tolmin gorge

after a full satisfying breakfast at our apartment wallace in bovec, we drove 50mins to tolmin gorge on 19.9.2018. ^^

we parked at the carpark at the entrance. parking is free. we paid entrance fee was €4pax for adults at a small wooden hut at the gorge entrance.

tolmin gorge is actually two gorges. the tolminka gorge and zadlaščica gorge. the confluence of both rivers, is the sotočje.

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

a very pleasant, easy walk in the woods alongside the river.

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

son, wife & i all like walks…

suspension bridge

suspension bridge

tolmin gorge

we followed the tolminka gorge.

bridge

bridge

tolmin gorge

bridge

crossed the bridge…

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

devil’s bridge – tolmin gorge

walking towards devil’s brdige.

tolmin gorge

we continued on the path. nice stream flowing past many rocks.

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

the beautiful colours of the river, from turquoise to emerald depending on the play of sunlight, reflections and mineral in the water.

this stretch was like the most beautiful part of the walk. 🙂

tunnel with steps

tunnel with steps

we reached a short tunnel with steps…

thermal spring – tolmin gorge

and the thermal spring next to the small cave (above photo). 🙂

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

thermal spring – tolmin gorge

end of the path.

and turned back. 🙂

devil’s bridge – tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

devil’s bridge – tolmin gorge

we walked back the path along tolminka gorge.

sotočje, confluence of tolminka gorge with zadlaščica gorge

towards the confluence with zadlaščica gorge, the sotočje.

zadlaščica gorge

along zadlaščica gorge looking back at the sotočje.

bridge across the zadlaščica gorge

bridge across the zadlaščica gorge

zadlaščica gorge

zadlaščica gorge

along zadlaščica gorge looking back at the sotočje

medvedova glava, the bears head

next, medvedova glava, the bears head. 🙂

this a natural bridge created by a large rock that got stuck between the walls of the zadlascica canyon.

medvedova glava, the bears head

the bear’s head…looked like a heart of stone! lol! 🙂

medvedova glava, the bears head

medvedova glava, the bears head

& water “jumping” from one pool to the next..

zadlaščica gorge

devil’s bridge – tolminka gorge

devil’s bridge – tolminka gorge

we walked further up the steps and towards the devil’s bridge which led to the road exit.

looking over tolminka gorge from devils bridge

looking over tolminka gorge from devils bridge

looking over tolminka gorge from devils bridge

looking over tolminka gorge from devils bridge

devils bridge leading to the road exit

devils bridge over tolminka gorge

looking over tolminka gorge from devils bridge

the tolminka gorge is the most beautiful, stunning. whether looking over from the devils’ bridge, or walking alongside at the lower level.

from the bridge it was a short walk along the road to the carpark. the easy hike and picturesque outing took us just about 1 hr 10mins.

railway near most na soci?

a high bridge

we took photos fro the bridge

napolean bridge in the distance?

napolean bridge in the distance?

napolean bridge in the distance?

napolean bridge in the distance?

we stopped by a major road bridge to eat some packed food. from there we had good view of the gorge & the railway bridge (napolean bridge?_

and we arrived at postojna cave about 2.40pm.

c.h.e.f andy

wife & son made breakfast

wife & son made excellent breakfast this morning.

grilled thick bacon 

we bought more thick cut smoked bacon from a supermart on the way to bovec.

this was the best.

iberico ham, chorizo & rock melon

we had some rock melon as well, very sweet.

tomatoes 

and really sweet tomatoes also.

croissant & grilled mushrooms 

excellent mushrooms.

brussels sprouts & grilled thick bacon

and son cooked the brussels sprouts. 🙂

a really shiok, satisfying breakfast before we set out for tolmin gorge, the caves and ending in ljubljana.

c.h.e.f andy

slap verje

after chilling out at apartment wallace, we drove 15mins drive to take a look at slap verje.

parked by the road side near the entrance path to slap verje. 🙂

slap verje

a very short 5mins walk to slap verje. 🙂

slap verje

slap verje

slap verje

slap verje

it was a pretty nice waterfall.

nothing that we haven’t seen before, but still very pleasing.

couldn’t get people to move off for us to take photos ourselves…lol!

slap verje

slap verje

slap verje

slap verje

slap verje

slap verje

it was a very pleasing moment to be at a place of natural beauty, to feel the freshness and tranquility if the waterfall.

we stayed a short while & then headed back to our apartment and went with son for dinner.

c.h.e.f andy

amazing lepena

as we were reaching bovec, there was what looked like a picnic area along the banks of river soca, so we turned our car in to explore.

our last drive stop before checking into apartment wallas at bovec was the beautiful lepena.

as it turned out, this was a MUST visit places in the soca valley.

