How to Hike to the Martuljek Waterfalls in Triglav National Park, Slovenia

The Martuljek Waterfalls are two waterfalls under the Špik Mountain in the Julian Alps in Slovenia.

The hike to the Martuljek Waterfalls begins in Gozd Martuljek, an alpine village between Kranjska Gora and Mojstrana. 

The hike through Martuljek Gorge to the Lower Martuljek Waterfall (Spodnji Martuljkov slap) is easy-moderate, albeit steep in some places.

After hiking to the Lower Martuljek Waterfall viewpoint, the trail continues up to Brunarica Pri Ingotu, a managed hut serving food and drinks. Pri Ingotu is open daily in July and August from 10 am to 6 pm. During shoulder season, the hut is only open on weekends and holidays from 10 am to 4 pm (good weather days only). 

From Pri Ingotu, you can continue the hike to Upper Martuljek Waterfall (Zgornji Martuljkov slap), which takes one hour.

The hike is moderately difficult with a few protected massages along the way. After crossing a metal bridge over the Martuljek River, a short scramble brings you to the waterfall viewpoint. 

Enjoy the view of the Upper Martuljek Waterfall from here, or continue up the short, albeit strenuous secured route to the pool at the base of the waterfall. This last stretch is only suitable for experienced hikers. 

There is no entrance fee to access the Martuljek Waterfalls.

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Martuljek Waterfalls Map

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Martuljek Waterfalls Trail Description 

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Gozd Martuljek to Lower Martuljek Waterfall (30 minutes)

The Lower Martuljek Waterfall is always signed “Slap 1” and the Upper Martuljek Waterfall is always signed “Slap 2.”

Starting at the car park next to the Triangel Boutique Hotel, follow the main road in the direction of Kranjka Gora for a few meters. Soon, you’ll see 1, 2 Slap trail signs. 

Turn left on the paved residential road, passing a few apartments and houses. Soon you’ll arrive at a Martuljek info board. Continue following signs to 1, 2 Slap, skirting a rock garden. The path leads through forest to the Charcoal Burning Area Exhibit. 

Just beyond the exhibit, the trail divides. Bear left to Slap 1. 

Cross the wooden bridge and continue right. The trail runs parallel to the Martuljek River and leads through the stunning Martuljek Gorge.  

Initially, the path hugs the vertical wall of the gorge. 

After passing through the most impressive passage, the trail steadily climbs up the gorge with the help of two bridges and a staircase. 

Though views open up to the lower waterfall from the second bridge, the best viewpoint is a bit further up along the wooden railing.

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Lower Martuljek Waterfall to Upper Martuljek Waterfall (1 hour)

The trail steeply ascends through beech forest and then intersects with an upper forest trail. Turn left on the wide forest trail and follow signs to Brunarica Pri Ingotu. 

Follow signs to Slap 2, bypassing the Brunarica Pri Ingotu. We recommend visiting the hut on the return route. 

Always stay on the right side (west side) of the Martuljek River. The path steadily ascends through beech forest. There are a few waymarks painted on trees, but not many. 

After tackling two fixed cable lines up a  steep, rugged area in the forest, you’ll reach a trail junction. Turn left to Slap 2. 

A narrow semi-balcony trail steers you towards the Martuljek River. Another fixed cable aids you down a rugged passage to a metal bridge. Cross the bridge and use the pegs to scramble up a few boulders. 

From here, you can enjoy the view of the Upper Martuljek Waterfall, which cascades down a vertical 110 meter wall in three levels.

Experienced hikers can climb up the protected route to the waterfall pool. Though the route is short and secured with fixed cables, it’s nonetheless steep and difficult. Proceed with caution. 

After a strenuous vertical section, there’s a resting spot, followed by a short, secured descent (cables and rungs) to the waterfall.

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Upper Martuljek Waterfall to Brunarica Pri Ingotu (40 minutes)

Retrace your steps all the way back to the Brunarico pri Ingotu mimo Kapelice trail sign (30 minutes). 

Turn right to Brunarico pri Ingotu mimo Kapelice (5 minutes).

Cross the river to the wooden chapel and head down to the Jasenje alpine meadow. Here, you’ll find the rustic Brunarico pri Ingotu. 

In summer, this is an active mountain pasture. 

Brunarico pri Ingotu serves traditional Slovenian stews and soups. If they are open, it’s really nice to eat lunch here whilst enjoying the mountain views.

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Brunarica Pri Ingotu to Gozd Martuljek (40 minutes)

Follow signs to Gozd Martuljek. The descent route follows a wide forest trail. The path eventually links back up with the ascent route at the charcoal burning area exhibit.

Follow the familiar trail back to the bus stop, or car park.

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Where to Stay near the Martuljek Waterfalls

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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 Kranjka 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

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

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