Slovenia's last glacier vanishes from Triglav

The final piece of ice on the Triglav glacier in Slovenia has disappeared. New photographs taken this month, before and after a snowfall, confirm that no ice remains on the mountain's main body. This marks the end of the last known glacier on the country's highest peak.

The loss follows a period of rapid decline. Between 1983 and 2003, the ice mass lost 93% of its surface area. By that time, it covered less than one hectare of rock. It then persisted for two more decades, defying predictions that it would vanish sooner.

Historical records indicate the glacier was much larger in the past. In the mid-1800s, it covered approximately 40 hectares. By 1946, when scientists performed their first formal measurements, the area had shrunk to 14 hectares. Matija Zorn, director of the Anton Melik Geographical Institute, began taking measurements at the site in 2001.

Zorn noted that the rate of change accelerated in recent years. Europe has recorded its three hottest years in the last five. During this period, the remaining ice melted into isolated pockets. By the end of the summer, the final remnant of the main body measured only a few metres across.

Zorn described the physical changes he observed during his work. In 2002, he extracted an ice core that was five metres deep for geochemical analysis. In 2003, he stood on the same spot on bare rock. He said the point where he had to attach crampons to his boots moved back year after year as the glacier receded.

The glacier holds a specific place in Slovenian culture. Mount Triglav is the country's highest peak and a central part of national identity. It is a destination that skiers and climbers are expected to visit at least once. Zorn stated that the loss represents the end of an important data source and indicator of climate change.

The melting is part of a wider trend in the Alps. Fierce heatwaves have reduced many glaciers to rock deserts. Swiss glaciologists reported last month that nearly a fifth of the country's ice disappeared in the last five years. The volume of ice in Switzerland dropped by 5.5% in 2026.

Scientists have found ice in caves beneath Triglav. As the glacier retreated, it exposed new shafts where ice still exists. A second glacier on Skuta mountain has also shrunk. However, that patch is better shaded and is expected to remain for a few more years.

Western Europe experienced its hottest summer on record this year. The heat caused an estimated 50,000 deaths and led to failed harvests and power plant shutdowns. Scientists are currently assessing the damage to local ecosystems.

Miha Pavšek, a glaciologist and mountain guide, said the changes are visible but not yet fully acknowledged by the public. He has a photograph of his parents on the glacier from 1957. He said that with the melting of the glacier, a part of him is also going away.