious and wild forests of Jelovica will accompany you for more than 10 km. The mighty Jelovica plateau is certainly considered one of the less explored areas in Slovenia. Tall trees and pure wilderness. With a bit of luck, you might even meet a deer, a hind or a lynx, which have recently been resettled here.
World-famous Lake Bled
If you had to choose the most iconic and tourist-known spot in Slovenia, then it would definitely be Lake Bled. The fairytale location with an island in the middle of the lake, on which you can also find a church, is certainly the most photographed spot in Slovenia. And the best part? It is located in the Julian Alps, so of course we simply couldn’t leave it out of our routes.
Climbing Mt. Stol – “the wall”
The most striking part of the route, which you will certainly not forget – a 1,600 m long ascent to the highest point of the route – to Mount Stol or more accurately to the Prešeren hut right below the peak of mountain Stol (2,174 m). Many of you will get to admire the sunrise during the ascent, and the scenery with of Julian Alps lit up by the morning sun will be one of the most memorable parts of the race. The climb is not easy, but the beautiful views make it all worth it 😊
On the ridge
If you had to choose the most beautiful part of the route, then it would definitely be this section. A good 20 km of pure pleasure. Karawanks ridge is probably the most beautiful trail running area in Slovenia. Stunning and incredible runnable trails, accompanied by breath-taking views that will be etched in your memory forever. On the left, the beautiful peaks of Julian Alps with Triglav at the front, and on the right, Austria with its over 3000 m high mountains in the distance. In this area, you are constantly running along the national border between Slovenia and Austria, so just one step to the right and you are already in Austria 😉
Finally reaching the throne – Kranjska Gora
Before arriving in the idyllic alpine Kranjska Gora, you have to run a few kilometres through the valleys. Then, just before the finish line, a short climb to Srednji vrh, which offers a beautiful view of Špik and the entire Martuljek mountain chain. If you are not too tired, we certainly recommend taking the time for a few photos here. After the descent, you will soon be greeted by the much-awaited throne – Kranjska Gora. This is where your dreams will come true. You can expect all kinds of emotions as you’re finally coming home and crossing the finish line. All you have to do is to simply enjoy these moments, and we will make sure that we welcome you with a thunderous applause and congratulations 😉
