Vintgar Gorge (Soteska Vintgar)

Shaped over the millennia by the raging waters of the River Radovna, the Vintgar Gorge slices through 1.6 km (one mile) of the Borst and Hom hills in northwestern Slovenia. First discovered in 1891, the narrow, winding river gorge was then impenetrable thanks to the vertical erosion of the limestone rock, but two years later a sandy trail and wooden pathways were built along the canyon length to open up its awesome waterfalls, icy cold pools and boiling rapids to visitors as it repeatedly crosses the river. One man‐made spectacle to look out for while hiking through the canyon is the stone arch of the Bohinj railway bridge, constructed in 1906 and hanging 110 feet (33.5 meters) above the river, which has become a magnet for adrenaline‐fueled whitewater rafters. The trail ends at the impressive Sum waterfall – the highest in Slovenia and spewing 52.5 feet (16 meters) into a pool at the head of the gorge. From Sum, walkers can retrace their steps along the gorge or make a circular tour towards the east, walking over the peak of Hom, past the pilgrim church of St Catherine and on down to Bled.

Practical Info

Practical information: Gorje, near Bled. The gorge is open daily in April to November from 8am to 7pm. Admission adults €4, children aged 6–14 €2. Vintgar Gorge is 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) north of Bled and accessed by bus from the main bus station, by car or on foot in about an hour.