The Northern Part of Triglav National Park
Today, we head north into the Triglav National Park for a day filled with discoveries around Kranjska Gora. We set off to explore some of the region's most spectacular natural treasures: the majestic Peričnik Waterfall, the tranquil Lakes Jasna with their crystal-clear reflections, and the Zelenci Nature Reserve, famous for its emerald springs and unique wildlife. With alpine landscapes, lush forests, and waters of striking blue, this day promises to immerse us in the wild and untouched beauty of Slovenia.
– For our complete Slovenia itinerary, click here: Two Weeks in Slovenia: Itinerary, Tips and Advice –
How to Get to Kranjska Gora?
Kranjska Gora is located 35 km from Bled and is easily accessible by car. Take the highway towards Jesenice and exit at Kranjska Gora. Follow road 201, heading towards Kranjska Gora, until you reach your destination.
For our stay in Slovenia, we rented a car from Renty, a Slovenian car rental company based in Ljubljana, which we chose for its flexibility and competitive rates.
Where to Stay in Kranjska Gora?
For our stay in Kranjska Gora, we decided to venture a little outside the town center and stay in Rateče, a small village just a few kilometers from the resort. We chose a charming "tiny house" that immediately captivated us with its location facing the mountains. This place offers the perfect blend of tranquility and proximity to the attractions of Kranjska Gora, all while immersing us in a privileged natural setting.
If you prefer to stay in Kranjska Gora itself, you'll be spoilt for choice with a variety of options to suit all tastes and budgets. In the heart of the town, several comfortable and modern hotels allow you to fully enjoy the lively atmosphere of the resort, especially in winter for ski enthusiasts or in summer for hiking. Alternatively, apartments and family-run guesthouses offer a warm and authentic experience, perfect for those seeking a friendly, homely atmosphere.
Kranjska Gora is also well-equipped in terms of amenities – restaurants, shops, and cafés are all easily accessible on foot. By choosing to stay right in the town, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the activities and events that shape the season, while being in immediate proximity to the ski lifts and hiking trails. It's the perfect option for those who want to be at the heart of the action without sacrificing comfort.
Things to do during the Summer months in Kranjska Gora
Peričnik Waterfall
With its impressive 52-meter drop, the Peričnik Waterfall offers visitors a unique experience: the opportunity to walk behind the curtain of water and admire the surrounding landscapes from a rare and captivating angle. Whether you visit for a refreshing hike or simply to take in its raw beauty, the Peričnik Waterfall is an essential stop for nature lovers seeking adventure and alpine discoveries.
Essential Tips
Prices and opening hours: The waterfall is free to visit and is open year-round.
Parking: Paid – located right across from the start of the trail leading to the waterfall. GPS coordinates: 46°26’17.4″N 13°53’44.8″E.
Access: The waterfall is located about 500 meters from the parking area. Follow the trail that climbs to the left, facing the waterfall. The elevation gain is about 150 meters, with easy difficulty.
Despite the early hour, a few visitors are already present. From the parking lot, we can glimpse the lower waterfall, towering at 52 meters in height. We take a trail that climbs up to it. Although the slope is steep, the path is well-marked and relatively easy. Upon reaching the base of the waterfall, we feel tiny in front of its impressive height, and the roar of the water is deafening. On this hot summer day, the fine mist created by the water offers a refreshing burst of coolness. We walk behind the waterfall, an enjoyable experience that gives us a new perspective on this spectacular setting.
Back on the trail, we decide to climb up to the upper waterfall. Fewer people venture here, as most visitors stop at the first fall. Yet, this second waterfall, though smaller (16 meters), has a unique charm. The area is quieter, and the views of the surrounding peaks, including Triglav, are even more expansive. Through the trees, the summits emerge on the horizon, a majestic sight that rewards our effort.
After fully enjoying the view from the upper waterfall, we calmly descend back to the parking lot. Before leaving, we decide to take a detour to the river below. This peaceful and refreshing stream winds through the rocks and offers a new perspective on the surrounding peaks. The view from this point is stunning, with the majestic summits sharply outlined against the blue sky. It’s the perfect moment of tranquility to admire the landscape one last time before continuing our journey.
Lake Jasna
We continue our journey north, heading towards Lake Jasna. Located at the gates of Kranjska Gora, this mountain lake actually consists of two artificial basins fed by the Pišnica and Velika Pišnica rivers.
Essential Tips
Prices and opening hours: The lake is free to visit and is open year-round.
Parking: Paid – there are several parking areas around the lake.
Access: The lake is easily accessible from Kranjska Gora, by car or shuttle (free during July and August). For more information, you can visit the official website of the Municipality of Kranjska Gora.
The heat is overwhelming today, and upon our arrival, all we want to do is cool off in its crystal-clear waters. Before that, we take some time to have lunch by the lake, enjoying the soothing view of this mountain scenery.
After our meal, we take on the challenge of entering the water... but it's a lost cause, it's freezing! This is not surprising, considering the area turns into a ski resort in winter. Despite the biting chill, the mountain lake remains majestic, with its translucent waters surrounded by alpine peaks. The bravest venture to swim while others enjoy paddleboarding or pedalo, gently gliding across the calm surface of the lake.
All around, families set up along the shores, savoring the sunny afternoon. A statue of a chamois (Kozorog in Slovenian), the symbol of the place, seems to watch over this natural gem. We decide to return the next morning to capture even more beautiful photos, bathed in the soft morning light and far from the lively afternoon crowd.
In the meantime, we let ourselves be carried away by the peaceful atmosphere, lying in the sun on the shores of the lake, simply enjoying the moment.
Zelenci Nature Reserve
At the end of the day, after spending a lovely time at Lake Jasna, we hit the road to reach our Airbnb. On the way, we make a stop at the Zelenci Nature Reserve.
Essential Tips
Prices and opening hours: The natural reserve is free to visit and is open year-round.
Parking : Free – located near the start of the trail leading to the nature reserve.
Access: The nature reserve is easily accessible from Kranjska Gora, by car or shuttle (free during July and August). For more information, you can visit the official website of the Kranjska Gora municipality.
As we step onto the wooden path leading to the pond, we come face to face with a small snake, startled by our arrival, quickly slithering away into the grasses.
As we continue, the path opens up into a clearing, and the landscape suddenly unfolds before us. A heron, disturbed by our presence, takes flight gracefully above the pond, its wings gliding slowly through the air.
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