The Triglav National Park (TNP) is the only Slovenian national park. The park was named after Triglav, the highest mountain in the heart of the park, which is also the highest summit in Slovenia (2864 m). The origin of the name Triglav is rather uncertain. Triglav (»three-headed«) owes its name to its characteristic shape as seen from the south-east side or to the highest Slavic deity who was supposed to have its throne on the top of the mountain. The mountain is a true national symbol and is featured on the national coat of arms and the flag.
The Triglav National Park extends along the Italian border and close to the Austrian border in the north-west of Slovenia, that is, in the south-eastern section of the Alps. Its territory is nearly identical with that occupied by the Eastern Julian Alps. The park covers 880 square kilometres, or 3% of the territory of Slovenia. The Triglav National Park is one of the oldest European parks; the first protection dates back to 1924 when the Alpine Conservation Park was founded. The principal task of the Triglav National Park Public Institution is the protection of the park, but it also carries out specialist and research tasks.
In addition to its primary purpose of nature protection and conservation of cultural landscape, the Triglav National Park is a place of exploration, education, relaxation and experience of nature. Landscape features are an attractive, yet highly sensitive visitor destination, and as such have to be taken care of and preserved for the future generations.
The Triglav National Park stimulates the visitor’s experience at information points and centres, with information boards, on park trails, on guided trips, with workshops in nature, with creative workshops and various educational programmes.
