Vintgar Gorge (Soteska Vintgar)

The Basics

Vintgar Gorge is one of the most popular half-day trips from Bled. The trails are family friendly, and the views are spectacular. After a hike, you can cool off in the swimming hole by the waterfall at the end of the gorge. Guided tours leave from Bled and Ljubljana and often include visits to other top local sights, such as Bled Castle and the Church of the Assumption of Mary on Bled Island.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Flat boardwalks and safety railings make this a great hike for kids.

• Bring a swimsuit and a towel if you want to jump in the swimming hole.

• You must pay an admission fee to enter the gorge.

• The hiking paths are narrow and uneven; visitors with wheelchairs and strollers would have a hard time navigating the terrain.

• There are several parking lots located near the gorge’s entrance, but they fill up fast during the summer months.

How to Get There

Vintgar Gorge lies just over 3 miles (5 kilometers) north of Bled. The easiest way to get there is by car: Take Cesta v Vintgar to the tiny town of Podhom, continue onto Sebenje, then take the winding Podhom road to the parking lots at the entrance of the gorge. Shuttle buses to the gorge leave from the main bus station in Bled; the shuttles are small, so book your seat in advance. You can also hike or bike to the gorge or join a tour with round-trip transportation.

When to Get There

The Vintgar Gorge is open to the public daily from morning through evening in the spring, summer, and fall. Opening and closing dates vary each year and are based on trail conditions, so check the schedule prior to visiting. The Vintgar Gorge is immensely popular with tourists and is most crowded around midday in July and August. To avoid crowds, visit when the trail opens in the morning or within two hours of closing time.

Other Lake Bled Attractions

Located in the foothills of Slovenia’s Julian Alps, Lake Bled looks like it belongs in a fairytale. Start your visit at the medieval Bled Castle, which is perched high on the cliffs overlooking the lake. Afterward, walk the paved path that runs along the lakeshore, hike to the Ojstrica viewpoint, or take a traditional pletna boat to the tiny island in the middle of the lake and tour the island’s lovely Baroque church.