Hiking to Viševnik Peak in the Julian Alps, Slovenia

Viševnik (2050 m) is a mountain peak in the Julian Alps, accessible from the Pokljuka plateau in Slovenia. Relatively easy to get to, Viševnik is a popular hiking destination in Triglav National Park in both summer and winter. It’s also a favorite sunrise location among locals. 

We hiked here early in the morning (5 am), squeezing this hike in before an afternoon thunderstorm, and it was one of the best decisions we’ve made.

From the summit of Viševnik, the views of Mount Triglav, Bohinj Valley, the Southern Julian Alps, Mali Draški vrh, and the Rjavina ridge are spectacular, especially when bathed in the early morning light. 

Keep reading to find out how to find the trailhead and how to get to Viševnik.

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Viševnik Hiking Trail Map

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Finding the Viševnik Trailhead at Rudno Polje

The day hike to Viševnik starts at Rudno Polje on Pokljuka, where there’s a large parking lot. During our last visit, the parking fee was 5 EUR/day.

From Lake Bled, it’s a 30-minute drive to Rudno Polje. From Ribčev Laz and Stara Fužina, it’s a 35-minute drive. 

Starting at the Rudno Polje parking lot, locate the macadam road, which leads into the forest.

This road is located between Hotel Center Pokljuka / Biathlon Stadium Pokljuka (Left) and the Pokljuka Barracks (Right). 

On the left side of the forest road, there’s a large info board titled “Policija Svetuje” (Police Advice), listing some instructions for heading into the mountains.

You’ll also see three red trail signs (“Triglav,” “Viševnik” and “Blejska koča Lipanca”), pointing you in the right direction. Simply follow the road. 

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Rudno Polje to Viševnik Trail Description

Follow the flat forest road for about 700 meters (10 minutes) to a trail junction (there’s a wooden hut here) at the base of a ski lift.

Straight ahead, you’ll see a red trail sign on a tree, steering you right to Viševnik, signed 2 hours.

For the next 30 minutes, you’ll be hiking parallel to, or directly on the grassy ski slope, grazed in summer. The trail weaves in and out of the forest.

When you get to the top of the second chairlift, a narrow trail climbs up a broad gully, blooming with wildflowers.

It’s incredibly verdant and lush in early summer. Looking behind you, you’ll see layers of mountain ridges in the distance. 

Soon you’ll reach an intersection, where you’ll continue left to Viševnik, now signed 1 hour.

In another 10 minutes, you’ll arrive at a saddle.

Turn right and hike through larch and then thick dwarf pine to the grassy slopes of Viševnik (35-40 minutes).

The trail continues left to the summit. 

At the top, the views extend in every direction. Mount Triglav is definitely the focal point.

However, the Rjavina ridge was the highlight for me. 

Return by following the same route. 

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Where to Stay for the Viševnik Hike

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Pokljuka Plateau

If you’re planning on doing a lot of hiking on Pokljuka, it makes sense to stay on the plateau.

Midrange | Hotel Center Pokljuka is located directly at the Rudno Polje trailhead. This is the perfect starting point for the climb to Mount Triglav as well as Visevnik and other destinations in the Julian Alps. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, Finnish sauna (extra fee), and free on-site parking. Guests are usually allowed to leave their cars parked at the hotel, when doing a 2-day hut hike. 

Midrange | Hotel Pokljuka (Šport Hotel Pokljuka) is located on Pokljuka Plateau, a mere 4-minute drive to the Rudno Polje trailhead. Breakfast is included in the room rate and half board is available. 

Look for accommodation in Pokljuka.

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Ribčev Laz, Lake Bohinj

Ribčev Laz is the main hub at Lake Bohinj, with a direct bus connection to Lake Bled and onward to Ljubljana. Here, you’ll find a cluster of eateries, grocery stores, and boat rental shops.

