Peričnik Waterfall is one of the most beautiful and famous waterfalls in Slovenia. It is situated in the Julian Alps, about 5 km from the village of Mojstrana. The waterfall consists of two cascades that plunge from the edge of the Vrtaška plateau into the Vrata Valley below. This is not merely a waterfall you view from a distance. You can walk behind the lower cascade, feeling the spray on your face as tonnes of water crash down just metres away. The thunder of the falling water fills the valley, and rainbows form in the mist on sunny afternoons. In winter, the waterfall transforms into a frozen cathedral of blue and green icicles, attracting ice climbers from across Europe.
Peričnik Waterfall consists of two parts. Higher one is 16 meters high and the lower one 52 meters. A beautiful waterfall is a relic of the Ice Age, when the local largest glacier in the valley of Vrata, located on the northern side of the Julian Alps, created the beautiful valley stretched from the village Mojstrana to the northern foothills of Triglav.
Peričnik Waterfall is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Slovenia.
Above the waterfall there is Vrtaška plateau, which is known for its rich fauna and flora. Waterfall flows into the stream of Bistrica. The waterfall is beautiful also in winter, when there are countless icicles that have subtle shades of blue and green colors.
Peričnik Waterfall is protected as a natural phenomenon and is included in Triglav National Park.
Access to the lower waterfall is easy, since it is possible to get almost here by car from Mojstrana. In Mojstrana be aware of the exit road to the valley of Vrata. After about three kilometers of driving, you come to the Cottage under Peričnik. Here there is a sign of the administration of Triglav National Park with information on the waterfalls. Then walk just a few steps through the trail and you are already under a magnificent 52-meter-high lower Peričnik Waterfall. You can also walk around, but it is recommended to take a waterproof jacket (and helmet) with you.
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Walking Behind the Falls and What to Expect
The most remarkable feature of Peričnik Waterfall is the path that leads behind the lower cascade. A short trail climbs alongside the falling water, and a natural rock ledge allows you to stand directly behind the 52-metre curtain of water. The spray is intense, so a waterproof jacket is essential, and the rock can be slippery. The experience is unforgettable: the roar of the water envelops you, the light filters through the cascade in shifting patterns, and the cool air refreshes on even the hottest summer day. Helmets are recommended as loose rocks occasionally fall from the cliff above. The path continues in a loop, returning through the forest on the opposite side of the stream. The entire walk takes about 30 minutes and is suitable for most fitness levels, though sturdy footwear is essential. For photographers, the best time to capture the waterfall is in the late afternoon when the sun illuminates the spray from the side, creating vivid rainbows.
Triglav National Park and the Vrata Valley
Peričnik Waterfall lies within Triglav National Park, Slovenia’s only national park, named after Mount Triglav, the country’s highest peak. The Vrata Valley, where the waterfall is located, is one of the most dramatic glacial valleys in the Julian Alps. The valley walls rise steeply on both sides, carved by the same glacier that left behind the moraines and hanging valleys visible today. The park protects over 800 square kilometres of alpine terrain, including dense forests, alpine meadows, and more than 7,000 kilometres of streams. Wildlife in the area includes chamois, ibex, marmots, and golden eagles. The valley is also the starting point for several major hiking routes, including the approach to Triglav itself. Several mountain huts along the trail offer food and accommodation during the summer season. The most convenient base for visiting Peričnik is the village of Mojstrana, which has a Slovenian Alpine Museum and several guesthouses.
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