Peričnik Waterfall Hike, Triglav National Park, Slovenia

Peričnik Waterfall (Slap Peričnik in Slovenian) is a waterfall in Vrata Valley in the Julian Alps of Slovenia.

The waterfall is formed by the water that flows over a conglomerate cliff in two steep drops. 

The lower waterfall, Spodnji Slap, is 52 meters high, whereas the upper waterfall, Zgornji Slap, is 16 meters high. 

Slap Peričnik is visible from the Vrata Valley road, at the concrete bridge just south of the Koča pri Peričniku hut. 

However, it’s worthwhile to hike up to the lower and upper falls for better views and the experience of walking behind the waterfall. The whole circuit hike only takes 1 hour.

Starting at Koča pri Peričniku, it takes 15 minutes to hike up a steep forest trail to the Lower Peričnik Waterfall.

The trail leads behind the plunging waterfall through a natural gallery to the other side.

The circuit path continues to a signed junction. Here, you can detour to the Upper Peričnik Waterfall, following a well-maintained and secured path. 

After hiking up to the upper waterfall, return to the signed junction and complete the circuit back down to the road. 

The Peričnik hike isn’t difficult in dry conditions. However, it’s steep. It’s important to wear sturdy shoes with grip. In summer, the spray from the waterfall will likely be very refreshing. In the cooler months, I’d wear a rain jacket.

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Peričnik Falls Map

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Peričnik Waterfall Entrance Fee

There is no entrance fee to visit Peričnik Waterfall. 

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When to Visit Waterfall Peričnik 

We recommend hiking to Peričnik Waterfall in summer and autumn. 

The Peričnik Waterfall route is officially closed in winter, because of the ice. The Kranjska Gora tourist office says that it is only accessible with crampons at your own risk.

Furthermore, the Vrata Valley road is closed in winter. You can only drive to the end of Mojstrana village. 

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Where Does the Waterfall Peričnik Hike Start

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Koča pri Peričniku in Vrata Valley

The trail to Peričnik Waterfall starts across the road from the Koča pri Peričniku hut in Vrata Valley in Triglav National Park.

Vrata Valley is a side valley of the Upper Sava Valley in northwestern Slovenia. The glacial valley runs south from Mojstrana to the base of the Triglav northern wall. 

It’s a 4.5 km drive, walk, or cycle from Mojstrana to the Peričnik Waterfall trailhead.

If you decide to walk, you can follow the Triglavska Bistrica Trail along the Triglavska Bistrica Trail. 

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How to Get to Koča pri Peričniku 

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Car

The easiest way to get to the Peričnik Waterfall trailhead is to drive. However, there is limited parking at the trailhead. 

From Kranjska Gora, it’s a 26 minute drive to the Peričnik Waterfall trailhead. 

From Bled, it’s a 30 minute drive to the Peričnik Waterfall trailhead.

There’s a small parking area along the road just beyond the Koča pri Peričniku hut.

In summer, it costs 3 EUR to park here for 2 hours. When we visited in October, no one was collecting the fee. 

If you need to book a rental car for your trip to Slovenia, we recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Check car rental rates here.

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Bus

Between early July and early September, there is a free bus to Vrata Valley from Mojstrana. Consult Kranjka-gora.si for up-to-date info and timetables. 

The bus stops at the Peričnik waterfall trailhead as well as Aljažev dom. The Aljažev hut is the starting point for many challenging mountain tours including Mount Triglav,  Mount Škrlatica, and Mount Stenar. 

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Pericnik Waterfall Hike Description

The Peričnik Waterfall trail starts across the road from Koča pri Peričniku. There’s a large infoboard, marking the trailhead. 

This is indeed an official trail, which has been signed and re-routed. 

Hike up the beech forest path to a junction (7 minutes). Here, you can detour left to a viewpoint of Peričnik Waterfall. The path is bolstered with timber railings and boards.

Return to the junction and continue the ascent. The narrow, leafy path is easy to follow, as it’s lined with logs.

If you hike in autumn, the trail is somewhat slippery, because of the fallen leaves. Hiking poles like these Unisex Black Diamond Hiking Poles are helpful for stabilization. 

After 4 minutes, the path levels and steers you past boulders to the Lower Peričnik Waterfall. 

The water crashes into a cluster of collapsed conglomerate blocks. 

Follow the level trail behind the plunging Peričnik Waterfall to the other side. This path leads under a natural, hollowed out gallery, created by the overhanging conglomerate rocks. 

The Peričnik Waterfall circuit trail continues to another signed junction. 

Here, you can decide whether to hike up to Zgornji Slap, the Upper Waterfall.

The sign states that it’s a “very difficult secured trail.” While that’s somewhat of an exaggeration, the path is steep and involves hiking up (and back down) a wooden staircase-ladder. Along the staircase, there’s a fixed cable for extra security. 

The route is further bolstered with railings. All in all, the trail to Zgornji Slap is well-maintained and well-secured. 

Though not as high, the Upper Waterfall is enchanting with its vibrant turquoise pool, offset by its verdant surroundings. Water drips and sprays from the overhang, creating a fairy-tale-like scene. 

If you follow the gallery path behind the waterfall to the other side, it looks like there’s a promising footpath leading onwards. However, this trail quickly fades away.

Retrace your steps back down the staircase to the junction and complete the circuit to Koča pri Peričniku.

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Where to Stay near Slap Peričnik

The closest village to Peričnik Waterfall is Mojstrana. Other options are Gozd Martuljek and Kranjska Gora. Many people also visit Slap Peričnik, when based in Bled.

