Škrlatica hike – complete guide
It’s really interesting how much it means if one thing comes first, or in this case, the second, be it in any area of our lives. Many times, things that are the first to receive the vast majority of attention, especially from people who are not experts, or they are more than not enthusiasts. And this “obsession” of “enthusiasts” with the highest Triglav and “neglecting” the second highest Škrlatica is very well visible in practice, or in visiting both of our highest peaks. So that I won’t point the finger only at others, I myself have been to Triglav more than 10 times, but to Škrlatica only 2 times.
But regardless of everything, Škrlatica is an exceptional mountain, the only one in Slovenia that rises between 2,700 and 2,800 meters high. In the past, Šrklatica was also called Suhi plaz, but it is often affectionately called the Queen of the Slovenian Mountains. Only one marked path leads to the top of this 2,740-meter-high beauty. Unlike Triglav, there are no mountain huts dotted around Škrlatica, as the nearest one is more than 4 hours away, which makes the mountain a little more “wild” and more difficult for slower hikers to access.
Subtitles
- Starting points for the climb to Škrlatica
- How long does it take to go to Škrlatica
- What equipment do we need to climb Škrlatica
- The view from the second-highest mountain in Slovenia
- Conclusion
By the way, if you are looking for ideas for trips to the other highest peaks in Slovenia, I suggest you read the articles entitled Triglav hike – complete guide, Mangart, Jalovec, Grintovec and The most beautiful mountains in Slovenia.
Starting points for the climb to Škrlatica
As I mentioned in the above paragraphs, it is marked, or There is only one marked path to the top of Škrlatica. It is taken along the southern part of the mountain, where a challenging mountain path takes us to the top. The ascent is technically very demanding and is protected in places with steel cables, and we also have wedges to help us.
If I try to compare the difficulty of climbing Škrlatica with that of Triglav from Planika, I would say that they are very comparable, maybe the one on Škrlatica is a little less protected, but in my opinion, the climbing is also somewhat less. Maybe the ascent to Jalovec via Kotovo sedle is more comparable to the ascent to Škrlatica. After all, there are fewer guards on this ascent, and there are not as many climbing and precipice walls as on the way to Triglav, but all this does not mean that the ascent to Škrlatica and Jalovec will be easier for each of you than to Triglav.
But as long as you are used to walking in mountains, have already been on ferratas, have no problems with heights, and are in solid condition, then the climb to Škrlatica should not be too much of a challenge for you.
How long does it take to go to Škrlatica?
| The starting point | Ascent time | Huts on the way | Height difference on the way | The difficulty of the route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vrata | 6 h | Bivouac at Rušje somewhere halfway up the climb | 1720 m | A very challenging path |
| Ruski križ | 7 h 30 min | Hut in Krnica, approx. 45 minutes after the start | 1880 m | A very challenging path |
| Zadnjica | 8 h 30 min | Hut on Kriški podi somewhere halfway up the climb | 2270 m | A very challenging path |
Vrata valley
- Altitude difference along the way: 1,720 meters
- Route length: 6.4 km
- Ascent time: 6 hours
- Difficulty of walking: Very demanding marked path
- Starting point: Vrata valley (46.4129, 13.8467)
- Recommended equipment: helmet, safety belt, hiking poles
As the first starting point for the ascent to our 2nd highest mountain, we will take Vrata, a glacial valley, which is probably the most visited glacial valley below Triglav and which people visit in droves throughout the year. You can read more about Vrata at the link.
I suggest that you drive to the parking lot in Vrata volley (you will be charged €3.5 for the parking fee), and walk to Aljaž hut, where you turn right, you will also be invited to Škrlatica by mountain signs.
The path is well-trodden and in the first part of the path it goes through the forest, but soon beautiful views of the valley and the mountains on the opposite side of the valley begin to open up to us through the trees. Slowly the forest becomes more and more sparse and the trees are replaced by rubble, but this too soon gives way to grass and rocks.
Somewhere halfway (after 3 hours) we will reach the bivouac on Rušje, which provides shelter for mountaineers throughout the year. The bivouac is quite old and, compared to the newer ones, also “Spartan” equipped. In the bivouac there are two bunk beds without yogis, and a few girls, which I would say is enough for shelter and overnight stay, which is what the bivouac is primarily intended for. But this is not a beautiful, modern bivouac, which is full of light…
From the bivouac, head to the right and in the next approximately 1 hour cross the slope under Spodnja Dolkova špica, and come under the southern face of Škrlatica. We have to climb half an hour on the scree to get to the entrance to the wall itself. Somewhere halfway up this ascent, we are joined by the paths from Zadnjica and the Russian Cross (Ruski križ), which merge at the top of Kriška wall.
If you use walking poles to help you walk in the hills, I suggest that you leave them somewhere along the path when you enter the wall (and then pick them up when you descend) or fold them up and put them in your backpack, as you won’t need them from here on out. If you are using a self-protection kit, this will also be the best place to put it on, as the first steel cables will soon appear, and don’t forget the safety helmet.
From here to the top of Škrlatica, at a normal pace, you will have to climb for another 90 minutes.
