Hiking Vintgar Gorge: Essential Tips and Routes
Located in Slovenia’s Julian Alps, Vintgar Gorge is a must-see destination. Carved by the Radovna River, it features stunning cliffs, lush foliage, and cascading waterfalls that capture visitors’ imaginations. As you stroll along the wooden walkways, you’ll encounter the refreshing scent of pine and the soothing sound of rushing water. Keep in mind, that Vintgar Gorge offers more than just beautiful scenery—it promises an unforgettable adventure for all who visit.
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Where is Vintgar Gorge?
The Vintgar Gorge sits within the Julian Alps on the eastern boundary of Triglav National Park, nestled between the peaks of Hom and Boršt. It is positioned 4 kilometres (2.48 mi) northwest of Lake Bled. See the exact location here.
How to get to Vintgar Gorge?
The mode of transportation to reach the gorge depends on your preference and starting point. Whether you choose to walk, bike, ride, or utilize public transportation, the decision hinges on your location. For those departing from Bled, the gorge is merely 4 km away, making it accessible regardless of the chosen method. Alternatively, Podhom offers a closer starting point. Moreover, even for travellers from Ljubljana, which is approximately 60 km away, the gorge is not far.
BY CAR
Perhaps the easiest and most comfortable way to reach the gorge is by car. However, securing a spot at the P1 parking lot requires arriving early; otherwise, another parking lot, P3, is available.
Being the nearest to Vintgar Gorge, tends to fill up rapidly due to its limited capacity of only 50 parking spaces.
Situated 2.5 km/1.55 mi from the Vintgar Gorge entrance(P1 car park), a free shuttle bus connects this park-and-ride parking lot with Vintgar Gorge. The shuttle service commences 30 minutes before the gorge opens and continues for 2 hours after it closes, operating seamlessly throughout the day.
Parking fee: P1: 10 EUR for cars, P3: 5 EUR for cars and 10 EUR for campers (no campers at P1).
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
If you plan to utilize the public bus or train network to reach Vintgar Gorge, please review your transportation options here. Opting for the bus is recommended; if you choose this mode of transportation, disembark at the central bus station in Bled (located next to the Bled Rose Hotel). From there, a complimentary VINTGAR e-Shuttle bus operates hourly, departing for the VINTGAR Visitor Centre (effective July 1, 2024, due to road closures). Alternatively, if you prefer traveling by train, I suggest alighting at Podhom, the nearest station to the VINTGAR Visitor Centre and conveniently within walking distance.
Hiking stats about the gorge
With a length of 1.6 km/1 mi one way, hiking the Vintgar Gorge out and back is not possible. Upon reaching the end of the gorge path, visitors are presented with two choices. Firstly, they can either return to the gorge entrance via the River of Trees Trail (2.7 km/1.67 mi long) or opt for the longer King of Triglav Trail (4.1 km/2.54 mi). After considering my options, I chose the first path and walked back to the parking lot. The duration of this hike typically ranges from 2 to 3 hours, depending on the length and frequency of your breaks.
Constructed with well-maintained boardwalks, the trail provides an easy and family-friendly experience nestled between the hills of Hom and Boršt. Furthermore, along the path, you’ll be greeted by the pristine waters of the Radovna River, as well as a bridge and the majestic Šum Waterfall.
Openings and prices at Vintgar Gorge
Vintgar Gorge typically allows visitors to explore its beauty from mid-April to late October, operating within a seasonal schedule. However, it shuts its gates during the winter months. The precise start and end dates may vary slightly each year, influenced by the prevailing weather conditions.
OPENING HOURS
During the summer months, Vintgar Gorge operates from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM. In contrast, during other months, the hours shift by one hour. You can find the specific months listed for reference.
To ensure your visit, it’s recommended to purchase tickets online in advance from tickets.vintgar.si. Due to daily limitations, there’s a risk of missing out if tickets are not bought beforehand.
PRICES
Adults: 10 EUR
Children (3-15 years): 5 EUR
Pets: 3 EUR
When to visit Vintgar Gorge?
Considering your seasonal preferences, it is advisable to visit during the off-season. Furthermore, avoiding July and August typically results in encountering fewer crowds. However, if you still wish to visit during those months, remain mindful of the peak hours between 10 am and 1 pm. Additionally, the site closes during the winter season. During my visit in June, I observed varying crowd levels at different points.
Šum Waterfall
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