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

a place  where the soča gorge ends and turbulent rapids caught between rock walls suddenly slow down in pools offering a stunning view.

this was the amazing lepena. 🙂

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

indeed there was the occasional soul sunbathing on the rocks.

amazing lepena

amazing lepena 

we parked further downstream.

so we followed the oath upstream, to look at the gorge.

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

the amazing colours.

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

amazing lepena 

and the stunningly beautiful gorge.

amazing lepena

amazing lepena 

deep, narrow and amazing colours from turquoise to emerald green water and reflections. 🙂

amazing lepena

the amazing lepena, truly a place of exceptional natural beauty…

c.h.e.f andy

soca valley & beautiful gorges

next we stopped at a stone bridge & a most beautiful gorge.^^

this was more impressive than vintgar gorge.

and as picturesque as ryuokyo gorge nikko japan & the one we went to at snowdonia national park in wales.

perhaps not as magical as the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon in Iceland.

stone bridge and beautiful gorge

stone bridge and beautiful gorge 

stone bridge and beautiful gorge

stone bridge and beautiful gorge

a medieval stone bridge over the great soca gorge.

soca valley & beautiful gorges

soca valley & beautiful gorges

soca valley & beautiful gorges

soca valley & beautiful gorges

soca valley & beautiful gorges

soca valley & beautiful gorges 

the stone bridge casting a shadow over the great soca gorge in the evening sun, a mesmerizing scenery.

signage describing the river troughs

we drove further towards direction of bovec and stopped at the next suspension bridge.

there was a sign describing the river troughs – where the river is squeezed into 750m long & 10-15m deep gorges.

another suspension bridge & view of the picturesque gorge

soca valley picturesque gorge

soca valley picturesque gorge

another view of the great soca gorge, w/o the shados of the stone bridge. 🙂

suspension bridge & view of the picturesque gorge

soca trail on the other bank of river soca

soca trail on the other bank of river soca 

there was the soca trail on the other bank of the river.

another day, we would certainly walk some parts of the trail. 🙂

suspension bridge & view of the picturesque gorge

soca valley picturesque gorge

soca valley picturesque gorge

the picturesque scoa gorge, etched in memory.

c.h.e.f andy

soca valley & suspension bridge

we came to the first small suspension bridge along soca river.

soca valley & suspension bridge

good break stop for our driver. 🙂

the lure of nature, freedom, fresh air…

soca valley & suspension bridge

soca valley & suspension bridge

nice streams of the soca river…

soca valley & suspension bridge

soca valley & suspension bridge

soca valley & suspension bridge 

this but a small part introduction to the beautiful gorge of the soca valley.

c.h.e.f andy

soca valley

after vrsic pass, the road follows soca river along soca valley & the gorges & stone & suspension bridges

we made a turn into a branch road to look for the source of soca but did not find it.

looking for the source of soca but did not find it.

soca valley

we parked our car & walked down a path to the river soca.

didn’t find the source,

but this should be part of the 25km soca trail from soca spring to bovec.

soca valley

it says “soska pot” or soca trail on the signpost..

soca valley

soca valley

soca valley

soca valley

soca valley

soca valley

soca valley

soca valley

we drove to another place slightly further up the branch road.

soca valley

too bad we missed the soca spring, source of soca.

looking at other’s blog write-ups –  “crystal clear emerald waters burst out into daylight out of a small underground lake at the end of a narrow gorge in Zadnja Trenta valley“..

we could certainly have make the 1hr hike even on a day journey from bohinj to bovec…well another day or another destination la..

c.h.e.f andy

vrsic pass turn 24

we parked out car at turn #24, and trekked up the road.

vrsic pass turn 24

vrsic pass turn 24

there were various hiking trails.

