Climbing Mt. MANGART, between Italy and Slovenia
The Mangart mountain rises at a maximum altitude of 2.679 meters above the sea level. Climbing all the way to its top has surely been the most memorable experience of my quick Slovenian journey
Mangart is one of Slovenia’s highest and best known peaks, obviously after the iconic Triglad.
Triglad, the higher peak of the country, is reachable with a longer but definitely easier hike, with the only exception of the last tricky part. It features many big huts along the way and is often crowded with hikers of any age and level of fitness
Ways to climb mt. Mangart
There are basically two ways to reach Mangart’s top: one longer way from Italy, starting from the Fusine lakes, at about 925 metres above the sea level.
And the other, shorter one, from the Slovenian side.
In both cases you’ll have the option to switch part of the hiking trail for a via Ferrata. And join all the ways at the starting point of the unique path to the top.
Just make sure you are physically and mentally ready for it, as they are all very steep climb. With many exposed parts and some stretches equipped with steel ropes and cables
I went for the italian way, splitted in two days.
Leaving early morning and with a bit of rush it is also possible to make it in just one. But in my opinion sleeping there makes it way more enjoyable. And bivy in the mountains is just amazing.
The Italian way to the top
On the Italian side the journey starts from Tarvisio, and the beautiful turquoise Lakes you will be overlooking during pretty much all the climb.
You can either choose to park the car inside the lakes area, paying a small entrance fee during the busiest months. Or try to find a spot right before the gate, as we did.
Starting from the first lake, the first part of the walk easily follows the road and then an unpaved route leading to the Rifugio Zacchi, for about a couple of kilometers. Then leave the main road making a right turn to follow the arrow sign located just before the woods. Walking across the big green grassland at the roadside.
Be ready for the beginning of a very steep path through the forest. And remember to always follow the red circle or white and red colored rectangle sign. Painted on trees and stones all the way up to the summit.
The small and tiring path will remain pretty steep also above the woods. Just shifting its ground from soft and linear soil to stepping rocks, with some more fun little climbing passes.
Sleeping in the Mountains
The fist hike will end at the cozy Bivacco Nogara, located at 1.850 m above the sea level. And just a few steps away from the starting point of the adrenaline via Ferrata
The way to the hut will ideally take you less than three hours from the first lake. But consider some tricky parts to overcome.
Since it is a pretty long and demanding way, it is advisable to do the summit in in two days. Either sleeping at the small mountain hut or at the nearby Alpine Cottage
If you don’t like the idea of sleeping in the hut, about an hour before it you will also have the possibility to take a left turn and reach the Rifugio Zacchi.
You can also hike there directly from the main road when going up. And then use the secondary path to reach the mangart saddle the following morning.
I went for the bivacco, and it was simply amazing. It is always open and free to use. Even despite the warning covid closure signs along the way.
The Nogara features nine beds and warm blankets, which I luckily found all vacant, since no one else was there for that night. Obviously bring your own sleeping bag or sheet bag, and do not expect any kind of fanciness.
But I found simply amazing having such a nice and welcoming spot free to use and right into the mountains! Of course remember to bring some food with you.
Most important, the nice fountain located at about ten metres from it will assure you plenty of fresh water.
Just remember to take care of this cozy gift: leave it clean, tidy and do not forget rubbish or food scraps inside. And leave a big thanks to the Tarvisio section of the Italian Alpine Club for it!
Early nigh sleep, typical of the mountains. And even earlier wakening, right on time to admire a sky full of wonderful stars before the sunrise.
I know 4am is not the most comfortable time to go outside in the mountains, but if you randomly wake up at that time, don’t miss the chance of taking a look!
The real day obviously starts slightly later, after a bit more rest. Pretty much as soon as the sun begins to light the beautiful landscape around. As the way to the summit will be long and demanding
The Italian via Ferrata
The start of the Ferrata is right behind the hut, something like 50 metres from it. The sign at the beginning report it as quite difficult, as many part are really steep and exposed.
An alternative option is walking along the steep hiking path to the top of the hill right behind the hut. Until a fence marking the border between Italy and Slovenia. And then going down on the other side to the Mangart saddle. The starting point of the ascent, located at about 2.072 metres of altitude.
The path from the hut to the saddle will take about an hour. And I would advise it as a nice option for the way back.
It was my first ferrata ever, and I was going to so the climb on my own, but I really couldn’t miss a chance like that.
The ferrata way took me about a couple of hours. Between thrilling stages and (too) many selfie stops.
I couldn’t be more happy of my choice. Following a path made of walls, caves, rocks, hanged iron rungs, and some easy walking parts. All the way up to the saddle. Starting point of the endless final part.
The final Climb to the top
Maybe because of the tiredness from the previous climb. The many people going up and down from the same path. Or the contrast between the blazing sun and the cold altitude wind. But I found this last part the most challenging. And even slightly annoying, as it always seems to be at the top, but it never really is.
The starting point of the last trail is located in a valley of rolling stones right above the saddle. Not so well marked and without a proper path. That is also the meeting point of the four different trails to the summit, all sharing this final part.
Try to spot the red dot sign painted on the rocks, or follow the people going up and down, to find the first equipped path. From there, a more visible walking path and the many metal cables will make basically impossible to get lost.
This last path will take you between one and two hours, depending on crowd and personal level of fitness.
But do not forget to take a few breaks to admire the impressive peaks around!
Not far from the top, you will also find a deviation for a nearby peak. In case you have time and energy for a little detour.
The summit is marked with a big wooden cross with the classic coloured flags hanged all around.
Take the time to rest and admire the beautiful panorama, if it is not a foggy day. And to get ready for the legs-breaking long descent. About five long hours to the lakes, eased only by the breathtaking views from above.
Since I don’t usually like walking back from the same path, without a car to pick up, I would have probably come down to the other side, to continue the journey in the neighboring country
The Slovenian path
Coming from Slovenia, the Mangart saddle is reachable in an easier way. Both hiking or with an easy ferrata starting after the Mangart mountain pass. Reachable with a scenic 12 kilometres drive (or even better bike ride) along the country’s highest road.
The route starts from the Pedril pass and it rises between rock-cut tunnels and sharp turns. It was built from the Italian army in 1938, during the Second World War. Today it is free to ride for bikers and pedestrians. While motor vehicles have to pay a toll: 10 euros for the cars and 7 for the motorbikes.
Whichever way you choose, I know you won’t be disappointed!
Just make sure to make a wise choice, depending of your level of fitness and fear of heights. And remember the Mountain environment can be as dangerous as beautiful. So be always careful, and do not overestimate your capabilities
I would also kindly suggest you to do the climb in Summer or and warmer months, as Snow and Ice will hide hazards meant only for real Alpinists.
And least but not last.. CAREFULLY CHOOSE YOUR SHOES! something strong enough to sustain your feet and ankles during the Ferrata and the steepest parts. But also not too hard, as you will be wearing them for a long time
Mine were pretty solid hiking boots. But I had to walk the last two kilometres barefoot because I couldn’t wear them anymore!
Thank you for taking the time to read this post!
Feel free to leave a comment below or share it with your friends, if you liked it. I would really appreciate it : )
Now keep exloring one of the related posts here, or pick another site area!
