As I sit here, nearly two years later, one hike keeps coming back to me
like it happened yesterday – the unforgettable climb to Bovški Gamsovec.
Bovški Gamsovec is an unforgettable hike to – where Triglav feels within
reach. It really stuck with me, mostly because when you reach the top,
you’re hit with this epic, wide-open view of Triglav’s mighty north face.
That image burned itself into my memory. And looking at the photos now, I
don’t want to let that memory fade, so I’m writing it all down here – let it
live on somewhere out in the wild corners of the internet.
Over the past two years, I’ve seriously slowed down (or to be honest,
mostly stopped) with my mountain adventures in the Slovenian Alps. I needed
to take a breather – to let everything I’d experienced settle, to rest a
little, and to think about which peaks might still be calling my name. But
I’m planning a comeback this summer – got three summits on the list already
(keeping them a secret for now though!).
Part 1: The Ascent to Bovški Gamsovec via Sovatna
Whenever I plan a hike, I always turn to the Slovenian website
hribi.net.
It’s a goldmine of info and route options for any peak in the Julian or
Kamnik–Savinja Alps. That’s why I’ll never write a detailed guide myself –
their site is simply the best.
But for context: we started our hike from Aljaž Lodge (Aljažev dom),
followed the trail through the forest until we reached a fork, took the
route towards Pogačnik Lodge, and kept climbing until we hit the grassy
slopes below Sovatna. I still remember that brutal incline and the loose
scree – and the sun just beating down on us the whole way up. It was tough
on the legs and lungs, especially climbing through that rocky section before
we got our first glimpse of the surrounding peaks.
Apparently, ibexes hang out here sometimes. We didn’t see any, but hey,
maybe next time. At Dovška vrata, we took a left towards Bovški Gamsovec –
and that’s when the real fun began. What had been physically demanding
turned into a proper technical challenge. The trail got steeper and
narrower, with sections where we had to use our hands, gripping steel cables
and scrambling over rocky ledges. The drop on the right side? Don’t look
down if you’re not into heights! Just when you think you’ve reached the
summit – surprise, it’s a false peak. More cables, more climbing. Step by
step, hand by hand – and finally, that unforgettable summit view.
Part 2: The Descent from Bovški Gamsovec via Luknja
Whenever I hike, I love making it a loop – more to see, more to feel. So
for the descent, we chose a different route – the trail through Luknja. We
started down across grassy slopes dotted with beautiful edelweiss, all while
Triglav’s north wall stayed in view like a painting come to life. The kind
of view that makes you pause, breathe deep, and say a quiet thank you.
Perfect spot for some photos too.
Then came my favorite part – sliding down a scree slope! I know it’s not
everyone’s thing, but for me, it's pure joy. Like skiing, only easier (and
dustier). Sure, your boots take a beating, but your knees stay happy – and
that’s a fair trade-off in my book.
Before we knew it, we were back on grass, reaching the Luknja pass
intersection. From there, it was a long, steep descent back down to Aljaž
Lodge. Somewhere along the way we came across a stream, and let me tell you
– washing your face with that ice-cold mountain water after a sweaty hike?
Nothing better.
We wrapped things up at Aljaž Lodge with a cold drink and something sweet –
tired, dusty, but totally fulfilled.
And of course here is a loop of hike to Bovški Gamsovec




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