Vintgar Gorge

The route through the gorge is one-way: entrance near the village of Podhom, exit at Šum Waterfall. The path runs along wooden boardwalks 1–1.5 m wide, bolted into rock walls 2–10 m above the water. Below – turquoise pools, rapids, and cascades of the Radovna River. Cliff walls rise 50–80 m on both sides. Light filters in from above, casting shifting shadows on the water. Helmets are mandatory – provided free at the Visitor Centre.

Walking through the gorge itself takes about 45 minutes at a relaxed pace. After exiting at Šum Waterfall, two themed return trails are available: the King of Triglav Trail (alpine, sunny, with village views) and the River of Trees Trail (forested, shaded). Both loop back to the starting point and take 1.5–2 hours. The full circuit is approximately 3 hours.

At the start, the VINTGAR Visitor Centre provides information, a café, toilets, and audio guide distribution. At the exit, a refreshment stand sits above Šum Waterfall. Inside the gorge there is no infrastructure: no toilets, no bins. Bring water and snacks.

Length – 1,600 m of wooden boardwalks through a canyon up to 250 m deep

Šum Waterfall – Slovenia's largest river waterfall, 16 m high, at the end of the trail

History – open to visitors since 1893, one of Slovenia's first tourist trails

Radovna River – turquoise water, rapids, natural pools, and cascades throughout

Return trails – two themed routes through villages and forests, audio guide included

Vintgar Gorge was discovered in 1891 by Gorje mayor Jakob Žumer and cartographer Benedikt Lerchinger. Until then, the canyon was considered impassable – locals avoided it entirely. The name 'Vintgar' derives from the German Weingarten (vineyard), referencing the vineyards on surrounding hills. By 1893, wooden walkways had been constructed and the gorge was opened to the public, making it one of the region's first natural tourist attractions.

During the 20th century, the walkways were repeatedly destroyed by floods and rebuilt. A stone railway bridge from 1906 spanning the gorge (Jesenice–Bohinj line) became an additional landmark. In 2025, a managed-access system was introduced: parking relocated outside the gorge, electric shuttles launched, and simultaneous visitor numbers capped. The gorge welcomes approximately 300,000 visitors annually.

From Bled (4 km, 10–15 min):

– Free VINTGAR Shuttle electric bus from Bled central bus station – every 20 min

– By bicycle – 15–20 minutes, bike parking at the Visitor Centre

– On foot – 1–1.5 hours via the village of Podhom

– By car – to Central Parking VINTGAR LIP, then shuttle

From Ljubljana (60 km):

– Bus to Bled (€6–7, 1 hr 15 min), then shuttle to the gorge

– Rental car – park at Central Parking, then shuttle

On site:

From the shuttle stop to the gorge entrance – 5-minute walk. The trail through the gorge – 45 minutes. Return via themed trail – 1.5–2 hours.

Season: April–October. Best in April–May and late September–October: fewer visitors, cool but comfortable, autumn foliage in October. The gorge is closed in winter.

Time of day: Early morning (opening, 7:00–8:00 AM) – minimal crowds. 9:00 AM–2:00 PM – peak flow. After 4:00 PM – quieter (daily guided tour at this time).

Duration: 45 minutes for the gorge only. 3 hours for the full circuit with a return trail. 3.5–4 hours including travel from Bled.

Avoid: July–August weekends – maximum queues and boardwalk density. After heavy rain, the gorge may close due to high water levels.