Discover how to visit Vintgar Gorge independently

Vintgar gorge, north of Lake Bled is a steep canyon with cliff walls that rise dramatically from the raging waters of the Radovna River. As it journeys south towards Lake Bled, it squeezes through narrow canyons creating raging whirlpools and rapids. It is a thrilling 1.6 km walk along raised wooden boardwalks and not to be missed for any visitor to Lake Bled. However, it can be difficult to obtain reliable information and most search results for the gorge are for organised trips. You do not need to book a tour however. So join us as we show you how to visit Vintgar Gorge independently.

What to expect from Vintgar Gorge

Your thrilling hike starts as soon as you pop your ticket under the scanner, a bleep signalling your admittance to the Gorge. A warden hands you a bright orange helmet to don for the walk to protect against any unexpected bumps. This is more because the cliff walls hang low in places, barely high enough for us to pass beneath rather than any significant danger.

Once in the canyon, wooden platforms hug the cliffside passing under overhangs and mini waterfalls. It’s a delightful walk past tumbling cascades, bubbling rapids and gushing cauldrons of water.

The trail through the boardwalks is 1.6 km and the guide suggests it should take around 35 minutes. If you are moderately fit, this is definitely on the top side as it will probably take considerably less. It culminates at the Šum Falls, a stirring sight to behold as you exit the canyon. Besides the small refreshment stand, it drops 13 metres beneath a bridge that leads to one of the return trails.

Vintgar Gorge trails

River of Trees Trail

Before you continue your hike, be sure to hand in your helmet at the refreshment stand. Then you can continue your adventure back to the entrance on one of the marked trails. The River of Trees Trails (4.3km including the hike through the gorge) snakes through the woods on the opposite side of the river from the refreshment stand. Cross the bridge and follow a steep upward climb from the river to reach a country road.

If you don’t fancy the return hike, you can pop into the local pub and request a shuttle (extra cost unknown as we opted to walk). Otherwise turn left up a small incline before the pub and follow the trail through a meadow back into the woods. This trail offers a bird’s eye view of Vintgar.

The path is pretty easy, albeit a bit uneven and muddy. It eventually pops out by the visitor centre and the bus stops. Your comfort will be far greater in hiking boots so if you have them, wear them!

Including the canyon we hiked this trail in less than 90 minutes.

King of Triglav Trail

Alternatively, stay on the same side of the river and head to the back of the chalet. From there a sign points to the King of Triglav trail (5.7km trail including the gorge) which heads back to the centre. This route is a chance to catch glimpses of local life beneath the Julian Alps.

Getting to the canyon

The Vintgar Gorge website indicates that there is no parking at the gorge but this is not strictly true. There is parking at the neighbouring restaurant for €10 a day. However, at peak times you run the risk of the car park being full. The easier and cheaper option, is to drive to one of the three dedicated car parks (see map below) and take the free shuttle bus.

You can find these on the map. We walked to Lot Vintgar Lip, a stone’s throw from our accommodation at Veldes B &B. It costs just €5 to park there and spaces abound. The shuttle runs every twenty minutes from this car park.

Check the latest timetable but at the time of our visit (June 2024) the buses ran on the hour and every twenty minutes thereafter. It is a short drive of around ten minutes and drops you directly at the entrance.

There are two other options. You can take the free shuttle from the lot in Vintgar Blejska Dobrava which runs every hour on the hour or the free shuttle from the Central Railway station in Bled.

Vintgar Gorge tickets

Tickets to the Gorge are limited so it pays to pre-book to avoid disappointment. You can book online directly for just €10 each and your ticket will be valid for a specific time slot.

Note ,you will not be able to enter before the time of your printed on your ticket so do not turn up early.

You cannot cancel your ticket if you book directly but if the gorge closes, you can apply for a full refund.

You can also book tickets as part of other packages through Get Your Guide but these will cost much more. Note, when researching this trip, some sites suggest it is a huge climb from Lake Bled to the Gorge. Although there is a hill, it is relatively short and far from a mountain. You absolutely do not need a E-bike if you are reasonably strong.

Vintgar Gorge closures

The gorge may close in adverse weather conditions. Check the website beforehand to ensure you do not waste your time heading there only to find it closed.

One of the bridges that snake across Vintgar Gorge

What to wear in Vintgar Gorge

The gorge trail passes over rocky outcrops and wooden boardwalks. Flip flops and open toe shoes are absolutely not suitable attire. Wear hiking boots or sport shoes but boots are best.

The return trails can get muddy and my trainers took a hammering. Sadly, we failed to pack our hiking boots which was a rookie mistake!

Even on a dry day, it pays to pack waterproofs and warmer clothing. The gorge can be cooler as you are in the shade with tall cliffs hiding the sun. Any water residue drips through rocks and you may have to pass under several water flows so unless you are happy to take a shower, these extra garments could make all the difference to your comfort.

Vintgar Gorge Facilities

There is a tiny visitor centre with bathrooms at the entrance to the gorge and a large restaurant. Beware, there are signs for toilets by the bus stop but they take you to the restaurant which charges you €1. Just head instead to the entrance for a free wee.

Final thoughts

Each time slot limits visitors to 245 visitors to reduce overcrowding. Whilst you do not need to book weeks in advance therefore, once you know the weather forecast it makes sense to book a few days in advance to avoid disappointment. Ignore all the over-priced tours in town however and be sure to visit Vintgar Gorge independently for the least crowded option.