Slovenia is full of surprises with an endless array of natural wonders at your feet, and Vintgar Gorge is certainly one of them.
With its crystal-clear emerald waters, charming wooden pathways, rapid pools and enchanting waterfalls, a trip to Vintgar Gorge is an experience not to miss.
It’s the perfect activity for everyone, regardless of age and fitness levels. The walk doesn’t require a head for heights required for an activity like climbing Triglav, instead it’s an easy to reach scenic walking route.
How to get to Vingtar Gorge
Located just over 4 km from Lake Bled, you have the option to walk, catch a bus, take a taxi, or drive if you have a hire car. I decided to walk from the town centre and it took just an hour by foot.
You’ll spot several signposts indicting the direction, or you can follow the route on your map if you have data. It’s impossible to get lost.
The journey itself sets the stage, as you meander through the charming Slovenian countryside, admiring all the quaint houses and lush gardens.
I could hardly believe my eyes at the sight of the vegetation I spotted literally sprouting from gardens and onto the roadside.
In particularly, were some long vegetables (I think?) that looked a bit like courgettes (zucchini) draping onto the road, as though melting like a Salvador Dali painting. I’d love to know what kind of vegetable it is, so if anyone knows, please leave the answer in the comment box below!
On my way to Vintgar Gorge, I also stopped to admire a huge cornfield. The cobs looked ready to harvest with their yellow kernels cautiously peering through their outer layer as though to wish me hello. I bet they didn’t realise how enticing they looked to by-passers, or at least to me they did… Who doesn’t enjoy baked corn on the cob oozing with lashings of butter?
There’s clearly something about Slovenia’s climate that enables homegrown vegetables and flowers to truly thrive. It must be all that fresh mountain air.
If you’d prefer to catch the bus, there’s a shuttle bus that goes to Vintgar Gorge from Lake Bled. However these only run during the summer season from late June to mid-September. I recommend enquiring at the Tourist Information Centre. The bus takes approximately 30 minutes.
If you decide to drive, it’ll take you no time at all to get there. And once you arrive there’s a car park at the entrance.
A Journey Through Time and Nature
The history of Vintgar Gorge dates back to 1891 when Jakob Žumer, the mayor of the nearby town of Gorje, and photographer and cartographer and Benedikt Lergetporer discovered the gorge.
Recognising its unique beauty, they envisioned a way for visitors to experience this natural marvel. Consequently, wooden pathways and bridges were constructed, creating the infrastructure that allows us to explore the gorge today.
If you’ve been to Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, that’ll give you an impression of what to expect, however, on a much smaller scale.
Admiring Geological Marvels
As you enter Vintgar Gorge, the beauty unfolds immediately. A well-maintained wooden boardwalk takes you along the Radovna River. This pathway, with its thoughtful integration into the natural environment, is a testament to the early visionaries who sought to preserve the gorge’s beauty while making it accessible to the public.
The gorge itself is a geological masterpiece, shaped by the Radovna River over thousands of years. Limestone walls rise dramatically on both sides, reaching heights of up to 100 metres. The river’s continuous flow has carved the narrow canyon, creating a stunning passage adorned with moss-covered rocks and ferns.
Tracing the Rapids and Pools
Witnessing the rapids and pools along the Radovna River is not just a scenic delight but also a glimpse into the geological forces that have shaped Vintgar Gorge. The rushing waters, churning through the narrow canyon, have carved out cascades and waterfalls that add a dynamic and rhythmic element to the serene surroundings.
One of the best views from within the gorge is a single-arch stone bridge of the Bohinj railway, constructed in 1906, which crosses above the gorge at a height of 33.5 metres.
The Famous Šum Waterfall: A Natural Triumph
The pièce de résistance of Vintgar Gorge is the Šum Waterfall, a natural triumph where the Radovna River cascades over rocks, creating a spectacular 13-meter high waterfall. Standing on the viewing platform, you not only feel the mist on your face but also appreciate the raw power and beauty of this geological masterpiece.
At the time I was there, dramatic beams of sunlight flooded the whole view. Realising the epic collision of all nature’s finest elements, a man scooped up his son and humorously posed for the camera. In something akin to a biblical scene, he held him up like he had just found baby Moses.
The Journey Back to Bled Through the Valley
At the end of the route you can either retrace your steps back through the gorge or take a separate hiking trail through the valley.
Although it was tempting to go back the same way came after enjoying it so much, I figured since I didn’t have a car to go back to, exploring the valley in seek of new sights and sounds was a preferable option.
I passed the lovely little medieval Church of St Catherine. It offers a beautiful panorama of the valley, and someone else clearly agreed as it has a built-in balcony complete with fading but detailed frescoes.
From there I walked through the charming little village of Zasip which is home to three adorable churches. I was very surprised at the number of churches for such a small village catering to such a small population. Historically, however, the region has been a well-trodden pilgrim route for centuries so that might be something to do with the high volume.
Zasip also reveals an array of quaint wooden homes, many possessing picturesque balconies overlooking the valley, each with enviable floral displays like you’d find in Switzerland.
So charming, so close to nature, so relaxing. It’s these type of places that make me dream about living in the countryside. Maybe one day, eh?
Practical information
- Wear practical clothing, including footwear with a decent grip. I’d also pack a water-resistant jacket just in case.
- If you’d prefer to hire a car to visit Vintgar Gorge, you can check prices and book via Rentalcars.com.
- I recommend staying in Bled which has a wide range of accommodation options. You can compare prices and book via Booking.com.
- If you’re travelling to Slovenia from neighbouring countries, you can also do so by train. The capital city of Ljubljana is easy reachable by direct trains from Austria (Vienna), Germany (Munich), Switzerland (Zurich), Croatia (Zagreb), Hungary (Budapest) and Serbia (Belgrade). You can book and check routes, prices, dates via the Trainline.com.
- Alternatively, you also have the option to travel by bus. Check dates and times via Busbud.com.
Are you planning a trip to Vintgar Gorge?
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2 Responses
The vegetable is a variety of long gourd.
Hi Nigel! Ahhh a gourd! I’m glad someone knew, thanks for letting me know! 😀