46° 20' N, 13° 30' E
Overview
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About Slap Virje
Slap Virje, or the Virje Waterfall, is a small but beautiful spot where water cascades over mossy rocks into an emerald green pool, It is located just 3,5km from the village of Bovec in Slovenia’s Julian Alps. The water is very clear and cold year-round, as it is fed by the Glijun Stream, which comes from the Kanin mountains. There are also a few hiking trails in the area leading to Plužensko Jezero Lake and the Glijun Spring, where the river of Slap Virje originates.
The waterfall is especially impressive in the spring when the snow melts in the mountains, increasing the water flow. Even though a nearby hydroelectric station can sometimes reduce the water levels, Slap Virje is still a must-visit when you’re in the area.
Practical
There's no entrance fee to Slap Virje.
Slap Virje is open 24/7.
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How to get there
To get to Slap Virje, you’ll first have to get to the Slap Virje parking lot, which can be reached by car, by bus, or by foot. From the parking, it is only a few hundred meters to the waterfall.
By car
If you are coming by car, you’ll first have to get to the village of Bovec. From here, you take the narrow road to Plužna. Do not take the road to Plužna along the golf Club as you are not allowed to drive here. Sometimes they do allow you to park here for €5 and buy a drink, but you’ll have to walk the rest of the road.
At the crossroads in Plužna, turn right, and after a short drive, you’ll reach the parking area near the waterfall trail.
The parking fee is €4 for cars and €8 for campervans, valid for max 1 hour.
Note for campers: The parking is not very big, parking your camper is quite expensive and the road is narrow. So if you are traveling with a camper and want to save yourself some hassle, you can also park the camper in Bovec from where it is about a 45-minute to an hour walk (4km) to Slap Virje. You can also try to park at the golf club for a fee, but this is not always allowed.
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By bus
During the peak summer season, from July 1st to August 31st, you can use the Bovec Hop-on Hop-off buses to explore the Soča Valley. Depending on where you can from, you take one of the buses to Bovec, where you can take bus B3 to Plužna. From here, you can walk to the car park in around 15 to 20 minutes and then continue to Slap Virje.
You can find all current timetables on the website of Soča Valley.
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 shuttle bus service to multiple sights in the area.
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Trail to Slap Virje
From the parking lot, it is just a short gravel path down to the waterfall for just a few hundred meters. It might be slippery so we advise you to wear closed shoes or sturdy sandals.
Alternative path: It is possible to make it a round trial instead of an out-and-back trail. To the right of the waterfall, you’ll find a wooden terrace near the water. Next to the terrace, a steep path climbs up the slope, which can be very slippery after rain. This path leads to a trail above the waterfall, following the river until it meets the road from the parking area. If you turn left on the road, you can continue walking to the Glijun Spring and the artificial Plužensko Jezero Lake.
Best time to visit
Time of the day
The best time of the day depends on what you prefer. Early in the morning might not be ideal if you’re hoping to see the waterfall bathed in sunlight since it’s usually in the shade. However, keep in mind that Slap Virje tends to get crowded during the middle of the day, especially during the weekends. So overall, the best time of the day is late morning or late afternoon.
Season
You can visit Slap Virje any time of the year and at any time of day. However, the waterfall’s appearance changes significantly with the weather and the seasons, as heavy rainfall can affect the water flow and the clarity of the pools.
The best season to visit is late spring or early summer, when the waterfall is most impressive, thanks to the snowmelt from the mountains. Summer is perfect for enjoying the emerald pools, while Slap Virje is probably frozen in winter.
Where to stay near Slap Virje
Accommodation
Hotels
Find the best places to stay in Bovec and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Camping
In Bovec, you find Camping Polovnik where you can stay with your campervan. It is also possible to stay at the parking of the Kanin chairlift, which is only a paid camper parking spot, but it is located closer to Slap Virje if you prefer to walk (45 minutes).
Other Things to do near Slap Virje
You can explore the region of Slap Virje along a few hiking trails leading to the Glijun spring and the Plužensko Jezero, a man-made lake, used for the hydroelectric power plant.
There are also many other things to do in the area of the Soča valley. The nearest notable attraction is the Boka waterfall.
Slap Virje FAQ
How much is the entrance fee for Slap Virje?
Entrance to Slap Virje is free! The only price you have to pay is for the parking lot, which is €4 for car and €8 for a campervan, valid for one hour.
Is it allowed to swim at Slap Virje?
As inviting as it may look, unfortunately it is not allowed to swim in Slap Virje. First of all, the water is icy cold all year round. In addition, to protect this beautiful place and to preserve the color of the water, it is not allowed to enter the water.
Is the trail to Slap Virje demanding?
The path to Slap Virje is a gravel path of around 450 meters that goes slightly down. On your way back to the parking lot you will have to walk slightly uphill. However, the path is short, so it is not very demanding. We do recommend that you wear closed shoes or sturdy sandals as the path can be slippery.
The alternative loop trail might be a bit more difficult.
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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!