Ruski križ (Russian Cross)
- Altitude difference along the way: 1,880 meters
- Route length: 9.2 km
- Ascent time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Difficulty of walking: Very demanding marked path
- Starting point: Ruski kirž (46.4433, 13.7768)
- Recommended equipment: helmet, safety belt, hiking poles
The ascent from the Ruskega križa (Russian Cross) is technically the most demanding of all three options because in addition to the final ascent to the very top of Škrlatica, we will also be able to climb via the technically quite demanding and exposed Kriška wall. I would compare this ascent to the ascent to Triglav from Planika via Škrbina.
Otherwise, we start the route at the 3rd serpentine on the road to the Vršič Pass from the Kranska gora side. There is room for a few steel horses along the serpentine, but you can drive down the gravel road about 100 meters lower and leave your vehicle there. From there, a wide and well-marked walking path leads us towards the interior of the beautiful Krnica valley.
After about 45 minutes, we will reach a small clearing where the cottage in Krnica stands. The caretaker is very friendly and talkative, and likes to give some advice about the conditions, the weather…
The path from the hut climbs moderately for a while, but the slope of the ascent slowly increases. When we get to the bed of the torrent, you will probably lose the markings, because the torrent often dislodges rocks on which the marksmen leave round marks. But nothing for that, just follow the riverbed up, and sooner or later you will find markings again, follow them until you enter the wall.
The section of the wall is not really besieged and especially in the early summer there can be a lot of sand and stones left by the winter on the climb over the wall. That is why the ascent is all the more demanding, and at the same time, we must be careful not to “send” stones to those below us. Especially when descending, this happens more often, so be careful and, of course, wear a helmet.
A safety harness won’t help you much in the Kriška wall, because there are fewer steel cables and, in my opinion, the most exposed parts are without them. Therefore, I do not recommend this climb to those who have problems with heights. The climb over the wall takes about an hour for the average mountaineer, and once you’ve overcome it, you’ll be well over halfway to your destination.
Shortly after you reach the top of the Kriška wall, you will reach an intersection where you keep left (Križ and Kriški podi on the right) towards Škrlatica, do the same a few minutes later when you reach a new intersection (Vrata and bivouac on the Rušje ). For the next half hour, you will walk mostly on the flat and cross the slope of Dovški Gamsovac.
A little before we reach the beginning of the scree, which will lead us to Rdeča škrbina, exceptional views of Krnica and Prisojnik open up again. At the top of the scree, an intersection awaits us, where the markings direct us to the left into a relatively demanding descent through a narrow ravine. Patches of snow tend to remain in this area in early summer, so caution is required…
Soon we reach our last junction, where the path merges with the path from Vrata Valley. Before entering the south wall of Škrlatica, we have to overcome another 15 minutes of scree climbing.
If you use walking poles to help you walk in the hills, I suggest that you leave them somewhere along the path when you enter the wall (and then pick them up when you descend) or fold them up and put them in your backpack, as you won’t need them from here on out. If you use a self-protection kit, this will also be the best place to put it on, as the first steel cables will appear soon…
From here to the top of Škrlatica, at a normal pace, you will have to climb for another 90 minutes.
Zadnjica valley
- Altitude difference along the way: 2270 meters
- Route length: 14 km
- Ascent time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Difficulty of walking: Very demanding marked path
- Starting point: Zadnjica (46.3825, 13.7609)
- Recommended equipment: helmet, safety belt, hiking poles
The longest but probably the most beautiful of all the routes to the top of Škrlatica starts in the Zadnjica valley. Like all Alpine valleys, Zadnjica is a real gem. In addition to the pearly clean Krajcarica, you can see two more beautiful waterfalls a little above the lower station of the freight cable car, under which there is a small pool, which is perfect for refreshing on the way back to the valley… 😀
Despite the fact that the ascent to Kriški podi is quite long, it is one of the most impressive routes in our Alps. It is truly unimaginable to me where the planners of the route found the passages to place the mule train in this steep wall, which winds its way up steadily to 2050 meters above sea level, where, in my opinion, the hut with the most beautiful view of all the huts in Slovenia is located.
During the ascent, we will walk past incredible steep gorges, where the water from Kriški podi slowly drains into the valley. The ascent is practically hidden in the shade even in the morning, as it is turned in such a way that the sun begins to caress it only in the afternoon hours. So the ascent is suitable even on the hottest days, and at the same time, you will be able to top up your water supplies quite a few times along the way. Finally, this can be done only about 100 meters below Pogačnik’s hut.
A few 10 meters above the spring, the most beautiful part of the trail awaits us, for many (including me) the most beautiful high-mountain lake in Slovenia. Spodnje Kriško lake is hidden under the steep walls of Pihavec on one side, and on the other side it is surrounded by gentle meadows, where you can sit and enjoy the fantastic nature for hours…
From the lake to the hut on Kriški podi, it’s only about 5 minutes of climbing. If you want to do the ascent and descent of Škrlatica in one day, you will probably have to make the effort and stopping at the cabin is out of the question. If it’s a two-day trip, just treat yourself to a sun lounger in the front row with one of the most beautiful views in our mountains.
