Slovenia's Julian Alps (Julijske Alpe) cut across the northwestern part of the country into Italy and include the Slovenia's highest peak, 2,864 m (9,394 ft) high Mount Triglav.

In ancient times, locals believed the mountain was home to a three-headed deity who ruled the sky, the earth and the underworld, hence the peak's name of TRIglav. Ever since the times of the Habsburgs, the 'pilgrimage' to Triglav has been an important confirmation of Slovenian identity and nowadays Triglav figures prominently on Slovenia's flag.

The region around Mount Triglav is included in the Triglav National Park.

One of the most interesting towns in the region is Bled, on the eastern end of Lake Bled. At the western end of the lake is Bled Island, where one can find the 'bell of wishes', which is part of a 16th-century, white belfry. According to legend anyone who rings the bell will have his wish come true. As a result the island is quite noisy; there is always somebody ringing the bell.

Some 30 km (19 miles) southwest of Bled is Lake Bohinj. The area around that lake is undeveloped and very beautiful. There are numerous high mountains and lovely valleys. Nearby are the Savica Waterfall and the town of Stara Fuzina, where hiking trails to Mount Triglav start.

Julian Alps ©Darius Zero

Julian Alps ©Dubravko Palić

Julian Alps ©Julien Seguinot