- 626 vm
- 3.15–4.30 h
- Difficult B/C
MT. MANGART CLIMB FERRATA VIA SLOVENIA POT
WEST FACE ROUTE WITH VIEWS ACROSS THE WESTERN JULIAN ALPS
Unlike the consistently protected Via Italiana, the Slovenian Route (Slovenska pot) features exposed stretches with minimal protection. This route is usually climbed as a loop, ascending Via Slovenia and descending via Italijanska pot back to Mangart Saddle.
The route begins from Mangart Saddle, turning right onto Slovenska pot. It alternates between well-secured sections (fixed cables, rungs) and unprotected alpine scrambling across loose scree, demanding excellent concentration and sure footing throughout.
The reward is magnificent: breathtaking views of the mountains above the Soča Valley and Italian Montasio (second highest peak in Julian Alps after Triglav). The ferrata eventually reaches the summit at 2679 m. With 626 m of elevation gain, this route requires good fitness and high confidence on loose terrain.
STARTING POINT & PARKING
The trip starts at the end of Slovenia’s highest road, the Mangart Road.
- Driving: From Bovec, drive towards the Predel border crossing. Just after the village of Strmec, turn right onto the marked road for Mangrtsko Sedlo (Mangart Saddle).
- Toll: You will pass a toll gate (approx. €10 per car for the ecological tax).
- Parking: Follow the narrow, winding road to the highest possible point, above the Mangart Hut, where you’ll find a one-way loop at Mangart Saddle (∼2055 m). Park legally in the designated areas.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
- From the parking area, follow the main footpath towards Mangart.
- At the signed junction near Mali Mangart, turn right onto the path marked Via Slovenia (Slovenska smer).
- The path leads you beneath the mountain’s west face to the entrance of Slovenska pot, where the via ferrata climb begins.
- The route alternates between secured cable sections and long, exposed stretches over loose scree, dirt, and rock. Maintain focus and follow the mountain markings (red circles, paint) in the unprotected sections. Caution: This area suffers from severe erosion and loose rock.
- The ferrata section ends at the scree. Follow the marked hiking path to the left for the final ascent to the summit of Mt. Mangart (2679 m), just a few steps away.
- Do not descend the summit via the Ferrata Via Slovenia. Its loose rock and lack of continuous protection make it unsafe for descent. Instead, take the normal route to the right (Italijanska pot), which is technically less demanding and serves as the safest and most commonly used return route, leading directly back to the Mangart Saddle parking lot and completing the loop.
Extra tips
- The Via Slovenia is a demanding high-alpine route. Its C rating is largely due to the exposure and the highly dangerous unprotected sections over loose, crumbly rock and scree. It is only suitable for experienced mountaineers with a high tolerance for exposure and a good head for loose terrain.
- Be extremely careful of falling rocks, both from above and those you may dislodge.
- Do not attempt in storms, heavy rain, or when there is ice or snow on the route.
- Proper via ferrata equipment and safe handling techniques are essential for your safety on this route.
