Slovenia contains over 300 known waterfalls across its 20,273 square kilometres, a density matched by few countries in Europe, and the Savica Waterfall in Triglav National Park is the most famous of them all, a 78-metre double cascade that plunges into an emerald pool at the head of the Soča Valley, a place where the water is so clear you can see individual pebbles at the bottom of a pool 15 metres deep. The waterfall is formed by the Savica River, which emerges from a cave in the Komarča Wall in a dramatic subterranean resurgence before tumbling down the cliff face in two distinct stages. The name Savica derives from the Slovenian word “sava,” meaning the source, and the waterfall is the beginning of the Sava Bohinjka river, which eventually flows through Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and into the Danube at Belgrade, a journey of nearly 1,000 kilometres from this single Alpine source.
Quick Facts: Savica Waterfall
- Location: Triglav National Park, near the southern shore of Lake Bohinj, northwestern Slovenia. The trailhead is at the Savica car park, approximately 5 km from the village of Ribčev Laz on Lake Bohinj
- Best time to visit: May and June for maximum water volume from snowmelt, when the waterfall roars with the full force of winter meltwater. September and October for autumn colours in the surrounding beech forest and more comfortable hiking temperatures. July and August are busiest, with queues forming at the viewpoint platform
- The hike: A paved but steep path climbs 550 metres over 1.8 km from the car park to the main viewing platform. The walk takes approximately 30-45 minutes at a moderate pace. The path is well-maintained but is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. A small fee (approximately €3, as of 2026) is charged at the entrance to the path
- Geology: The waterfall exists because of the contrast between permeable limestone and impermeable dolomite rock layers. Water seeps through the limestone until it hits the dolomite barrier, then emerges horizontally at the spring. The cave system that feeds the waterfall has been mapped to a depth of over 500 metres
When it comes to visiting the countryside of Slovenia, there are a number of beautiful and picturesque destinations to choose from. However, one of the most popular destinations in the country is that of Bohinj Lake.
While the Lake itself is supplied with water by a number of different inflows, the most important and famous one is that of the Savica River. The river is fed by the Dolina Sedmerih Jezer which is located deep underground. It is just outside of Komarča where the Savica River burst from the walls and thus creates the most famous waterfall in all of Slovenia; the Savica Waterfall.
Savica waterfall, Slovenia by Nigel’s Europe
The waterfall itself travels a distance of more than 38 meters and falls more than 51 meters into the pool below. Also another smaller waterfall falls nearby falls only 25 meters, but creates a very unique and picturesque combination which creates “A” shape. The pool has been artificially dammed in order to slow down the erosion associated with the powerful Savica Waterfall. From there, the water then flows into the Bohinj Lake.
There are many ways to access the Savica Waterfall, including by car and by foot. The falls are located only four kilometers away from Ukanc and while it is possible to drive the distance, most people often prefer to walk in order to enjoy the awe-inspiring views even more. There are several paths and signs that lead to the Savica Waterfall which can be reached in just under an hour from the village. However, in order to get the best view the Savica Waterfall you will need to walk across the stone bridge that crosses the Mala Savica and pay the necessary entrance fee in order to access the best viewing point above the Savica gorge.
