Mangart saddle - Mangart - Mangart saddle ('Slovenian via ferrata' way up/'Normal' way down) (09/2022)

Physical difficulty: 2.5/5
Technical difficulty: 4/5 (with "Slovenian via ferrata" being rated grade B)

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Note #1: There are 3 ways up & down Mangart peak - 2 ferratas and one "normal" way. The ferratas are both optional. There is some confusion in the naming, as the same phrases are used to describe different things. Check waypoint Intersection #5 for more details and a map!

Starting from the Mangart saddle (aka the lodge) the ITALIAN FERRATA (grade C) comes first and it DOES NOT GO to the summit. It's just a roundabout way for the adventurous and it connects to Intersection #5.

Then there is the ITALIAN WAY (aka the "NORMAL WAY") which DOES GO to the summit. It does not require any special equipment, but it is technically demanding and a good part of it is put up with steel cables and hand/foot-holds for better security.

Finally, there is the SLOVENIAN FERRATA which starts at the same intersection as the Italian way. It's a more beginner-friendly ferrata (Grade B) and it DOES GO to the top.

Read more about ferrata difficulty grades: https://www.bergfreunde.eu/via-ferrata-grades-calculator/

Note #2: Weather is fickle in the Julian Alps. The ascent to Mangart over a rainy day can be very dangerous, and it's recommended to attempt it only on sunny days. If the weather is good, mornings are usually cloudless, while at around noon the cloud covers start to form. Check the forecast in advance and plan accordingly: https://www.hike.uno/weather_mountain/mangart/1/4

Note #3: The foot of Mangart peak, the Mangart saddle, can be reached by car. The road up the mountain is not toll-free (reported price €5), but when we drove up passage was free for whatever reason.

Note #4: Said road up to the saddle is the highest road in Slovenia, and is reportedly arduous and dangerous and amazingly beautiful. We didn't think it fit any of those
descriptions. It's not that long; it is narrow but there are plenty of wider spaces for cars to pass in opposing directions. The drive up to Vršič pass above Kranjska gora was way more chaotic than this. The views are very pretty, but are also not that breathtaking as described, if you've spent some time before in the Julian Alps.

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The usual ascent to Mangart is: Up through the "Slovenian ferrata", down through "Normal" way, which is how we did it. After leaving your car on the parking in the Mangart saddle, we headed for the aptly named Mangart Saddle Lodge (slo. Koča na Mangrtskem sedlu).

From the Lodge, follow the markings towards Mangart. You'll walk over grassy hills, cross the asphalt road a few times, and then finally over scree come to the foot of the great Mangart peak.

At intersection #4 is the branching for the Italian ferrata. Continue right towards the next intersection #5, where you'll be given a choice whether to continue up the Slovenian ferrata or the Normal way (aka Italian way).

The Slovenian ferrata is beginner-friendly, and it can be navigated without special equipment - but do not underestimate it! One wrong step, a loose foot- or hand-hold, a slip up... will be deadly. So be conscientious and bring the ferrata equipment (harness, appropriate lanyard, helmet) and exercise proper clipping/unclipping techniques. For first time "ferratiers" (this is us!), the advance can be extra slow and become mentally exhausting after a while. There are a few exposed sections which could give problem to people prone to vertigo. We took about 2 full hours on the ferrata itself.

The summit itself offers a beautiful 360° view in all directions: into Italy, Austria and Slovenia. Visible from below are also the twin Mangart Lakes (aka Laghi di Fusine). Once you take in the views, start down via the Italian way (Normal way).

This is a normal hiking trail, no special equipment needed. Cautions is advised because the descent is quite steep at times, and also largely on scree (loose rocks and debris). In many places it's accompanied by steel cables for extra security. You will come down back at Intersection #5 from where you continue towards the parking lot.

For more details about specific waypoints, check the waypoint descriptions!