The Slovenian Mountain Trail (SMT) is also known as the Slovenska Planinska Pot and is the oldest long-distance trail in Europe. It starts in Maribor, the second largest city in the country, and follows various mountain ranges through the country to Debeli Rtic at the Adriatic Sea. During the 600 kilometers of the hike, you will visit more than 55 mountain huts, climb at least 35 mountain tops and ascend and descend 37,000m in altitude. The trail takes you through Triglav, the only national park in Slovenia, where you will climb the eponymous mountain. From Mt. Triglav (2,864m) you have a stunning view across the mountain ridges you already passed and the ones lying ahead. This small alpine country might be less known than its neighbors Italy or Austria, however, do not underestimate the natural beauty and hospitality it offers! Chances are you will fall in love and want to return for more.
Find here a detailed description of the Slovenian Mountain Trail with all stages and relevant information.
Across the hills of Pohorje
The SMT starts in Maribor. Here you can buy some last-minute supplies and the logbook. This logbook can be used to collect the SMT stamps that are dispensed at various checkpoints along the trail. Once you collect all the stamps, you will receive a well-earned medal. The trail starts with some long, but not difficult sections. Ideal to get into hiking mode. Keep in mind though, that this area of Slovenia can become very hot and dry during the summer. It is therefore important to bring enough water and that you know where you can refill. The plateau of Pohorje is volcanic and on day five you will even climb an old volcano called the Krnes.
The first real mountains in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps
The second part of the trail leads across the Kamnik Alps. This relatively unknown mountain range is made of chalk rocks and lies near the border with Austria. Here you will reach altitudes above 2,000 meters for the first time. The Ruduha reaches 2,062 meters and will act as a nice warm-up for the other peaks lying ahead of you. The consecutive days are dedicated to climbing mountains such as the Jezerska Kocna, Skuta, and the highest mountain in this area, the Grintovec. Most of these mountains are climbed by using iron pins and cables that are placed on the trail. Keep in mind that you can only achieve these crossings by using a Via Ferrata set (including a helmet!) and you must be aware of how to use it properly.
The magic of the Karawanken
Once you finished the tops of the Kamnik, you will reach the next mountain range: the Karawanken. These southern mountain ranges are again made of chalk and form a natural barrier between Slovenia and Austria (Carinthia). One section of the SMT even follows the exact border between these countries and you could set foot in Austria occasionally. In the Karawanken you will follow the higher mountain passes and climb the Stol, the highest point in the region at 2,226 meters.
Onwards to the highest point: Mount Triglav
From the border, you will now move more inland towards the Julian Alps. This will bring you to Slovenia’s only national park: Triglav. Here you will find the highest mountain ranges of the country and will climb the highest top: Mt. Trigliv at 2,864 meters. Additionally, you will walk by the spring of the Sova river, hike through forests and higher mountain paths, only to descend into the Tolmin region.
The Adriatic Sea
From Tolmin, it is another 10-day walk towards the Debel Rtic. You will leave the mountains behind and will wander across the hills of Golaki. Enjoy the views of the Adriatic Sea that lies ahead of you. The final stages are long, but not difficult or technical. Alpine meadows and small farms will be the view for the next few days. Just a couple of days to go before you can dip your feet into the sea!
When to travel?
If you wish to complete the whole trail, it is best to do this in summer or autumn. The higher alpine trails are only accessible during these seasons. Keep in mind that when hiking in early summer there might still be some snow patches or in late autumn fresh snow can be falling.
The lower and more easy parts of the trail are accessible year-round. During the shoulder seasons most mountain huts are only open during the weekends or not at all, so make sure that the huts are open when you want to visit.
Do not forget:
We have created a complete gear list for thru-hikers, click here for more information. Some additional items that you should not forget when hiking the SMT:
- (Sleeping bag) liner -> for the nights in the mountain huts
- Trekking poles -> for the protection of your knees during the descents
- Via Ferrata kit incl. helmet -> for the secured passages
- Sunglasses and sunscreen -> for protection against the sun
Good to know
On the SMT a Via Ferrata set including a helmet is essential. A lot of mountain passages can only be passed when secured thus, make sure that you know how to use this correctly.
Sleeping on the trail is done in mountain huts, mostly from the Slovenian Alpine Club. These huts are basic, but very cozy and will allow you to meet fellow hikers. If you are a member of an Alpine Club, you can get a discount on your stays and contribute to track and hut maintenance. Make sure your travel insurance covers your hikes. Mountain rescues are free in Slovenia, but it’s smart to confirm you are properly insured. A final tip: make reservations for the huts on busier parts of the trial (e.g. Triglav) to avoid sleeping on the floor.
Happy trails!
Useful links:
Information: Slovenian Mountain Trail
Guides: Find them here
