Waddle through the stunning Triglav Gorge and the scenic way back
Tucked away in Triglav National Park is the stunning Vintgar Gorge, a true gem among the gorges you can waddle and explore in Slovenia. With dramatic rock formations, vibrant blue-green waters, and lush forests, this gorge will give you an unforgettable hiking experience. Join us as we waddle through the gorge and marvel at towering cliffs and natural pools. Read on to learn where to park, what to expect, when to visit, and more.
When to Visit Vintgar Gorge
The best time to visit Vintgar Gorge is during late spring to early autumn (May to September), when the weather is warm and the trails are most accessible. Spring and early summer bring wildflowers and lush greenery, while autumn graces the area with brilliant hues of orange and gold. Visiting outside these months may be risky as the trails can become slippery and challenging, especially during Slovenia’s snowy winters. However, it can add a different kind of magic. So in the end, it depends on you what you prefer. We visited in early summer and enjoyed it. Note: During winter, it is closed for safety reasons.
Getting to Vintgar Gorge
Getting to Vintgar Gorge from Bled is straightforward and scenic, offering options for both hikers and drivers. Coming from Bled, it is a quick 10-minute ride to the gorge entrance in the village of Podhom, where you’ll find parking near the starting point. Alternatively, you can take a leisurely 4-kilometer waddle from Bled, following charming pathways through fields, forests, and small villages. This short hike serves as a perfect warm-up, letting you enjoy the peaceful Slovenian countryside before diving into the stunning natural beauty of the gorge itself.
Where to Park at the Vintgar Gorge
Parking is available near the entrance of Vintgar Gorge in Podhom village. Since the gorge can get busy, especially during peak season, it’s wise to arrive early to secure a spot. Another option is to park in Bled and take a scenic 4 km waddle through local villages and forests to the gorge. The journey from Bled offers a lovely, gradual warm-up for the hike ahead.
The price of parking close to the entrance is 10€. Payment via card is possible for the parking person. The parking lot is big, and there is also plenty of space for bicycles.
Practical Information for Visiting Vintgar Gorge
Opening Hours
Vintgar Gorge is typically open to visitors from May to October, with daily opening hours from 8.00 am to 7.00 pm in the summer months (June to August). In spring and autumn (May, September, October), hours may vary, often closing around 5.00 pm. Vintgar Gorge is closed to visitors during the winter months.
It’s a good idea to check for updates on the opening hours before your visit, as they may change slightly depending on weather conditions or maintenance. Check it out here – link.
Plan your visit in the morning or afternoon to avoid the crowds. The Vintgar Gorge is most crowded between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm.
We came for the opening hours and had the gorge to ourselves. When we later returned to our car there was already a line for the entry.
Tickets and Admission
Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance to the gorge in Podhom village. Payment is usually in cash, so having euros on hand is recommended. Alternatively, you can sometimes find online ticket options, particularly during peak season. We recommend buying tickets online, as you have to buy them for a specific time to enter.
- Adults: 10 €
- Children: 5 €
- Penguins: free entry
See more about ticket prices at their official website here – link
Close to the Visitor Center, there is also a bathroom and souvenir shop. All very convenient.
What to Expect at Vintgar Gorge
Vintgar Gorge stretches for approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) and is an easy yet stunningly scenic waddle from start to finish. You’ll be walking along well-maintained wooden boardwalks and paths suspended above the rushing waters, passing emerald pools, waterfalls, and towering rock faces along the way. One of the highlights is the Šum Waterfall at the end of the gorge—the largest river waterfall in Slovenia and a prime spot for photos.
Interesting Fact: The gorge was discovered in 1891 by Jakob Žumer, a local mayor, and Benedikt Lergetporer, a cartographer. Shortly after, the gorge was developed with boardwalks to make its stunning views accessible to the public, making it one of the first tourist destinations in Slovenia.
Local Legend of Vintgar Gorge
According to Slovenian folklore, the gorge was carved by the devil himself! The story goes that the devil was enraged by the Radovna River’s refusal to flow where he wanted, so he smashed his way through the rock to create the gorge. But in his fury, he was outwitted by the townsfolk, who blessed the waters to keep them safe. This tale adds a sense of mystery as you wind your way through the gorge, listening to the echoing rush of the river below.
Our Waddle:
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- Waddle duration: 1 hour 47 minutes
- Distance: 6.14 km (3.81 miles)
- Route: yellow, red
- Map: link
- Things to see: Vintgar Gorge, Šum Waterfall
Waddling the Vintgar Gorge
Before you enter, be aware that helmets are mandatory in the gorge.