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Mojstrana

Budget | Hostel Lukna is a cozy and clean hostel set in a rustic, stone and timber house in Mojstrana. This budget-friendly accommodation offers private and dormitory rooms. Guests have access to a common kitchen and lounge area. 

Budget | Guesthouse Veranda – Gostilna offers clean and functional double rooms and apartments in Mojstrana. Breakfast is available for an extra fee. 

Look for accommodation in Mojstrana.

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Bled

Budget | Guesthouse Marko is a top-rated guesthouse in Bled, walking distance to the lakeshore.

Midrange | Old Parish House is a cozy and clean bed and breakfast, 100 meters away from Lake Bled.

Midrange | Hotel Starkl – Heritage & Unique is a darling lakefront hotel with an on-site restaurant and bar. Breakfast is included. This family-run property stands out with its friendly service, exceptional cuisine, and location.

Luxury | Vila Bled is a historic lakefront hotel with 33 rooms. Set in a quiet area of Lake Bled, guests can enjoy the historical flair of President Tito’s former summer residence. Breakfast is included.

Luxury | Bled Rose Hotel is a modern, 4-star hotel in the center of Bled. The hotel features an on-site bar, an indoor swimming pool and spa, a fitness room, and private beach area. Breakfast is included in the room rate.

More Bled accommodations | Old Bled House (midrange guesthouse), JAZZ B&B (midrange) Vila Alpina (midrange guesthouse), Hotel Lovec (luxury hotel), Adora Luxury Hotel (lakefront boutique luxury), and Grand Hotel Toplice (lakefront luxury hotel)

Look for accommodation in Bled.

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Gozd Martuljek 

Gozd Martuljek is a small village in the Upper Sava Valley, only 5 km east of Kranjska Gora. The village is wedged between the Martuljska mountains of the Julian Alps and the Karawanks. 

Midrange | Rute Hotel and Apartments offers clean and tidy rooms and apartments in a stunning location. Breakfast is included in the room rate. 

Midrange | Hotel Špik is adjoined to the Špik Alpine Wellness Centre. Guests have free access to the wellness center’s three indoor pools, but the sauna area is an extra charge, though discounted. This hotel offers great views, extensive spa facilities, but the rooms are in need of refurbishment. 

Top Choice – Luxury | Triangel Boutique Hotel is a 4-star hotel with comfortable, air-conditioned rooms and apartments. The property faces the Martuljek mountain group and is located directly at the Martuljek Waterfalls trailhead. Guests have access to a wellness area (extra charge), a fitness center, and free private parking. We highly recommend eating in the hotel’s à la carte restaurant, which serves regionally-inspired cuisine made with locally-sourced Slovenian ingredients. 

Look for accommodation in Gozd Martuljek.

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Kranjska Gora

Kranjska Gora is a ski resort town in the northwestern tip of Slovenia, close to the Austrian and Italian borders. The atmospheric town center is car-free and boasts a nice collection of shops, restaurants, and hotels.

From Kranjska Gora, you’re well-positioned to hike in the Julian Alps, walk to Lake Jasna, and bike to the Zelenci Nature Reserve. 

Midrange | Hotel Vandot is a hospitable B&B in the center of Kranjska Gora with clean and cozy rooms and parking (extra charge). 

Midrange | Pri Marusi is a top-rated guesthouse set in a quiet location in Kranjska Gora with free parking and breakfast.

Top Choice – Midrange | Hotel Pino Alpino is an impressive 3-star hotel with an on-site à la carte restaurant and bar, located in Kranjska Gora’s pedestrian zone. Breakfast is included. Free private parking is located behind the hotel. 

Midrange-Luxury | Hiša Kosobrin offers modern apartments with fully-equipped kitchens. The property is located on the bank of the Sava Dolinka river, just outside of the town center. Guests have access to a sauna and private parking. 

Top Choice – Luxury | Boutique Hotel Skipass is a 4-star, family-run boutique hotel with a wine bar serving Slovenian wines and cold cuts. Stay here for the comfortable rooms, fresh à la carte breakfast, and kind and attentive staff. 

More accommodation options | Vitranc Apartments (budget), Gostilna Pri Martinu (budget), Apartma Peček Kranjska Gora (midrange), Hotel Vandot (midrange), and Apartments and Rooms Bernik (midrange).

Look for accommodation in Kranjska Gora.

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Lake Jasna 

Lake Jasna is the name given to two interconnected lakes at the doorstep of Triglav National Park. This picture-perfect lake is located near Kranjska Gora along the road to Vršič Pass. 

Lakefront Aparthotel | Jasna Chalet Resort occupies the most enviable location along the north shore of Lake Jasna, facing Prisank and Razor. Most units have 2-3 bedrooms, which is ideal for families. We really enjoyed the alpine setting, the fully-equipped kitchen, and the convenient private parking. 

Top Choice – Luxury | Boutique Hotel Milka perfects the alpine minimalist aesthetic with its elegantly-curated rooms and regionally-inspired design. This flawless boutique hotel offers a fine dining restaurant (open for lunch and dinner), stunning mountain vistas, and a plentiful, mouthwatering breakfast. Additional facilities: secure bike and ski room, bar, and private sauna (extra charge). 

Look for accommodation at Lake Jasna.

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Keep Reading about the Julian Alps

• Martuljek Waterfalls Hikes
• Viševnik Day Hike 
• Debela Pec Day Hike
• Seven Lakes Valley Day Hike
• Mount Vogel Day Hike
• Pokljuka Plateau
• Vintgar Gorge

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