SLOVENIA | Slovenia: Waterfalls and Gorges
A relaxed itinerary in a country jam-packed with natural treasures.
Trip Highlights:
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Visits to Slovenia's most spectacular and tallest waterfalls.
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Visit Bled, a historic village on a stunning lake.
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A more relaxed hiking itinerary with luggage access every night.
This easygoing Waterfall and Gorges Slovenia hiking tour features three nights in the tiny, charming village of Ukanc and two nights in the storybook village of Bled and two nights in the alpine resort of Kranjska Gora, near the mountains and glacial lakes of Triglav National Park. The hiking schedule is relaxed with extra time for sightseeing and general enjoyment of Slovenia’s infinite treasures. You’ll also have luggage access during every night.
Begin your tour in Ukanc, a small settlement on the shores of Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest glacial lake. Hike to Slap Savica, one of the most famous and impressive waterfalls in Slovenia and hike to a traditional alpine hut called Kosijev Dom. Have lunch at the hut as you gaze across the waters of Lake Bohinj and the snow-capped Triglav (9,396 feet/2,864 meters), the highest mountain in the Julian Alps.
Transfer to Bled on day four, a fairytale hamlet set in a sparkling glacial lake of the same name. Hike the Vintgar Gorge, and snap photos of Slovenia’s tallest waterfall, the Šum. Spend your second day in Bled circumnavigating the lake with postcard perfect views of the 1,000 year old Bled Castle perched high on a rocky cliff and Bled Island. Bled Island is famous for its Church of the Assumption, a Baroque church containing fresco fragments from the fourteenth century and a gold altar. The foundation of the church also contains remains of a pre-Romanesque chapel, the only such remains in Slovenia.
Finish your Slovenia hiking tour in the famous ski village of Kranjska Gora, nestled in the Sava Dolinka Valley at the doorstep of the Triglav National Park. Just outside of town, the mountain peaks Vitranc (5,351 feet/1,631 meters), Razor (8,533 feet/2,601 meters) and Prisojnik (8,356 feet/2,547 meters) rise abruptly and provide the most perfect mountain backdrop. You’ll spend two days in Kranjska Gora hiking to stunning waterfalls and climbing above tree line for magical views of the surrounding peaks.
Trip Elevation
Trip Itinerary
Choose from our standard itinerary or customize the trek by adding or subtracting days.
Ryder-Walker will arrange a private taxi transfer from Ljubljana to Ukanc, a quiet hamlet on the shores of Lake Bohinj—Slovenia’s largest glacial lake. Nestled beneath the 6562 ft. peaks of the lower Bohinj mountains and surrounded by alpine meadows, Lake Bohinj is an ideal base for scenic day hikes. Just a short walk from your cozy inn, the Vogel cable car whisks you up to sweeping 360-degree views of the Julian Alps.
Step out of your charming inn and begin your hike to Slap Savica, one of Slovenia’s most iconic and breathtaking waterfalls. Fed by the glacial waters of Triglav’s Seven Lakes, Savica plunges dramatically into a turquoise pool tucked within a narrow gorge. Along the way, pause at a quiet World War I military cemetery nestled on the hillside below the Vogel cable car station—a poignant reminder of the region’s history. After your visit to the falls, return to your secluded inn in Ukanc.
Distance: 4 to 6 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 970 ft.
Today’s outing begins with a boat ride across Lake Bohinj to the little village of Stara Fuzina. This walk follows a deep, magical river gorge to Slap na Vojah waterfall before circling back on a charming carriage road dotted with small, charming summer cottages and flowering meadows. Mountain views abound. Lunch can be enjoyed at Koca na Vojah located near the waterfall. Enjoy a lovely walk back to the hotel or return by boat to Ukanc.
Distance: 5.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 500/1500 ft.
Our driver will transfer you to Bled, a storybook village set on a shimmering glacial lake of the same name. With its emerald waters, island chapel, and medieval castle perched high above the shore, Bled feels straight out of a fairytale. After settling into your hotel, set out on a hike through the dramatic Vintgar Gorge. Follow a 1,600-meter wooden walkway suspended above the rushing Radovna River, weaving past swirling rapids, tranquil pools, and moss-covered rock walls. The trail ends at the thundering Šum waterfall—Slovenia’s highest river rapid—before you return to your welcoming hotel in Bled.
Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 550 ft.
Start your day with a rewarding hike up to Osojnica, Lake Bled’s iconic viewpoint, where panoramic views of Bled Island, the castle, and the Julian Alps await. After descending, enjoy a scenic lakeside walk around Lake Bled. Stroll past charming hamlets, the 1000-year-old Bled Castle, and the picturesque Assumption of Mary Church. Watch traditional pletna boats glide across the water, and don’t miss a taste of Bled’s famous cream cake, kremna rezina. Return to your hotel in Bled after this memorable outing.
Distance: 6 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1000 ft.
Our driver will transfer you to Kranjska Gora, a charming alpine town near the Austrian and Italian borders. From here, enjoy a peaceful walk up the Tamar Valley, passing the scenic source of the Sava River—Slovenia’s most renowned waterway. The valley is framed by strikingly steep peaks that rise dramatically on all sides. Stop for lunch at the welcoming Tamar Dom mountain hut before returning to Kranjska Gora. Spend the night in a delightful, family-run three-star hotel tucked away in a quiet corner of town.
Distance: 5 to 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1320 ft.
Hike out of Kranjska Gora to Peč, a scenic ridge where the borders of Slovenia, Italy, and Austria converge. Follow quiet farm roads through centuries-old villages before climbing onto beautiful singletrack that leads above the treeline to your highpoint. Take in sweeping alpine views before descending to the enchanting village of Rateče. This route can be shortened if desired. Return to your hotel in Kranjska Gora for the evening.
Distance: up to 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2000 ft.
Ryder-Walker will provide a private taxi transfer to Ljubljana.
