Triglav national park is located in Julian Alps, Slovenia. The highest peak is Mt Triglav (2864m) which gave a name to the park. The limestone mountains here are sharp and dramatic with narrow valleys and beautiful rivers. As small as the area of national park is, it features surprisingly large number of amazing waterfalls. In this article I am sharing the 10 best waterfalls of Triglav national park for photography. You will find photos, short description and information how to photograph them (via PhotoHound).
Savica Waterfall
Savica waterfall (slap Savica) has a symbolical meaning for Slovenians. Our most famous poet France Prešern has immortalised it in his poem Krst pri Savici so it is important for our national identity. Nevertheless, the waterfall is also incredibly beautiful and worth taking a hike to photograph it. Its location above Lake Bohinj is also breathtaking – no wonder why Prešern included it in his poem.
Kozjak Waterfall
Kozjak waterfall (slap Kozjak) is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Slovenia. Not because of its size but its unique setting in a natural rock chamber. It is located near Kobarid, a historical town located in Soča river valley. There is a lovely trail leading to the waterfall which takes about 30 minutes. There is a wooden view platform from where one can photograph the waterfall. The more adventurous photographers will wade the water around to get a closer look.
I was kindly corrected by my friend Aleš, a TNP expert, that Kozjak waterfall is not technically located in the park. I will leave it here on this list because of its beauty and a “must see” status:)
Diagonal Waterfall
The Diagonal waterfall (Poševni slap) is one of the most inaccessible waterfalls of Triglav national park. It is located near Log pod Mangartom, close to Italian border. It was created by Predilica stream and can only be accessed by wading and scrambling up its stream. This requires some climbing skills and a will to get into ice cold water a couple of times. For safety, it is advisable to visit when water levels are stable and not too high. The reward is a rarely visited unique waterfall and a wild nature.
Waterfalls of Šunik Water Hurst
Lepena valley is hiding a little natural gem. Lepenjica stream, a tributary of Soča river, has created beautiful cascades and waterfalls in its upper course. Šunik water hurst (Šunikov vodni gaj) is the most beautiful section that can be visited on a round trip that takes about an hour. Allow at least 2-3 hours to photograph it. My favourite time is late autumn, when leaves create beautiful colour contrast to emerald green of the water.
Waterfalls of Fratarica
Fratarica stream (potok Fratarica) originates under the mighty Loška stena (Log wall), near Log pod Mangartom. A popular nickname of the area is a “valley of hundred waterfalls”. Most of these only exist after heavy rains. Fratarica however, has a permanent water flow and has created a set of unique waterfalls along its course. The most interesting two are the Dvojna latvica (double bowl) and Katedrala (The Cathedral). Both of these are accessible via steep trail that does not require technical skills. There are more waterfalls higher up, but require more effort to get to.
Voje Waterfall
Beautiful Mostnica river at Lake Bohinj features one more hidden gem in its short course to Sava river. The waterfall at the end of Voje valley is small, but incredibly picturesque. My suggestion is to explore Mostnica river first, there is so much to photograph there! Then, continue to the end of the valley to visit this waterfall. Along the way, you will find some interesting shepherd’s huts. A couple of mountain cottages offer home cooked, mountain food.
Peričnik Waterfall
My personal favourite. Peričnik Waterfall (slap Peričnik) offers so many photographic opportunities that I call it “the King of waterfalls of Triglav national park”. Peričnik has two parts, the lower (bigger) and the upper part. Both are very picturesque. Best time to visit is either autumn, when forest turn colours or in winter when frozen. Frozen Peričnik is very very different. Unlike summer when there is only a narrow water column, winter cold wraps the entire sandstone wall into icicles. Just spectacular!
Waterfalls of Martuljek
Martuljek stream (potok Martuljek) runs its course down the northern slopes of Špik mountain range of Julian Alps. Well maintained (but steep and tough) trail will take you to two waterfalls. The lower is much bigger and easy to photograph. The upper waterfall takes some climbing skills to get to (nowadays there are steel ropes and iron pegs installed). The trail is an adventure on its own. Beautiful wild nature with hardly any visitors. In winter it can be very dangerous because of falling rocks and ice so I recommend it only to experienced mountaineers.
Šum Waterfall at Vintgar Gorge
Vintgar gorge (soteska Vintgar) is one of the most popular natural attractions around Lake Bled. Radovna river flows through its narrowest part, creating amazing scenery. The boardwalks and bridges allow visitors to enjoy this beauty and at the end of the gorge there is a beautiful Šum waterfall. The best thing to do is to visit both, the Vintgar gorge (tickets) and the waterfall which is located outside of the paid entrance.
Boka Waterfall
Let’s finish with the largest waterfall in Slovenia, the Boka waterfall (slap Boka). The water drop is 106m with additional 33m of cascades below. The volume of the water can be over 100cubic metres per second after heavy rains. It never dries up as it is fuelled by underground waters of mount Kanin. There are trails on the south side that offer amazing views and on the north side it is possible to get on top of the waterfall – the water comes straight from the mountain and is drinkable!
Technically Boka is out of the national park boundaries. Since it is part of Julian Alps and very close to the national park it earns a mention in this list. Being out of the park, it is only waterfall where one can fly drone legally – just make sure you contact the nearby Bovec airport first!
Waterfalls of Triglav National Park – Conclusion
A visit to Julian Alps and Triglav national park is not complete without visiting a few waterfalls. I suggest to visit at least two or three. If you have five days or more, a waterfall a day is a good plan! Most of these waterfalls can be combined with other attractions in the area. If hiking is your main plan, these waterfalls fit right into your itinerary. Some of these are great to freshen your feet after a long day hike!
Further Resources
https://www.tnp.si/
The official website of Triglav national park
PhotoHound – Best Photo Spots in Triglav National Park
I am the curator of this guide and local photographers keep adding new photo spots and images to the guide. You will find information how to get to and photograph all of the above waterfalls.
http://www.hiking-trail.net/
Comprehensive directory of hiking trails and recent conditions
https://www.esenkoworkshops.com/autumn-slovenia-photography-tour/
Autumn in Slovenia Photograph Workshop – this is my most popular workshop and usually it fills up more than a year in advance. Get in touch to get listed for 2022.
https://www.naturefirstphotography.org/
As a nature photographer I am aware of the impact photographers have on our environment. Here is a great resource how to minimize it and even help preserving our fragile world.
