Sleeping under the stars but only in campsites

Can I sleep outside under the stars?

The starry sky above Vršič Pass, the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park can be truly unforgettable. On clear nights, especially in winter and outside the busiest season, the area around Erjavčeva koča mountain hut is one of the best places in the wider area for observing the stars, the night sky and the quiet mountain atmosphere.

However, please do not let the beauty of the starry sky tempt you into sleeping outside just anywhere. In Slovenia, wild camping and bivouacking outside designated areas are not allowed. In Triglav National Park, sleeping outdoors is even more strictly controlled, including sleeping in cars at starting points or parking areas.

If you want to sleep legally and responsibly in nature, please use official campsites, registered accommodation, mountain huts, glamping sites or official motorhome stopovers where overnight stays are allowed.

Why wild camping is not allowed

Wild camping may look harmless, but in popular and protected areas it can quickly damage nature. It can lead to waste, toilet problems, noise, fire risk, disturbance of wildlife, damage to vegetation, illegal parking and pressure on fragile alpine habitats.

Triglav National Park is a protected natural area. Its purpose is not only tourism, photography and recreation, but also the long-term protection of nature, wildlife, water, forests, alpine meadows, local culture and peaceful mountain landscapes.

Please respect the park rules and choose legal accommodation instead of sleeping outside in random places.

Enjoy the stars from Erjavčeva koča

You can still enjoy the stars, the night sky and the peaceful mountain darkness from Erjavčeva koča mountain hut. The hut is located at Vršič Pass, 1,525 meters above sea level, in a scenic mountain area with less light pollution than towns and valleys.

On clear nights, the sky above the hut can be magical. In winter, when there are fewer visitors and the air is often sharper and clearer, the experience can be especially beautiful. You can step outside, watch the stars, take photos, breathe the cold mountain air and then return to a warm bed inside the hut.

This is the best combination: enjoy the night sky outdoors, but sleep legally, safely and warmly indoors.

Erjavčeva koča as a night-sky location

Erjavčeva koča stands on a scenic location on the Kranjska Gora side of the Vršič road. The area opens views towards the mountains above the Pišnica valley and the wider Vršič landscape, making it a special place for sunsets, night photography, quiet winter evenings and star observation.

If you want to watch the stars, please do it respectfully. Keep noise low, use lights carefully, do not disturb other guests, do not walk into unsafe terrain in the dark and do not leave waste behind.

Do not sleep in cars at parking areas

Please do not sleep in cars, vans, campers or motorhomes in random parking areas around Vršič Pass or inside Triglav National Park unless overnight parking is explicitly allowed at an official site.

Sleeping in vehicles at mountain starting points may still count as illegal overnight staying in a protected area. Use official campsites, motorhome stopovers or registered accommodation instead.

Use mountain huts, campsites and legal accommodation

If you want to stay overnight near Vršič Pass, the most suitable option is to book accommodation in a mountain hut or another registered accommodation provider.

Erjavčeva koča is open for overnight guests and offers a safe, warm and legal place to sleep at Vršič Pass. You can enjoy the stars outside and then rest inside the hut without breaking park rules or disturbing nature.

Safety at night in the mountains

Night in the mountains is beautiful, but it can also be cold, dark and risky. Temperatures can drop quickly, wind can become stronger, fog can reduce visibility, and trails can become dangerous after dark.

If you go outside at night to observe the stars, take a headlamp, warm clothing and proper footwear. Stay close to the hut, avoid exposed terrain, do not walk onto the road without visibility and return before you get cold or tired.

Responsible night photography

If you are taking night photos or filming the stars, please respect other guests and the natural environment. Avoid bright lights, loud conversations, drones without permission, walking into closed areas or disturbing wildlife.

The best night-sky experience is quiet, respectful and safe.

Final advice

Sleep under a legal roof, not illegally under the open sky. Enjoy the stars from Erjavčeva koča, admire the silence of the mountains and protect the nature of Triglav National Park.

The night sky is for everyone. Let us enjoy it without damaging the place below it.