How to hike from Valbona to Theth
May 8, 2024
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Albania | Our guide to hiking from Valbona to Theth; two beautiful traditional villages lying deep in the Albanian Alps
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Words can’t really describe Vintgar Gorge. Pictures provide a much better representation, but I’d even argue they can’t capture the magical atmosphere emanating throughout this natural phenomenon.
A vibrant palette of beautiful woodland, moss-sodden rock and rushing mountain water, it offers a unique setting that stands as one of my favourite all-time travel experiences.
Here is how to visit Vintgar Gorge.
Vintgar Gorge is a fifteen minute drive from Lake Bled and is located at the eastern point of Triglav National Park.
A natural wonder discovered by Jakob Žumer in 1891, the gorge is approximately 1.6km long and 250 metres deep.
Navigated by a series of walkways and bridges traversing through the ravine, it is the largest natural monument in Slovenia. Scientists believe the gorge is circa 10,000 years old.
Vintgar Gorge is only open during the summer season and, for 2024, this extends from 19th April to 10th October.
Opening hours vary throughout this period, so check here for accurate timings, but typically at the height of summer (24th June to 15th August) it is open from 07:30 to 19:00.
The cost of a ticket to visit Vintgar Gorge is €10.00.
You can drive to Vintgar Gorge, but will need to park in one of three official car parks.
The main car park is Vintgar Lip, with the other two being Vintgar Blejska Dobrava and Vintgar Blejski Grad.
From these car parks, a free shuttle bus runs regularly to the visitors centre. Parking is €5.00.
We didn’t, but according to Google Maps, the walk to Vintgar Gorge from Lake Bled is approximately one hour.
Although we travelled by car, I’ve done some research and it is also possible to reach Vintgar Gorge via shuttle bus. This is a direct link from the main bus station in Bled, departing every hour from 08:30am.
According to the company who run this service, Mamut Slovenija, visitors get two hours to explore before the return journey where you can be dropped off at either the bus station or Bled Castle free of charge.
The Vintgar Gorge offers a pleasant, easy hike throughout the duration of the 1.6km trail.
Absolutely, it stands as the highlight of my trip to Slovenia. It is one of the most photogenic, beautiful natural locations I have ever had the pleasure to visit.
With over 300,000 visitors evert year, just try to get there first thing in the morning when it is quiet!
Vintgar Gorge can be reached from the following locations:
Lake Bled – 6km (12 minutes)
Lake Bohinj – 33km (42 minutes)
Ljubljana – 58km (45 minutes)
Kranjska Gora – 33km (35 minutes)
Bovec – 101 km (1 hour, 28 minutes)
I’d done my reading on Vintgar Gorge prior to the trip. I discovered it can get very busy during the summer months, especially later on in the day. With this in mind, we opted for an early start.
It was a much cooler climate to what we’d previously experienced during the week but comfortable enough to wear just a light fleece and shorts. I was immediately captivated by the flow of the Radovna river and the swirling mists lingering above its surface.
Amidst the emerald waters transforming into white rapids as they plunged through channels of rock, a wonderful canvas of colour lined the cliffs with the various green and brown hues of beech forest.
The early start had paid off. The route was relatively clear enabling us to capture some amazing photo’s and enjoy Vintgar Gorge’s beauty in peace. There’s something wonderful about returning to nature, with the only sound being the steady rush of water and birdsong.
Vintgar Gorge is an idyllic pocket of nature, providing a home for more than 600 species of plant. In fact, it’s unique micro-climates mean some species are found here that can’t be found in the surrounding area.
Several rare and endangered species also reside here. The rare Souffia fish uses it’s flat body to endure the rapid flow of the Radovna river, while the European otter calls the gorge home. The white throated-dipper – the only songbird that dives in search of food – also nests in Vintgar Gorge.
The dawn mist added an extra dimension to the trail, providing an air of mystique about the gorge as we made our way along the boardwalks. Towards the end, a waterfall plunges below the Bohinj Railway bridge; Slovenia’s largest stone arch bridge at 34 metres high.
The climax of the travel arrives with Slovenia’s highest river waterfall – Slap Šum. At circa 15 metres high, it offers a fantastic way to finish a wonderful hike.
In a week full of mesmerising sights climbing mountains, rafting down rivers and exploring lakes, it’d be easy to dismiss this as just another hiking trail. It isn’t.
It was like no place I’ve ever been before.
Read more… Great Soca Gorge: An Emerald Jewel
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Albania | Our guide to hiking from Valbona to Theth; two beautiful traditional villages lying deep in the Albanian Alps
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