Triglav National Park, SLOVENIA: After a strenuous hiking tour in the Soca Valley, this time we went to visit two waterfalls and the lake and the town of Bled. The first waterfall was actually located by chance on the road. The second waterfall was the famous Pericnik.
The special thing about this waterfall is that you can go underneath it. This is quite impressive and not often possible with other waterfalls in the world. The last thing we did was to visit the lake Bled and the castle at the lake. Unfortunately, the museum was not very interesting. The view was pretty much the only thing that was interesting but still worth seeing.
In this video, I visit one of Slovenia’s most impressive natural landmarks: the Peričnik Waterfall (Slap Peričnik), located in the beautiful Vrata Valley near Mojstrana in the Julian Alps. Known as one of the country’s most photogenic waterfalls, Peričnik is especially famous because you can actually walk underneath the curtain of water, experiencing the power and beauty of the falls from an extraordinary perspective.
The Peričnik Waterfall is part of Triglav National Park, Slovenia’s only national park, and it stands out among the many waterfalls of the region because of its dramatic setting and unique accessibility. The main waterfall drops an impressive 52 meters, plunging from a high cliff into the rocky basin below. Above it, a smaller upper waterfall adds another 16 meters of cascading water, making the total drop nearly 70 meters. Together, they create one of the most striking natural sights in the Vrata Valley.
The hike to Peričnik is short but steep, starting from the road that winds through the valley. As you climb the forested trail, the sound of rushing water grows louder until the waterfall finally comes into view. The sight is breathtaking: a tall, slender column of water plunging over a sheer cliff, surrounded by green forests in summer, golden colors in autumn, or sparkling ice formations in winter.
What makes Peričnik truly unique is the path that leads behind the waterfall. Unlike most waterfalls, here you can actually walk along a narrow trail that passes underneath the cliff overhang, right behind the falling water. From this vantage point, the waterfall takes on a completely different character. Looking out through the curtain of water, the valley beyond appears blurred and shimmering. The roar of the water surrounds you, and drops of spray soak the air. It is a perspective that few places in the world can offer so easily.
In summer, the walk behind the waterfall is refreshing and cool, with the mist providing a welcome break from the heat. In autumn, the waterfall is framed by colourful forests, making the scene even more dramatic. In winter, Peričnik becomes an entirely different spectacle: the water often freezes into huge icicles and ice curtains, turning the falls into a frozen wonderland. Walking underneath at that time of year feels like stepping into an ice cave.
The geological setting of Peričnik is also fascinating. The waterfall flows over a limestone cliff that has eroded over time, leaving the deep overhang that makes it possible to walk behind. This natural process continues even today, reminding visitors that landscapes are never fixed but always changing.
For hikers, the waterfall is often just the beginning. The Vrata Valley leads deeper into Triglav National Park, with trails that continue toward Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak. Many climbers and trekkers pass through this valley on their way to more challenging routes, but for those who simply want a memorable and accessible adventure, Peričnik is a perfect highlight.
This video captures the impression of walking underneath Peričnik Waterfall in Slovenia: the short forest hike, the dramatic sight of the plunging water, the experience of passing behind the curtain of spray, and the unique atmosphere of one of Slovenia’s most iconic natural wonders. It is not a detailed hiking guide but an overview of the mood, beauty, and sense of adventure that comes with visiting this place.
For travelers, Peričnik is a must-see stop in the Julian Alps, easily combined with visits to Mojstrana, Kranjska Gora, or other parts of Triglav National Park. Whether you are hiking in summer, enjoying the autumn colours, or witnessing the frozen spectacle of winter, walking underneath Peričnik Waterfall is an unforgettable experience.