- Starting point: Zadnjica Valley (46.3824, 13.7607)
- Distance (acent): 9 km
- Elevation gain: 1300 m
- Duration /acent): 5 h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best season: Summer and Autumn
- Recommended overnight stay: Dom na Kriških podih
- Highlights: Mulatjera towards Kriški podi, Waterfall- in the start of trail, Križ Lakes, View from Kriški podi
This hike begins in the beautiful Zadnjica Valley, one of the most scenic valleys in Triglav National Park and a fantastic starting point for exploring the high mountains of the Julian Alps.
From the parking area, the route first follows a gravel road for about 20 minutes to the lower station of the supply cableway for Dom na Kriških podih. Near this point, you can take a short detour to the right along the stream, where after a minute you will reach a beautiful waterfall with a natural pool. It’s a perfect place for a refreshing dip when you return to the valley after the hike.
From the cableway station the historic mule track begins — widely considered one of the three most beautiful mulatjeras in Slovenia. The entire ascent toward Kriški Podi follows this remarkable path. Unlike many steep alpine trails, the mule track maintains a steady and moderate incline, making the climb surprisingly comfortable despite the large elevation gain.
These historic paths are true masterpieces of mountain engineering. Carved into very steep mountain slopes, they show incredible craftsmanship, and it is almost unbelievable how the builders managed to find such an elegant route through this rugged alpine terrain.
During the ascent, hikers can admire the mighty walls of Kanjavec and the dramatic cliffs of Zadnjiški Ozebnik rising high above the valley.
Higher up, the trail reaches the area of the Križ Lakes, a group of spectacular glacial lakes located beneath the steep cliffs of Pihavec and Stenar.
Just below Lower Križ Lake, hikers will find a small water source where it is possible to refill drinking water.
For many hikers, Lower Križ Lake is the most beautiful alpine lake in Slovenia. Surrounded by towering rock walls and dramatic peaks, the lake shines in deep blue colors. During July and August the meadows around the lake are often full of edelweiss, creating an unforgettable alpine atmosphere.
From the lake it is only about 15 minutes of additional climbing to reach the mountain hut Dom na Kriških podih.
The hut is an excellent place for a rest, a meal, or even an overnight stay. Dom na Kriških podih is usually open from mid-June until around mid-September, and the friendly hut staff serve tasty traditional mountain food and refreshing drinks, making it a perfect place to relax after the climb.
Just in front of the hut lies what many hikers consider one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Julian Alps. The panorama opens toward the beautiful Trenta Valley far below, while the surrounding skyline is dominated by impressive peaks such as Razor, Stenar, Križ, Bovški Gamsovec and Pihavec.
Most hikers return to the valley along the same trail.
However, experienced mountaineers can extend the hike into a circular route via Bovški Gamsovec. This variation includes several technically demanding and exposed sections, and is therefore recommended only for hikers with solid alpine experience.
Even without the extended loop, the hike to Kriški Podi is widely considered one of the most spectacular hikes in Triglav National Park, offering crystal-clear alpine lakes, historic mountain paths, dramatic limestone peaks, and unforgettable panoramic views.
For even more similarly beautiful trips around Slovenia, check out the ideas at this link.