we were doing a day drive to bovec so only taking a short hike. 🙂

vrsic pass turn 24

vrsic pass turn 24

vrsic pass turn 24

weather was good, glorious sunshine, not hot myabe 24degC and no need warm clothing when we were trekking so we just wore Ts and jeans or shorts.

vrsic pass short hike – going up postarki dom 1688m

vrsic pass short hike – going up postarki dom 1688m

vrsic pass short hike – going up postarki dom 1688m

we took a 20-25mins walk up the the mountain hut.

vrsic pass short hike – going up postarki dom 1688m

vrsic pass short hike – going up postarki dom 1688m

postarki dom 1688m – view of petrified giantess

just above the hut, there was a clear view of the giantess.

postarki dom 1688m – view of petrified giantess

and some background.

postarki dom 1688m – view of petrified giantess

very nice view!

postarki dom 1688m – view of petrified giantess

postarki dom 1688m – view of petrified giantess

vrsic pass short hike -postarki dom 1688m

we stopped at the hut.

ordered 2 soup & beer and coffee.

vrsic pass short hike -postarki dom 1688m

son didn’t walk to walk. so he stayed at the hut to chill.

& the 2 old folks went walking up by ourselves. 🙂

vrsic pass short hike -postarki dom 1688m

looking back at the rest stop.

vrsic pass short hike -10mins to peak

another 10mins to a small peak.

vrsic pass short hike -10mins to peak

vrsic pass short hike -10mins to peak

took some photos here. 🙂

vrsic pass short hike 1688m

vrsic pass short hike 1688m

vrsic pass short hike 1688m

then back the same route.

vrsic pass short hike 1688m

vrsic pass short hike 1688m

and back to the hut.

vrsic pass turn 24

then we walked back down to turn #24, and drove to trenta and scoa valley on the way to bovec.

c.h.e.f andy

versic pass turn 8 – russian church

the vrsic pass at 1611m is the highest road pass in the eastern julian alps.

it connects the small town of kranjska gora to trenta valley in the triglav national park. there are 50 serpentine turns, 24 on kranjska gora side and 26 on trenta side.

leaving lake jasna, we drove along this vrsic pass. the turns were well marked & paved with cobbled stones at the turns, so it was not so difficult driving.

versic pass turn 8 – russian church

many bloggers have documented the sights along vrsic pass, so we dutifully stopped at turn #8 to admire the russian church.

versic pass turn 8 – russian church

versic pass turn 8 – russian church

versic pass turn 8 – russian church 

the Russian Chapel on the Vršič pass (Ruska kapelica na Vršiču) is a russian orthodox chapel located on the russian road on the northern side of the vršič pass…. it was built by russian POWs (prisoners of war) during World War I. It serves as both a war memorial and a symbolic link between Slovenia and Russia.

versic pass turn 17 – hole in the mountain

versic pass turn 17 – hole in the mountain

next we stopped at turn #17.

stacking stones is a passionate hobby of all the travellers at various ravines and gorges and also here at vrsic pass. 🙂

versic pass turn 17 – hole in the mountain

versic pass turn 17 – hole in the mountain 

and from here we can see the hoe in the mountain, a natural window in the Prisank mountain face…

versic pass turn 17 – hole in the mountain

versic pass turn 17 – hole in the mountain

versic pass turn 17 – hole in the mountain 

versic pass turn 17 – hole in the mountain

versic pass turn 17 – hole in the mountain

another view of the hole in the mountain.

versic pass turn 17 – hole in the mountain

versic pass turn 22 – petrified giantess

we drove on to turn #22 to see the petrified giantess, the  Heathen Maiden (Ajdovska deklica).

versic pass turn 22 – petrified giantess

there was a good view here. later when we hiked up to the vrsic mountain hut, there was a very clear view as well.

versic pass turn 22 – petrified giantess

versic pass turn 22 – petrified giantess

from the vantage point to view the petrified giantess. looking down at our parked car. 🙂

we proceed to turn #24, the last turn on kranjska gora side, did a short hike, then down the pass  and turns on the trenta side.

c.h.e.f andy

bohinj-lake jasna-vrsic pass-soca valley-bovec

this morning we taking a longer scenic drive through passes, goreges & valleys so left early past 8am.

it’s a day’s drive so son to lake jasna, vrsic pass, trenta valley & soca valley to bovec where we stay the night..

