Skip to main content

Mountain lodges: more than just a shelter in the mountains

As the walk gets harder and the view opens up, a mountain lodge is just around the bend, welcoming you with its genuine warmth. These unique lodges are an important part of the mountaineering experience and part of Slovenia's cultural heritage. There you can enjoy a hot meal, rest or seek shelter.

Mountain lodges were built in Slovenia at the end of the 19th century to encourage people to visit Slovenia's mountains. Over the years, lodges have developed and become an indispensable part of mountaineering.

Today, there are 177 mountain lodges and mountain shelters in Slovenia, mostly managed by alpine societies with the help of dedicated volunteers.

They are located in the higher altitude regions of the Julian Alps, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and the Karavanke Mountains. They can also be found in the hills and mountains of north-eastern Slovenia, Dolenjska, Bela Krajina, Notranjska and Primorska regions, and around Ljubljana, as well as in the hills of Polhov gradec, Posavje, Škoflja Loka and Cerkno.

1 / 5

Everything you need to know before visiting a mountain lodge

Before visiting the mountains, check the opening hours of the mountain lodges along your planned route. Some are open all year round, others only seasonally or on certain days.

When you arrive at the lodge, it is advisable to enter your name in the lodge register. This is also important from a safety point of view, as it makes it easier for rescuers to find you in the event of an accident.

Lodge keepers are a valuable source of information. They will be happy to share current trail conditions and weather forecasts. Most lodges have electricity and water supply, heating and indoor toilets. In some lodges, Wi-Fi is also available.

It is recommended to use your own bed linen for the night. If you don't have any, you can get disposable or reusable mountain sleeping sheets from the lodge keeper for an extra charge. For some lodges it is also possible to book a bed online.

1 / 2

Mountains are precious and delicate environments where every step we take matters

Due to the limited natural resources and the vulnerability of nature, in mountains and mountain lodges we should act with care.

We should respect animals, nature, other visitors and the work of the lodge keepers. We should strive to use water and energy sparingly, and to maintain peace and quiet. We should always take our waste back to the valley. Let us visit the mountains with open hearts and breathe the air with full lungs.

Author: Monika Jerič

Date: 8. July 2025

Time to read: 3 min