THE VINTGAR GORGE PARADE

Before reaching one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia, we stopped to visit the Vintgar Gorge. But first things first: say Vintgar Gorge It's silly. I explain: Vintagr in Slovenian means throat and look where you ... gorge in English means throat. That is… Vitgar Gorge = throat throat. The place really is called Blejski Vintgarand it is a 1.6km gorge that reminded us of the Karangahake area in New Zealand.

The walls of this gorge, excavated by the Radovna river, they reach 100 meters high and separate the mountains Boršt and Hom. It is a really impressive place and it is not difficult to feel an ant walking around. The waters of the river that crosses it are crystal clear and you can see a few fish swimming in the stream.

Another thing that is not missing are the small stone towers that visitors leave at the river's edge: the origin of this 'ritual' is uncertain, there are those who say that those who pass through there simply want to leave a sign of their passage others, They believe that these towers are a kind of offering to Mother Nature and the most likely option is that they were once built as signs at the crossroads ... who knows. What is certain is that the image is shocking!

Ah, we almost forgot, theBlejski Vintgar It is part of Triglav National Park. If you wonder what the devil is the Triglav the answer is very simple: put it on google and you'll see ... nooo. The Triglav is the highest mountain in Slovenia which measures 2,864 meters high. The locals have great appreciation and say that you are not a true Slovenian if you have not climbed it at least once in your life.

At the beginning (or end depending on which side you start) on the road there is a beautiful waterfall, that of Šum, where the most daring can enjoy a cold dip.

This gorge was discovered in 1861 by Jakob Žumer and since 1893 the road is open to the public who, through wooden walkways anchored to the wall of the mountains or suspended between one side and another of the river, can explore the area and delight its view. If you do not like trekking (or simply after having left 2 kg of cevapcici and Slovenian cream tarts you are not very fit) do not worry: the road is very easy and it will not take you more than 30 minutes to walk.

USEFUL INFO

How to get: We arrived here with the tour 'the best of Slovenia in one day' that we did with RoundAbout but if you go for free without a doubt the best option is to rent a car: Slovenia is not the country with the best public transport in Europe ... If you have no chance If you go by car you can use buses (we believe that the best option is to arrive by bus to Bled (€ 6-8) and from there take another bus (€ 3-4) to Vintgar Gorge.

Price:The entrance to the gorge costs € 4, we think it is worth it.

When to go: We advise you to make the visit early in the morning because it is usually filled with tourists from 11-12am.