How to Visit Savica Waterfall in Bohinj, Triglav National Park (2026)!

One of my favourite locations in Slovenia has to be the magical Savica Waterfall.

It’s a stunning cascade near Lake Bohinj in Triglav National Park, where the water splits in two. 

The panoramic viewpoint of the roaring cascade pouring into an emerald spring below is well worth the effort to climb there.

The trail in autumn, surrounded by mountains, looked like a wonderland with all the red, orange and yellow trees. 

It felt like I was walking through a storybook, and it was an incredible adventure I won’t forget in a hurry.

You must add it to your bucket list. Here is how to visit Slap Savica in Triglav National Park, Slovenia. 

About Savica Waterfall

Slap Savica is Slovenia’s second-highest waterfall, found in Triglav National Park.

It’s 78 metres tall and stands at 836 metres above the standard water level. It’s unique as the cascade splits into a double stream, making an A-shape.

The turquoise water is fed by the Triglav Lakes Valley, specifically by Black Lake (Črno Jezero) and Velika Savica cave. 

Romantic Slovenian poet France Prešeren describes this waterfall in his epic lyric “The Baptism on the Savica”. 

It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovenia, and you must visit if you plan to spend time in Lake Bled. 

How to visit Savica Waterfall

Savica Waterfall can be found in the heart of Triglav National Park near the end of Lake Bohinj.

By far the easiest way to get to Savica Waterfall is by car, and it’s roughly a 40-minute drive from Lake Bled.

There’s a large car park at the start of the trail outside Koča pri Savici mountain hut.

Parking costs €7 for up to 3 hours, or €15 for the day. I would bring cash with you as card payments don’t always go through.

Can you visit Slap Savica by public transport? 

Yes, you can, although this is not always straightforward, as services are infrequent. 

Regular bus services run to Lake Bohinj from Bled and the capital, Ljubljana. 

You can then take a bus from Lake Bohinj to Ukanc that runs all year. There is an Arriva Bus A6361 that heads there.

In July & August, this service will drop you directly outside the parking area and the Koča pri Savici mountain hut at the start of the waterfall trail.

In any other month, you’ll be dropped off at Bohinj Ukanc (Hotel Zlatorog). It’s then around a 50-60 minute walk to the start of the trail. 

Just make sure to plan your journey and check schedules beforehand so you don’t get stranded. There aren’t many services per day. 

Why not book a guided tour?

As I wasn’t driving, I was so glad that I visited Savica Waterfall as part of a guided tour of Triglav National Park from Lake Bled.

Our tour included transport, tickets, bottled water and an experienced guide. This saved both time and money. 

We visited Vintgar Gorge, Lake Jasna, Lake Bohinj, Percinik Waterfall, and several other gorgeous locations in the park. All in one day. 

It was such a great way to see the sights without a car, and our local guide was excellent. I highly recommend them.

Do you have to pay to go to Slap Savica? 

Yes, you do have to pay for a ticket to visit Savica Waterfall. 

There is a small cottage in the car park at the entrance to the hiking trail where you can buy tickets on the day.

At the time of writing, ticket prices are €6 for adults and €3 for children. But these prices may increase during the summer months. 

Slap Waterfall opening hours 

Slap Savica is typically open to visitors from 10 am to 4 pm all year round. 

These opening hours are sometimes extended from 8 am to 6 pm or even later in the summer season.

It’s important to note that in particularly bad weather, they may close off the trail for safety reasons.

How long is the walk to Savica Waterfall?

Once you start the trail to Slap Savica, there are 553 stone steps to reach the waterfall viewpoint. 

This will take you around 25-30 minutes one way, as the steps are steep and can be muddy due to the trail being in a wooded area. 

I was breathless, and my legs were aching by the time I got to the top. The walk felt endless if I’m being honest. 

But I didn’t mind so much as the autumn leaves made the place look magical. It was like a fall paradise with the yellow, orange and red foliage.

