Is the use of drones allowed in Triglav national park?

Can I fly a drone near Erjavčeva koča and Vršič Pass?

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as UAVs or drones, is restricted in Triglav National Park. Erjavčeva koča mountain hut is located at Vršič Pass, inside this protected alpine area, so visitors should not assume that recreational drone flying is allowed.

According to the Triglav National Park protection regime, flights of aerial vehicles under 1,000 feet, which is 304.8 metres, above the current location or an obstacle detected during flight are prohibited unless the required conditions and permissions are met.

In practice, this means that flying a drone for personal photos, social media videos, holiday memories, reels, YouTube clips or casual aerial footage is generally not something visitors should do without checking the rules and obtaining the necessary permission in advance.

When are drones allowed without prior permission?

The use of drones without previously acquired permission is allowed only for specific official purposes, such as protection, rescue and assistance in natural and other disasters, state defence, and the execution of police tasks.

This means that drones used by mountain rescue, emergency services, police or other authorised services are treated differently from private recreational drone flights.

When can drone use be permitted?

Based on consent obtained from the national park managing authority, the use of drones may be permitted only for specific purposes, such as:

• scientific and research activities,
• land surveying,
• recording films, videos and documentaries.

Even in these cases, permission is not automatic. The activity must be checked according to the rules of Triglav National Park, the purpose of the recording, the location, the sensitivity of the natural area, noise, flight height, wildlife disturbance and other relevant legislation that applies in Slovenia.

Filming and video recording in the park

Drone filming and video recording may be allowed in areas of infrastructure and settlements under certain conditions. In the natural environment, drone use is much more sensitive and may be allowed only for specific documentary or promotional purposes that support the promotion of the park and its local communities.

The use must not have a significant negative effect on wildlife, protected nature, sensitive habitats, visitors, local people, livestock or the peaceful experience of the national park.

If you are planning professional filming, commercial video production, promotional content, documentary work, influencer collaboration, drone photography or public broadcasting, contact the relevant Triglav National Park authority before flying.

Why are drones restricted?

Drones may look small and harmless, but in a protected mountain environment they can disturb much more than people expect. The sound and movement of a drone can disturb birds, wildlife, livestock, hikers, overnight guests, local people and the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains.

Animals may react to drones as a threat. Birds may leave nesting areas, wildlife may waste energy running away, and grazing animals may become nervous. In winter or early spring, unnecessary disturbance can be especially harmful because animals need to save energy to survive.

Visitors also come to Triglav National Park for silence, views, fresh air and contact with nature. A drone can disturb this experience for many people at once.

Drone use near Erjavčeva koča

Erjavčeva koča mountain hut is located on a scenic and exposed mountain location at Vršič Pass. The views from the area are beautiful, and it is understandable that visitors may want to capture them from the air.

However, the beauty of the location does not mean that drone flying is allowed. Please do not launch drones around the hut, parking area, viewpoints, roads, pastures, forests or nearby trails without first checking the rules and obtaining the required permission.

The hut area can include guests, hikers, cyclists, motorcyclists, cars, livestock, wildlife, staff, supply access and emergency access. Drone use without control or permission can create disturbance, safety issues and conflicts with other visitors.

Respect privacy and quiet

Please respect the privacy of hut guests, staff, local people and other visitors. Do not film people in or around the hut, on terraces, in the dining area, near rooms, near toilets, at viewpoints or in resting areas without permission.

Even if your drone flight is technically possible, it may still be disturbing, intrusive or inappropriate in a mountain hut environment.

Other Slovenian drone rules also apply

Drone operators must also follow all other relevant legislation that applies in Slovenia and the European Union. Triglav National Park restrictions are not the only rules. General aviation, safety, privacy, insurance, pilot registration and operational rules may also apply depending on the drone and purpose of use.

If you are unsure, do not fly. Check the rules first.

Better alternatives for photos and videos

You do not need a drone to capture beautiful memories at Vršič Pass. Erjavčeva koča is already located on a scenic viewpoint area, with beautiful views towards the surrounding Julian Alps, the Vršiška cesta road and the mountain landscape above the Pišnica valley.

Use a camera or phone from allowed viewpoints, marked trails and safe locations. Take photos without disturbing wildlife, livestock, other visitors or local life.

Respect the cultural landscape

People have shaped the cultural landscape of Triglav National Park for generations. Mountain huts, pastures, roads, trails, forests, meadows and settlements are part of a living relationship between people and nature.

Visitors should respect the people who live and work in the park and help preserve this exceptional natural and cultural landscape. Responsible photography and filming are part of that respect.

Final advice

If you want to use a drone in Triglav National Park, do not guess. Check the rules, contact the competent authority and obtain the required permission before flying.

If you do not have permission, leave the drone in your backpack and enjoy the view with your own eyes. The mountains are often most beautiful when they are quiet.