Slovenia : Lake Bled , Vintgar Gorge, Savica Waterfall & Getting lost in the Alpine forest during a hike to the base of Mt. Triglav (Slovenia's tallest Mountain)

9/10/20216 min read

Day 1 – Lake Bled

Sep 2021: After vacationing in Liechtenstein & Austria, I took an OBB train from Vienna to Slovenia. The multi-hour ride took us through the Austrian alps and countryside after which the train stopped at a small station. I then boarded a local train to get Bled Jeseco, where my Airbnb owner was waiting for me . It was nice of him to offer a ride as it would have taken a long time for me to walk. The house seemed pretty big for an old couple but I was more than happy to get a great deal considering the amount I paid.

After refreshing myself, I headed out to Lake Bled which was a good 1 hour walk approx. I saw this as an opportunity to explore the local surroundings. On my way, I crossed a small river, few streams and a bridge. All this was just next to the highway, so there was quite some activity ongoing. That did not surprise me at all as Lake bled is a very touristy spot. People come from all across Europe and also rest of the world to get a glimpse of this beautiful castle nestled in the middle of the charming lake.

Lake Bled in Slovenia’s Julian Alps is famous for its emerald waters and stunning island, home to the 17th-century Church of the Assumption. Overlooking the lake is Bled Castle, perched on a steep cliff. Popular activities include rowing, walking the lake’s 6-kilometer path, and enjoying Bled's signature cream cake.

Lake Bled

Day 2 – Vintgar gorge and Slovenian countryside

The next day, I was off to the Vintgar Gorge. Located about 4 kilometers from Lake Bled in Slovenia, it is a breathtaking natural gorge carved by the Radovna River. The 1.6-kilometer trail through the gorge features wooden walkways that hug the cliffside, providing close views of the river’s vibrant turquoise and emerald crystal-clear waters, along with stunning waterfalls, rapids, and pools. The highlight is the 13-meter Šum Waterfall at the gorge’s end, framed by dramatic rock formations and lush forest.

Stream running through the gorges

Wooden bridges for access to the gorge and crystal clear water flowing beside

Turquoise colored water

I spent rest of the day just wandering in the village of Zasip near the gorges. It was a nice way to get a peek at Slovenian countryside life.

Horses grazing besides the village chapel

The village of Zasip in the Slovenian countryside

Day 3 – Savica Waterfall

I set out early in the morning to Savica Waterfall, one of Slovenia’s most stunning natural wonders. Catching the bus from Bled was easy despite the long wait. The ride offers a glimpse of Lake Bohinj and the looming Julian Alps in the distance.

Once the bus dropped me off near Bohinj, the next phase began, a moderate hike to reach the falls. The trail to Savica Waterfall is about a 30-minute hike, but it's no mere stroll. The path takes you through a lush forest with several steep steps that add a bit of challenge. Along the way, I paused at occasional viewpoints that teased hints of the crystal-blue water I’d see up close soon.

As I reached the top, the waterfall finally came into view and it was worth every step. Savica Waterfall cascades dramatically in two streams, which converge into a vibrant pool below. The color of the water here is mesmerizing, a rich turquoise that seems to glow against the surrounding limestone cliffs. The sight was otherworldly, especially with the mist rising from the base.

The trail to the waterfall surrounded by the Julian Alps and Alpine Forests

Savica waterfall

On the return trail is where I witnessed some of the most crystal waters I have ever seen in my life. The gorgeous bluish green color is something that is hard to forget.

Crystal clear streams on the return trail

Viewpoint near the waterfall

Turquoise streams

Day 4 – Triglavska Bistrica Trail

Setting out early in the morning, the air was crisp and cold as I began my hike on the Triglavska Bistrica trail. Triglav National Park was just starting to wake up, and the tranquility of the early hours felt like a hidden gift, reserved only for those willing to rise early. The trail starts gently, with soft light filtering through towering trees, illuminating patches of moss and the occasional wildflower along the way.

The trail follows the Triglavska Bistrica River, and I could hear the sound of rushing water guiding me forward, growing louder as I walked deeper into the valley. The hike itself was moderate, with sections that were a bit rocky and uneven but nothing too strenuous. The path winds through dense forests and across small wooden bridges .At several points, the trail opened up to reveal views of the Julian Alps in the distance, their peaks still catching the first rays of sunlight.

Early on, I noticed a few bear warning signs, a reminder of the park’s raw, untamed nature. It added a sense of alertness to my steps, grounding me in the reality of the wild surroundings. Along the trail, I came across several caves. They looked like they held their own secrets, untouched by time

To recover all the calories I burnt, as soon as I got down at Bled, I devoured the famous Bled cream cake at a restaurant just opposite the lake. That was not a bad way at all to call it a day.

Bled's famous cream cake

The Hike trail

Cave systems in the hiking route

At one point, I started experimenting a bit too much probably due to a false sense of confidence, trying to explore paths that branched off the main trail. Before I knew it, I had veered off course, wandering up a trail that led me deeper into the forest. The excitement quickly shifted to concern when I realized I wasn’t sure how to get back. For a moment, I was alone in the thick of the forest, feeling the weight of silence and isolation around me. After a few attempts and a bit of backtracking, I found my way to the main trail again, and a little amused at my spontaneous detour.

After a satisfying hike, the trail finally opened up to a grand view: snow-capped Mount Triglavski, standing proudly at the trail’s end. There was something special about standing there, gazing at Slovenia’s highest mountain.