lake jasna 

first stop, the tranquil lake jasna…lazy…serene..

lake jasna

lake jasna

lake jasna

lake jasna 

small glacial lake with still reflections.

lake jasna

lake jasna

lake jasna

lake jasna in the town of kranska gora…

lake jasna

zen stillness…

zlatorog/golden horn at lake jasna

a larger horn zlatorog statue than the one at bohinj…in terms of setting though bohinj statue on a higher elevation is a more magnificient picture.

lake jasna a quick rest stop. after that we proceed to vrsic pass.

c.h.e.f andy

savica slap

savica waterfall is the source of savica river which flows into lake bohinj.

it is unique among world waterfalls as it is fed from 2 underground rivers, and emerged as the famous “A” shape waterfall at 836m and 78m high. 🙂

it is a must see sight for first timers to bohinj. ^^

savica slap trail

after the exhilarating vogel climb, we drove 10mins to savica slap car park, took a quick bite at Planinski dom Savica, and proceed to the savica hut entrance.

entrance fee was €3pax.

savica slap trail

savica slap trail

savica slap trail

it was an easy walk/climb.

savica slap trail

sound of water along the trail, savica river & small streams..

savica slap trail

savica slap trail

savica slap trail

small falls along the way…

savica slap trail

savica slap trail

water & streams..

savica slap trail

quite easy steps…

savica slap trail guide

savica slap trail

more steps..

savica slap trail

savica slap trail

a very pleasant walk.

savica slap

and we were at the savica falls.

not that many tourists at this time 4.30pm – ish…

it was a narrow path/stairs, so just short wait to take photos…

savica slap

pretty A shape asymmetrical falls emerging from 2 underground rivers at 836m and 78m, and discharging into a beatiful emerald green pond that flows into savica river & into lake bohinj..

savica slap

savica slap

savica slap

savica slap

may not be notable c/w any waterfall in iceland, or even the best in slovenia.

still it was a beauty to behold and a very nice walk to the fall & back.

after savica slap, we returned to the apartment to chill, have coffee, shower, rest before going to foksner burger few steps down the road to have a nice dinner. 🙂

c.h.e.f andy

mt vogel

gondola tickets

parked our car and took the cable car (gondola) up to vogel ski station 1535m then a short ski lift..then trekked to sija about 3hr return.

the gondola return ticket was €20pax, the ski lift (orlove glave 4 seat ski lift) free, but the higher (single seat sija) ski lift was not operational this time.

zipline at mt vogel station 1535m

zipline at mt vogel station 1535m

there were 2 short ziplines, and a few kids were having swell of a time.

mt vogel station

viharnik vogel ski centre

we put on more sun block and went to the washrooms.

son though he might have left his water bottle at the wooden table here. we asked the cafe operators when we returned from sija but could not recover the bottle.

view of lake bohinj from mt vogel

from vogel ski station, we had a great view of lake bohinj. 🙂

mt vogel mountain range

mt vogel mountain range

and the mountain ranges around vogel.

walking to the orlove glave four seat ski lift station (3 on the vogel map top photo)

we asked at the tourist info.

the lady was helpful, she said we could take the ski lift, climb to sija 1880m then decide if to go vogel 1922m, and could trek back via another route. it would take like 6 or 7hrs.

it was about 11.20am. we were not decided so first thing first – go to the ski lift station.

orlove glave four seat ski lift station (3 on the vogel map top photo)

floral of mt vogel

orlove glave four seat ski lift station (3 on the vogel map top photo)

we took the four seat orlove glave ski lift…

from vantage point of the ski lift

from vantage point of the ski lift

from vantage point of the ski lift

from vantage point of the ski lift

from vantage point of the ski lift

nice view of the mountain and the surrounding ranges from vantage point of the ski lift.

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

the trail was well marked.

mostly ski routes or off piste…in the snow covered skiing season.

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

a really fun enjoyable walk. we all loved it. 🙂

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

it was getting a bit warm.

i was worried that it would be cold at 1500m to 1900m, so i had on 3 layers an inner T and a outer light parka. got to go light down to my inner T.

