46° 17' N, 13° 47' E
Overview
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About Slap Savica
Slap Savica Waterfall is one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in Slovenia. In fact, it is even the country’s third most visited attraction. It is located in Triglav National Park at the end of Lake Bohinj, approximately a 40-minute drive from Lake Bled. The waterfall cascades 78 meters into a beautiful emerald pool below. It originates from Črno Jezero (Black Lake), which lies 500 meters higher in the Triglav Seven Lakes Valley.
This waterfall is known for its dramatic appearance, where the waters from Črno Jezero flow through a karst cave, splitting into two separate streams underground before emerging as the distinctive A-shaped cascade.
The karst cave of Slap Savica waterfall where the water originates is filled with siphons and lakes and can be accessed with a guide and specialized equipment.
Practical
High season (July 1st - August 31st)
Adults: €4
Children (7-14 years): €2
Students, seniors: €2,50
Rest of the year
Adults: €3
Children (7-14 years): €1,50
Students, seniors: €2,50
High season (July 1st - August 31st)
Daily open from 08:00 am to 08:00 pm
Rest of the year
Daily open from 10:00 am to 04:00 pm
You can find all detailed information on the official website of Bohinj.
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How to get to Savica Waterfall
Slap Savica waterfall is accessible only by foot from the parking lot, which you can reach by car, public transport, and by foot.
By car
To reach Slap Savica, start by driving to Lake Bled, where you’ll find plenty of signs pointing towards Bohinj. Continue on to Bohinjska Bistrica, and in just a few minutes, you’ll arrive at the village of Ribčev Laz. There are signs throughout the village directing you to Savica Waterfall on the opposite side of the lake.
From the crossroads in Ribčev Laz, drive for about 15 minutes along the lake’s southern side towards Ukanc village. From there, a gravel road leads to the parking lot.
The parking fee for a car is €5 for up to 3 hours and €10 for a day ticket. For a camper, you pay €15 for up to 3 hours and €20.
During the high season, you can also park your car at Lake Bohinj or Bohinjska Bistrica and take a shuttle bus to Ukanc. From there, it’s about a one-hour walk to the parking lot near Slap Savica.
By Public Transport
From Lake Bled and Ljubljana, you can get to Bohinj by either train or bus.
The train will stop at Bonhisjka Bistrica Train station. From here, you walk 5 minutes to the bus station, where you can take the bus to Ukanc. In summer an extra shuttle bus service operates from the train station to the Savica Waterfall parking lot.
A bus line runs daily to Ribčev Laz and Ukanc. If your bus stops at Ribčev Laz, you can catch another bus from there to Ukanc.
From Ukanc, it’s about a one-hour walk to the parking lot near Slap Savica.
You can find all the information on the high-season shuttle buses on the official website. When checking the routes: do not confuse Slap Savica waterfall with the village of Savica, as they are still far apart.
Tip: If you plan to visit more sights in the impressive Julian Alps, you might consider getting the Julian Alps card, which gives you free access and transfers to multiple sights in the area.
The hike to Slap Savica
The hike to Slap Savica waterfall starts at the parking lot, where a well-marked trail leads you to the official ticket office and the Savica waterfall. It is a medium-difficulty trail that takes about 20 to 25 minutes to reach the waterfall. The trail includes 553 stone steps, so it’s important to note that it’s not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
The hike begins with a gentle ascent through the forest, leading first to a charming cottage where you can purchase your entrance ticket.
From the cottage, the path crosses a picturesque stone bridge over a stream before beginning the climb up the stone steps. Although the steps might seem daunting, they are not particularly steep, making the ascent manageable for most hikers. Along the way, you’ll find resting areas with picnic tables and benches, perfect for taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding area.
As you get closer to the top, you’ll begin to hear the roar of the waterfall. The trail leads to a wooden viewing platform, where you can take in the breathtaking sight of Slap Savica as it crashes 78 meters down into the emerald pool below. While there’s a narrow path that takes you closer, a locked gate keeps you from reaching the base of the waterfall for safety reasons.
The descent follows the same route back to the parking lot. It’s important to be cautious, especially in wet weather, as the path can become slippery.
Slap Savica hike overview
1,8km in total
132 m
approx. 1 hour in total
Out & Back
Easy - Moderate - Difficult - Expert
Best time to visit
Time of the day
Slap Savica is one of Slovenia’s most visited attractions, and it can get quite busy, especially during the peak summer months. To avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting early in the morning when the trail is still relatively quiet. By midday, the area and the trail tend to become quite crowded.
Alternatively, visiting in the late afternoon can also be a good option to avoid the peak crowds. However, it’s best to avoid mid-day visits if you prefer to visit with smaller crowds.
Season
The best time to visit Slap Savica waterfall is late spring or early summer when the snowmelt from the mountains increases the waterfall’s flow, creating a more impressive display.
The path is also cleared during the winter if weather conditions permit. If the path is not cleared, access is at your own risk. However, the waterfall is probably small and therefore less impressive.
Where to stay
Accommodation
For visiting Slap Savica, the best place to stay is around Lake Bohinj and the village of Bohinjska Bistrica. This area offers a range of accommodations, including hotels and guesthouses.
Hotels
Discover the best places to stay in Bohinj and enjoy a comfortable trip!
Camping
The campsite closest to Slap Savica is Camp Zlatorog Bohinj directly on Lake Bohinj. In Bohinsjka Bistrica, you can also stay at Camping Danica Bohinj.
Alternatively, you can park your camper at one of the three paid camper parking lots (P23, P14 and ZP at the train station). During the summer season, shuttle services stop at these lots and at Camping Danica Bohinj.
Other things to do in the area
Besides visiting Slap Savica there are many other things to do in the area. You can take a refreshing dip in Lake Bohinj, explore the Mostnica Gorge, take the cable car to the Vogel Viewpoint, go hiking in the Seven Lakes Valley or the Vogar Plateau an much more!
Slap Savica FAQ
How much is the entrance fee for Slap Savica?
For adults, the entrance fee is €4 in high season (1 July - 31 August) and €3 off season.
Is it allowed to swim at Slap Savica?
No, you cannot access the base of the waterfall as it is gated off. Swimming is both impossible and prohibited for your safety.
Is the trail to Slap Savica demanding?
Although trail to Slap Savica includes 553 stone steps, they are not particularly steep, making the ascent manageable for most visitors.
How long does the hike to Slap Savica take?
It takes around 20 to 25 minutes to reach Slap Savica from the parking lot. Overall, you should plan for 1 hour to complete the hike, depending on how long you spend at the waterfall and exploring the sights along the way.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