From the hut, the path continues to the left, and after a few meters, then to the right towards Bovška vratca, a saddle that takes us above Kriška wall, where the path joins the ascent from the Ruski križ (Russian Cross). At the next intersection, which is only a few minutes further down, keep left…
For the next half hour, we will walk mostly on the flat and cross the slope of Dovški Gamsovec. A little before we reach the beginning of the scree, which will lead us to Rdeča Škrbina, exceptional views of Krnica and Prisojnik open up again. At the top of the scree, an intersection awaits us, where the markings direct us to the left into a relatively demanding descent through a narrow ravine. Patches of snow tend to remain in this area in early summer, so caution is required…
Soon we reach our last junction, where the path merges with the path from Vrat. Before entering the south wall of Škrlatica, we have to overcome another 15 minutes of scree climbing.
If you use walking poles to help you walk in the hills, I suggest that you leave them somewhere along the path when you enter the wall (and then pick them up when you descend) or fold them up and put them in your backpack, as you won’t need them from here on out. If you use a self-protection kit, this will also be the best place to put it on, as the first steel cables will appear soon…
From here to the top of Škrlatica, at a normal pace, you will have to climb for another 90 minutes.
What equipment do we need to climb Škrlatica in the summer
Regardless of which starting point you choose to climb our 2nd highest mountain, the equipment you will need is the same. In the paragraphs below, I will find and briefly describe in what cases you need a certain piece of equipment.
Hiking boots or trail sneakers:
I myself use trail running sneakers for all the climbs in the summer. Movement in them is really easy, the grip with the ground is better and so far I have not had a bad experience with them. But walking on the scree in the groves is more pleasant. If you feel better in hiking boots, then I recommend them. They should be well-worn and it’s good if you’ve used them recently, not like my friend when he went to Triglav with his hiking boots, which were in his closet for 10 years, but then he got out of the way and stuck the sole in the valley…
Clothes:
In nice summer weather, I prefer to wear shorts and a T-shirt with a cap on my head. Keep in mind that you will be walking in the sun, even if you are in the highlands, the sun is strong and it gets hot quickly. But on the other hand, conditions can change quickly, so it’s always good to have some extra clothes with you, you can read more about it at the link.
Food and drink:
If you are an average fast hiker, then you should know that you will be walking practically the whole day and depending on the weather conditions, you should also adjust the amount of food and especially water. On the way up from Zadnica, you can fill up water a little in front of the hut on Kriški podi, or at the hut itself, on the other two routes, this option is not available, so keep this in mind before you take your last sip. On such tours myself, if I know they will be slow, I take at least 4 liters of liquid, and for food I usually take dried fruit, bananas, nuts and also some juicy sandwiches and fruit bars. Better to take too much than too little.
Walking sticks:
Walking poles are almost mandatory equipment, at least for me. Walking with them is much easier and more economical, as well as stable. If you are not used to walking with poles, then do not take them with you, but first try them out on easier and shorter tours.
Climbing Safety kit and helmet:
A helmet is almost mandatory, especially if you start from the Ruski križ (Russian Cross). If you don’t have a mountain or caving helmet, a worker’s or bicycle helmet will also work. It is important that it protects your head in case of falling rocks.
A Climbing Safety kit is highly recommended, but not required. When climbing Škrlatica, there are not as many steel ropes as, for example, on Triglav, but for a better feeling and a safer step, it is good if you have it with you.
Backpack:
On tours like this and if you will be walking at an average pace, then I recommend a backpack with at least 25 liters of space, it will be even better if you have a liter or so more. Above all, it is recommended that it is comfortable and does not cause you pain.
The view from Škrlatica
Škrlatica is a mountain that is much more often covered with a fog cap than, for example, Triglav. So if you are not lucky, then the view will be foggy more often than not, but in good and clear weather it is magnificent. On one side below you lies Krnica, and above it rise the impressive walls of Razor and Prisojnik. If you look carefully, you can see one of the most beautiful panoramic paths in the middle of the wall of Prisojnik, which leads to the last window of Prisojnik.
A little further to the right, we have a wonderful view of Špik’s group, and behind it the Karavanke ridge with Kepa at its head. On the other side, the steep slopes quickly descend to Vrata valley, and on the other bank of Triglavska Bistrica river, Cmir and Verbanove špice rise, behind them Rjavina, a little further to the right, Begunjski vrh and Triglav. Somehow in front of it stands the 2501 high Stenar, and a little further to the right we will be able to enjoy the view of the 9th highest peak in Slovenia, Dolkova špica behind it and Križ. Of course, you can also see many slightly more distant peaks in the Julian and Kamnik-Savinja Alps, as well as in Karavanke.
Conclusion
As long as you are at least in good shape, I highly recommend climbing the second highest Slovenian peak. There will certainly not be crowds on the way to the top, like on Triglav, Prisojnik or Mangart, but it is true that all climbs to the top of Škrlatica are quite long. But this is exactly the charm of mountains, that you have to work hard to climb to the top.
