Vintgar Gorge hike: Popular natural attraction in Slovenia
A Vintgar Gorge walk in Slovenia was a last-minute decision on our part, before leaving for Zagreb. And what a fabulous day trip it turned out to be from Lake Bled to Vintgar Gorge. The Vintgar Gorge hike would feature in one of the top easy hikes that can be done in Slovenia with kids.
Slovenia itself was a last-minute addition to our two-week itinerary in Croatia. The first thing that hits you about crossing the border from Croatia to Slovenia is how green and gorgeous the country is. We had spent a few hours doing a food walk in Ljubljana a day earlier and then spent the night in the scenic Lake Bled area. The next morning was spent doing the picturesque Vintgar Gorge walk before we headed back to Zagreb.
We only stopped at Lake Bled for a night. But if you are stopping for longer, you could take in some of the best view points on Lake Bled, especially when the crowds have cleared out.
The Vintgar Gorge walk turned out to be an easy and satisfying half-day trip from Bled. It is easy to imagine why this is one of the most popular natural features of Slovenia and on many itineraries for a day trip from Ljubljana as well.
The 1.6 km long Vintgar Gorge carves its way through the vertical rocks of the Hom and Borst hills and is graced by the Radovna with its waterfalls, pools and rapids.
The trail goes over wooden bridges and ends with a bridge overlooking the impressive 13 m high Šum waterfall.
Photo Inspiration for the Vintgar Gorge walk
Here are some photos from our Vintgar Gorge hike in Slovenia to give you an idea of its natural beauty and to spark your wanderlust!
The Vintgar Gorge walk is suitable for everyone, although putting on sensible shoes would be my recommendation. My daughter could do the hike easily, she did a get bit tired while coming back.
You can imagine why Vintgar Gorge is such a popular natural destination. And makes for an easy day trip from Ljubljana or Lake Bled for a family.
Its steep depths, vertical walls, rapid river beneath, vegetation and waterfall are so picturesque. You feel one with nature at Vintgar Gorge.
The easy walking trail leads you over wooden bridges, from where you can enjoy the natural beauty in all its glory.
There are several places where you can actually go down to the river bank to take a snap. My daughter enjoyed putting her hands in the deliciously cold water.
The single-arch stone bridge of the Bohinj railway, constructed in 1906, which crosses the gorge 33.5 m above the trail. There is a dam from which the water is routed to the small Vintgar hydroelectric power plant under the Šum waterfall.
General information: Lake Bled to Vintgar Gorge
- We had a car and drove towards Podham which is located 4 km north of Bled. You have to follow the signboards from Podham, but I admit we took a couple of wrong turns and got lost even with the signs.
- Parking is free just outside the park entrance.
- There is a small cafe at the entrance. Make sure you use the toilets at the entrance as well, since there are none within the park.
- There is another small cafe inside the park at the end of the Sum waterfall. You can enjoy an ice-cream or soda here.
For more information on opening time, entrance fees, check out Vintgar.
Stay and Food around Vintgar Gorge and Lake Bled
We spent the night in Lake Bled at Villa Istra. Our charming 2-bedroom apartment in this villa-converted-to-design-hotel had direct access to the lake with stellar views. Their breakfast spread was very good, we didn’t try any other meal there.
We had a delicious dinner at Sova, a stone’s throw from Villa Istra in Lake Bled. The mushroom soup in a sourdough bowl at the Restaurant Vintgar, right outside the park, is just the thing after a long walk.
For more ideas on what to do in and around Lake Bled, check these posts:
12 Things to Do In Lake Bled, Slovenia
Things to do in winter at Lake Bled
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Have you visited Slovenia? Which is your favourite hike there?
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I had to look up Vintgar Gorge to see what country. Please, for your readers, tell us where in the world you are writing about – up front! Beautiful place.
Thanks for your constructive feedback Wendy, appreciate it. I have edited the opening para to add that context.
This is a beautiful place! I do not want to miss it if I visit Slovenia. I have saved this post for later (who knows if I am able to visit the area next year).
This looks like a must do. That gorge is beautiful! Thanks for including tips on where to stay and dine, always helpful!
Thanks for dropping by Lara. Slovenia is a gorgeous country.