Understand
Triglav National Park borders Italy in the west and Austria in the north. It attracts over two million visitors annually. The park includes 25 settlements, with a total population of 2,352, most in the town of RibÄev Laz. Tolmin Gorges are the lowest and southernmost access point to Triglav National Park and an extraordinary natural feature.
History
The first proposal to protect the area around Triglav came from Prof. Albin Belar in 1906. However, it was not until 1924 that the Alpine Conservation Park was established in the valley of Triglav Lakes. In 1961, the Triglav National Park was founded and in 1981, the borders were expanded to their current locations. In 2003, Triglav National Park was included in the UNESCO MaB Man and Biosphere network.
The park is home to many plants and animals. The park's most revered animal is the chamois, of which only 2,000 exist. Legend tells of the the Zlatorog, the golden-horned chamois that live on the mountains. Other wildlife includes ibex, marmot, golden eagles and the brown bear, although most animals stay away from humans and animal sightings are rare. Common plant life includes the Julian poppy and the purple Zois bellflower. Most plants are protected.