Shaped over the millennia by the raging waters of the River Radovna, the Vintgar Gorge slices through 1.6 km (one mile) of the Boršt 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. A stone arch of the Bohinj railway bridge, constructed in 1906 is hanging 33.5 meters above the river. The trail ends at the impressive Šum waterfall, spewing 16 meters into a pool at the head of the gorge. From Šum, 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. Vintgar has become a magnet for adrenaline‐fueled whitewater rafters.
Practical information:
The gorge is open daily from April to November from 8 am to 7 pm.
Admission adults €10, children €5.
Gorje, near Bled. Vintgar Gorge is 4 kilometers north of Bled and accessed by bus from the main bus station, by car or on foot in about an hour.