You can pick up your helmet at the VINTGAR Visitors Centre. Have your ticket ready before entering, as you have to scan it. Also note that it will only open the gate when you arrive at the particular time frame you purchased the tickets for, not earlier or later.
Now all set, we enjoyed the waddle through the gorge, which, as mentioned, we had for ourselves. Getting up early has its perks.
Towering limestone cliffs stretch up to 100 meters high, creating a natural pathway carved by the crystal-clear Radovna River. The gorge’s 1.6-kilometer trail leads you along wooden boardwalks and bridges that hug the curves of the cliffs, bringing you right above the water’s edge for unbeatable views of rushing rapids, tranquil emerald pools, and mini waterfalls that punctuate the river’s journey. You can learn even more here – link.
The gorge has diverse flora and fauna, offering a unique mix of plant species that thrive in its cool, damp environment. You’ll spot mosses and ferns clinging to the rocks, delicate wildflowers lining the path, and trees like beech and fir reaching toward the sunlight that filters in from above. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of small mammals like the elusive Alpine shrew or dormouse. You might catch a glimpse of something small.
One of the gorge’s main highlights is the Šum Waterfall, Slovenia’s largest river waterfall, which roars down a 13-meter drop at the trail’s end. As the only waterfall of its kind in the country, Šum provides a dramatic finale to the waddle.
The Long Waddle Back: Taking the Loop Trail
After you get out of the gorge through a gate and return the helmet, go check out another waterfall down the stairs. It was truly magical, as all waterfalls are.
From here, you have two options for returning: a shorter and a longer one. As always, we advise you to take the long route as we did, which takes you first through a forest before you get out near a church.
St. Cathrine on Hom (634 m)
The scenic viewpoint near the church of St. Catharine on Hom rises above the village of Zasip, which is one of the area’s most typical landscape features. Slovenia’s greatest poet, France Preseren, called it “the altar of (the) Gorenjska (region).” St. Catharines church, popular with hikers and tourists, is on the top of Hom Hill (834 m). The nearby lookout point offers spectacular views of Bled and its surroundings, from the Karavanke range and the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in the northeast to the Radovljica basin and the Ljubljana basin further southeast, to the Jelovica and Pokljuka plateaus in the south and southwest.
As you continue to waddle, you will be led on a pathway underneath the forest and with breathtaking views along the way.
The Holy Trinity Church in Sebenje
The Holy Trinity Church in Sebenje, Slovenia, is famous for a remarkable archaeological discovery known as the Sebenje Hoard. Uncovered near the church, this treasure trove of coins dates back to the early medieval period, offering a rare glimpse into Slovenia’s historical and economic landscape. The hoard, likely buried for safekeeping, contains silver coins from various regions, revealing Slovenia’s connections to broader European trade networks. Local inhabitants probably hid the coins to protect their wealth during instability or conflict. Today, the Sebenje Hoard is highly valued for its insights into the cultural and economic exchanges of early medieval Slovenia, and it highlights the historical significance of the Holy Trinity Church area as a site of preservation and heritage. Listen more here – link.
The Hag’s Tooth
Once upon a time, a powerful witch lived on the Jelovica plateau, an expansive, forested region nestled in the mountains of Slovenia. Known for her knowledge of herbs and potent spells, she spent her days gathering plants, chanting incantations, and communing with nature. One day, she cast a particularly intense spell that shaped the landscape, leaving behind a unique, jagged rock formation at the plateau’s northern edge. This formation, now known as the Hag’s Tooth or Babji Zob, juts sharply against the sky and has become a favorite destination for hikers and day-trippers. Rising steeply above the trees, the rock is unmistakable with its rugged, tooth-like appearance, drawing visitors with its eerie beauty and mysterious legend. Listen more here – link.
Meadows and the pastoral community
As you waddle on, the gentle sound of cowbells resonates across the sunny slopes, a timeless tribute to a way of life rooted in pastoralism. Here, the herdsmen—part of a proud pastoral community—guide their cattle across the lush meadows of Hom, where the traditions of livestock rearing and bell-making have thrived for generations. As you wander through these pastures, the spirit of pastoralism remains vibrant, embodied by the clinking of handcrafted bells and the sight of grazing herds against the backdrop of Alpine landscapes. These meadows, rich with history and culture, reflect a community deeply connected to its heritage, where each sound and view serves as a reminder of an enduring pastoral legacy. Listen more here – link.
Be aware to stop and scan the QR codes of the poles along the way. We were impressed with how Slovenia has incorporated local legends, facts, and stories along a hiking trail. They are very well-spoken and interesting to listen to along your hike.
The whole waddle finished back at the parking, lol, where when we checked, the like to go into the gorge was long. So once again, here’s a reminder: visit in the early morning hours. We hope you enjoy your waddle as we did.