Budget | Hostel pod Voglom is located along the southern shore of Lake Bohinj. This budget-friendly accommodation offers simple twin, single rooms, triple, and quadruple rooms. Bathrooms are either private, or shared.

From the hostel, it’s a 20 minute walk (1.8 km) to Ribčev Laz, the closest village (restaurants, shops, etc…). You can rent kayaks, SUPs, and bicycles on-site. 

Midrange | Apartments and rooms Cerkovnik is located in Ribčev Laz, a mere 10-minute walk to the lakeshore (1 km). This sparking clean accommodation offers double and triple rooms as well as well-equipped apartments.

Breakfast is available for an additional fee. On-site parking is free. 

Luxury | The newly renovated Hotel Bohinj is located in the center of Ribčev Laz, only a few meters from Lake Bohinj. Designed to impress as much as to pay homage to the region’s cultural heritage, Hotel Bohinj is the most striking hotel in the Bohinj region.

All rooms have air-conditioning. Guests are treated to a healthy and delicious breakfast buffet. You can also enjoy dinner at the hotel and indulge in a wellness package.

Look for accommodation in Ribčev Laz.

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Stara Fužina, Lake Bohinj

If you want to combine this hike with lakeside goodness and afternoon dips in Lake Bohinj, consider staying in Stara Fužina. It takes 35 minutes to drive from Stara Fužina to Rudno Polje via Bohinjska Bistrica.

There’s a slightly shorter route through Srednja Vas v Bohinju, but this route was closed for construction during our stay. Use the Promet website to check for current road conditions. 

Midrange | Ideal for families, the top-rated Pr `Agotnik apartmaji sobe Bohinj offers spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped kitchens, and washing machines. 

Midrange-Luxury | Hotel Majerca is a lovely boutique hotel with an on-site restaurant in Stara Fužina. The restaurant extends onto a grassy lawn, with views of farmland backed by the Julian Alps. It’s wonderful to start and end your day here. The al fresco breakfast is phenomenal. 

Midrange-Luxury | Apartmaji Triglav is a stylish aparthotel in Stara Fužina with an on-site restaurant and bar and spa and wellness center. Rooms are clean, modern, and feature balconies, kitchenettes and seating areas. Guests particularly love the mountain views and the hotel’s proximity to hiking trails and the lake. Breakfast is included. 

Look for accommodation in Stara Fužina.

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Lake Bled

Budget | Guesthouse Marko is a top-rated guesthouse in Bled, walking distance to the lakeshore. 

Midrange | JAZZ B&B is a friendly bed and breakfast with clean, comfortable rooms, a wonderful breakfast, and a shared kitchen. It’s a 10 minute walk to Lake Bled. 

Midrange | Old Parish House is a cozy and clean bed and breakfast, 100 meters away from Lake Bled. 

Top Choice – Midrange | Hotel Starkl – Heritage & Unique is a darling lakefront hotel with an on-site restaurant and bar. Breakfast is included. This family-run property stands out with its friendly service, exceptional cuisine, and location. 

Luxury | Adora Luxury Hotel is a lakefront boutique hotel with 7 luxurious suites. Stay here for the lake views and dreamy location. Breakfast is available for an extra charge. 

Luxury | Vila Bled is a historic lakefront hotel with 33 rooms. Set in a quiet area of Lake Bled, guests can enjoy the historical flair of President Tito’s former summer residence. Breakfast is included. 

Luxury | Bled Rose Hotel is a modern, 4-star hotel in the center of Bled. The hotel features an on-site bar, an indoor swimming pool and spa, a fitness room, and private beach area. Breakfast is included in the room rate. 

Look for accommodation in Bled.

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More Hikes in the Julian Alps

• Triglav National Park Hut-to-Hut Hike
• Mount Vogel
• Seven Lakes Valley
• Climbing Mount Triglav
• Vintgar Gorge
• Martuljek Waterfalls
• Debela Pec
• Veliko Špičje

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