With a reasonable level of fitness, you should be absolutely fine. Just remember to wear walking shoes, bring water and take rest stops. 

Arriving at the double waterfall 

You’ll know when you’re approaching Slap Savica as you’ll hear the roar of the cascade before you see it.

The trail ends at a wooden pavilion, and from here you can get incredible views of the 78-metre waterfall crashing into a turquoise pool below. 

Some stone steps lead down to a gate that makes a wonderful photo opportunity. But as it’s a popular place, there may be a queue for photos. 

The pavilion has some covered seating where you can rest until you’re ready to head back. 

I thought this waterfall was absolutely breathtaking, and the spectacular views made the journey well worth the effort. 

Can you swim in Savica Falls? 

No, unfortunately. As much as it looks like an incredible wild swimming spot, there is a gate that blocks entry.

So, you can’t swim or get anywhere near the water. It’s a shame as the colour of the lagoon is gorgeous, but safety always comes first. 

However, if you’re looking for a place to cool off after your visit, head to Lake Bohinj, where there are plenty of places to enter the lake. 

Heading back to the car park

You’ll head back the same way down the 553 steps to the car park. 

Although I was far less breathless going down, I did find that the walk back made my legs ache by the end.

However steep, I found this hike was well worth the effort for the wonderful views of Slap Savica and Triglav National Park.

Is Savica Waterfall worth visiting?

Yes, Savica Waterfall is well worth visiting. It was one of the most magical places I visited in Slovenia. 

It’s a relatively easy hike, albeit with many steps. The climb is well worth the effort, as you’ll be rewarded with captivating views.

Seeing this mighty waterfall pour over the karst cliff and crash into an emerald pool below was something I won’t forget. 

It really is a wonderful panoramic trail, especially in the autumn. The foliage felt like something plucked from the pages of a fairytale.

Don’t skip visiting Slap Savica in Slovenia; it’s a gorgeous walk that’s well worth your time. 

How long do you need to visit Slap Savica?

I would budget around 1 to 2 hours to visit Savica Waterfall. 

This allows enough time to walk there and back, a rest stop, and time for photos at the viewpoint!

As one of the most popular destinations in Triglav National Park, the trail can be busy at peak times.

There can also be a queue of people waiting for pictures on the stairs. This happened to our group, but with a bit of patience, we got there.

To avoid crowds, visit as early as possible in the morning. It only gets busier throughout the day. This is especially important in summer.

What to pack

Here is a quick packing list to help you plan your visit:

• Comfortable hiking shoes 
• Layers/waterproofs
• Bottle of water 
• Snacks
• Cash 
• Phone/Camera
• Bug spray (in warmer months)

My top visitor tips 

• There are a lot of steps to get to the top of Savica Waterfall. Wear some comfortable shoes for hiking.

• In autumn, the trails can be a little muddy. So, come prepared with sensible footwear and waterproofs. 

• The summer shuttle to Slap Savica car park only runs in July & August. Otherwise, it’s a 60-minute walk from the bus stop to the trail entrance. 

Explore Triglav National Park & Lake Bled

I went to Savica Waterfall as part of a wider day trip around Triglav National Park.

On our visit, we went to many locations, including Vintgar Gorge, Lake Bohinj, and Percinik waterfall from Lake Bled.

If you can, I recommend seeing as much of this park as possible. You can either drive or use public transport.

There are also lots of things to do in Lake Bled that make it worth visiting.

I recommend walking around Lake Bled if you haven’t already. You can head up to the Ojstrica Viewpoint for fairytale views.

Bled Castle is also worth your time, as the views from the top are stunning.

No visit to Lake Bled would be complete without a boat ride over to Bled Island on a traditional Pletna.

You can then explore the island by visiting the Blessed Church of St Mary and ringing the famous wishing bell.  

Read more of my Slovenia guides

Is Vintgar Gorge worth visiting in Slovenia? 

Ojstrica Hike – Fairytale views of Lake Bled

How to visit Predjama Castle – The Witcher filming location

Save Slap Savica Waterfall for later