Savica Waterfall: Hiking Guide to Slap Savica in Slovenia

December 27, 2023

The Savica Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Slovenia, and its stunning beauty attracts many tourists every year.

It is located near the popular municipality of Bohinj, in the Triglav National Park.

The Savica Waterfall is famous mainly for its unique beauty and beautiful views. The waterfall cascades down from a height of around 78 metres into a stunning green pool.

The Savica Waterfall is the source of the Sava Bohinjka River, which continues to flow through the mountains, first feeding the Lake Bohinj and then flowing near Bled into the Sava River. The Sava Bohinjka River can be admired in several places along the road 209 that leads to the waterfall.

Savica Waterfall is special not only because of its beauty, but also because of its shape, with water flowing down the mountainside in two directions in an “A” shape (as a double waterfall), in some places flowing inside the rock wall.

So, the Savica Waterfall is well worth a visit if you are in Bohinj or Bled.

Now let’s see what you need to know about Savica Waterfall if you want to visit it.

Total visit duration: approximately 1-1.5 hours

Hiking duration: 10–20 minutes one way

Distance: from the nearest car park 900 meters (0.6 mile)

Extra costs: parking fee, entrance fee

How to get to Savica Waterfall?

The Savica Waterfall is one of Slovenia’s waterfalls that are relatively easy to reach. Although it is located deep in the mountains and forests, it is easily accessible by either public transportation or car. From the parking lot, it’s just a short walk and a little stair climbing to reach the fantastic view of the waterfall.

But let’s look in detail at how to get to Savica Waterfall.

First, you need to get to Lake Bohinj. From Bled, the easiest way to get there is via Bohinjska Bistrica on road 209. It is recommended to travel by car, but not necessary, as there are also buses available.

When you have arrived at Lake Bohinj, then follow the road 904 along the Lake Bohinj until you reach Ukanc. In Ukanc, the direction towards the Savica Waterfall will be clearly indicated on signs.

 

Close to Ukanc is the Vogel cable car, another fascinating site in the area. The cable car takes visitors up to Zadnji Vogel mountain pasture, where they can enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

Continue straight after Camp Bohinj, where the road narrows a bit, so be cautious on the bends.

The parking lot will be at the end of the road next to the Koča pri Savici restaurant. Here, you will likely be greeted by a parking attendant, and you will need to pay for parking, which will cost a few euros (€5 per car in 2023, more for a van) and, as far as we know, can only be paid in cash.

There is a bus stop near the parking lot. The bus is a convenient option for those who do not have their own vehicle.

This parking lot is the starting point of the walking tour.

First, pass by the restaurant called Planinski dom Savica, then after a short uphill walk, you will reach the ticket office and the souvenir shop. Here, buy your ticket. The admission fee is a few euros per person, which you can pay by cash or credit card. You can also buy souvenirs or snacks, drinks if needed.

After this, a steeper stair climb follows all the way up to the waterfall.

It is a good idea to wear hiking shoes, but it’s not mandatory; actually, comfortable sneakers will do. The path upwards is somewhat steep but of good quality and easy to walk on.

After a few hundred meters of climbing stairs, you will arrive at a small resting area before the waterfall. From this nice wooden viewing platform you will already see the fantastic Savica Waterfall and Lake Bohinj from one spot.

Then walk down the stone stairs to get an even closer view of the waterfall and the small pool below, which offer a breathtaking sight.

Unfortunately, you can’t get close to the waterfall as there is a closed metal gate at the end of the stone steps. So you can only take photos and view the scenery from a certain distance, but that doesn’t take away from the experience.

More information, including ticket prices and the geographic characteristics of Savica Falls, can be found on the official website of Bohinj.

Best time to visit Savica Waterfall

Although the Savica Waterfall is stunning in almost any season, it is particularly impressive in late spring and early summer, when the water flow is at its highest.

In winter, you can expect lower flows, which are less spectacular.

Generally speaking, the best months to visit the area are May, June and September. As the weather is changeable in the Julian Alps, it is not easy to determine an exact time, especially the rain can cause difficulties when traveling.

The general recommendations for Savica Waterfall are also true: if you can, avoid school holidays and public holidays. In high season, the waterfall and its surroundings can be a bit crowded, which can spoil the hiking experience.

Where to stay near Savica Waterfall

As the closest municipalities are around Lake Bohinj, the best places to stay are there.

We recommend the following accommodation:

Other attractions near the Savica Waterfall

The area around Savica Waterfalls is full of unique attractions, where tourists can relax either by hiking or by water activities. Our list includes only the closest places, but you can find plenty of information and recommendations for other attractions in the area in our other articles.

Triglav Lakes Valley

Close to the Savica Waterfall is the Triglav Lakes Valley or Seven Lakes Valley, a popular hiking destination in the area. Experienced hikers are recommended to visit it as well.

Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj (Bohinjsko jezero) is the largest lake in Slovenia, offering peaceful relaxation in a beautiful mountain setting. People visit for hiking, kayaking and other outdoor activities.

Lake Bled

Lake Bled (Blejsko jezero) is Slovenia’s most famous lake, known for its beautiful mountain scenery and the small island in the middle of it. The island, where there is also a church, can be reached by boat. The nearby Bled Castle and the charming town of Bled add to its appeal.

Vintgar Gorge

The Vintgar Gorge (Soteska Vintgar) is Slovenia’s most visited gorge, characterized by its beautiful water and steep rock walls. Visitors can walk along a wooden path to admire the stunning natural beauty up close. And at the end of the gorge you can see Šum Waterfall, which is supposedly the most visited waterfall in Slovenia.

Overall, the Savica Waterfall is an unmissable attraction and a true natural wonder of Slovenia. The waterfall offers visitors a stunning spectacle and for those who love nature and beautiful landscapes, it can be a real paradise. The area around the waterfall offers many opportunities for relaxation, hiking and enjoying nature. Visiting Savica Waterfall is a unique experience that you will never forget.

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