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

quite a fair bit of climbing to do.

mt vogel trail

there were good markings along the trail, sometimes at like 20m intervals, though at one part we wandered to a longer trail becos the markings disappeared. 🙂

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

the scenery was magnificient at every point.

and the climb itself was really fun.

mt vogel trail

we wandered off a bit here. and walked round the side instead of going up a slope. 🙂

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

great views all round..

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

not the easiest of climbs, but something casual hikers like us could still do and enjoy. 🙂

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

we were near to sija peak and a sign said it would take another 1hr 40mins to vogel (or like additional 4hrs hike at my pace from sija to vogel & back.

so though wife was very keen to go to vogel, we settled on just sija peak.

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

and we were at sija peak. ^^

what an exhilarating climb!

from sija peak 1880m

from sija peak 1880m

from sija peak 1880m

from sija peak 1880m

from sija peak 1880m

we took many photos and even some succesful jump shot at our age….lol! ^^

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

we walked a little along the trail to vogel along the ridge, and then trekked down.

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

decided to take a unmarked short cut down the side of the field.

we thought it was easier than the route we took up, as it was rocky and not easy coming up the last bit & retracing it down would be a lot harder.

and we were quite right about that! 🙂

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

very soon we were back to the trail.

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

mt vogel trail

up another rocky stretch.

mt vogel trail

and past the single seat sija ski lift which was not operational at this time.

mt vogel trail

and down the slope which we earlier missed & walked round the mountain side.

actually coming to think of it, the side might be a lot easier path. 🙂

mt vogel trail rest stop

mt vogel trail rest stop

finally we came to the rest stop.

went to the washroom, shared a coke and beer.

mt vogel trail rest stop

mt vogel trail rest stop

and a moment of relaxation.

mt vogel trail rest stop

chilled a short while.

mt vogel mountain range

then we were back at the vogel ski centre.

gondola

gondola

gondola

gondola

took the gondola and took in all the aerial views of lake bohinj on the way down to zicnice vogel bohinj and our car.

our next stop = savica gap.

c.h.e.f andy

homecooked breakfast

we bought smoked thick bacon, croissant & bread, eggs and brussel sprouts last evening so made a delicious breakfast at out bohinj apartment on 17.9.2018. ^^

the bacon was really really good. we cooked that couple of times more later.

breakfast time

our bohinj apartment had a good kitchen. more about that later.

homecooked breakfast

we had croissant & multigrain bread.

the really delicious grilled smoked thick bacon were between the bread.

homecooked breakfast

homecooked breakfast

i made some sunny side up.

brussel sprouts & bacon

and son did a really good brussel sprouts, very nicely chargrilled, then added the smoked bacon in small strips for good flavour.

really enjoyed son’s brussel sprouts! ^^

we were going up mt vogel, and a good heart breakfast was just what we needed.

c.h.e.f andy

church of st john the baptist @ bohinj

had a nice coffee break at the apartment at ribcev laz.

walking around lake bohinj

walking around lake bohinj

then we went out to explore the mercator (supermarket) next to the tourist info.

and to walk around town & the lake bohinj

church of st john the baptist @ bohinj

first stop was lakeside, with the oft mentioned church of st john the baptist across the bridge, which we drove across on arrivaing from mostnic gorge. 🙂

walking around lake bohinj

nice tranquil lake.

lake bohinj is the largest “permanent” glacial lake and dammed by a moraine of glacial debris.

walking around lake bohinj

ducks and aquatic birds.

church of st john the baptist @ bohinj

church of st john the baptist @ bohinj

church of st john the baptist @ bohinj

church of st john the baptist @ bohinj

church of st john the baptist @ bohinj

the church of st john the baptist @ bohinj ..just like any oil painting or wtaercolours of idyllic town & villages…

church of st john the baptist @ bohinj

we crossed the bridge to the other bank.

ducks fishes – lake bohinj

ducks fishes – lake bohinj

family of mallard ducks, and fishes in the lake..

lakeside promenade

great place for family picnic…

the golden horn/zlatorog statue

we walked back to the other bank & further to the golden horn/zlatorog statue.

some random drone

not too many tourist.

we took some photos, wonder around a bit.

golden horn/zlatorog in twilight

golden horn/zlatorog

golden horn/zlatorog

golden horn/zlatorog in twilight

golden horn/zlatorog in twilight

beautiful & serene in the twilight glow.

c.h.e.f andy