The Tolmin Gorges in Slovenia are a stunning natural attraction with narrow canyons, crystal-clear water and the confluence of 2 rivers.
This is a great stop to connect with nature.
Below is my guide to the Tolmin Gorge walk with tips, maps and photos.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Slovenia:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Slovenia: DiscoverCars
My favorite adventure from Bovec: Kayak on the Soca River
My favorite excursion from Ljubljana: Postojna Cave and Predjama castle
My favorite places to stay:
- Lubljana, central – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Lesar Hotel Angel
- Bled, iconic – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Vila Bled
- Bovec, outdoorsy – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Dobra Vila
- Piran, historic – see the best rated hotels or my favorite hotel: Hotel Piran
Why visit the Tolmin Gorges in Slovenia?
Once again, Slovenia is magnificent with colors.
The hike down to the Tolmin gorges is another one of the highlights of the country – narrow canyon walls, crystal-clear river, legends and lush scenery…
Video – Virtual Tour
Below is a short video of my wandering in the Tolmin Gorges. Notice the colors and how narrow they are!
Note: small sequences (just a few seconds) are a little bit shaky because I wanted to show you a little bit of how the walk is but I don’t film well whilst walking. Sorry!
Can you understand why it made my list of top things to do in Slovenia?
Tolmin Gorges vs Vintgar Gorge
If you are limited in time, you might hesitate between visiting the Vintgar Gorge near Lake Bled and the Tolmin Gorges.
Here is a quick comparison to help you decide. And you can go and see my photos of the Vintgar gorge to help you decide.
- Walk – the Vintgar Gorge is way easier to walk as it is flatter
- Tourists – there are less visitors in the Tolmin Gorges
- Scenery – water colors are impressive in both cases, vegetation is interesting in both gorges – Tolmin tends to be narrower
- General impression – My preference goes to Vintgar gorge (when going early before the buses).
But if you have time for both, they are worth the visits.
More photos after the planning tips.
PLANNING TIPS & Map – Tolmin Gorge, Slovenia
How to get to Tolmin Gorges, Slovenia
- South of the Triglav National Park
- North East of the town of Tolmin, just 5 min drive away
- Ljubljana to Tolmin Gorges = 2h drive
- Bled to Tolmin Gorges = 1h45 drive
- Piran to Tolmin Gorges = 2h drive
- Below is a map to help you get oriented and locate the Tolmin Gorges:
This location is included (with GPS coordinates, map of location and planning info) in my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Slovenia road trip:
Plan your dream trip in Slovenia thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- 16+ extra ideas
- GPS + info to make the most of your time
- 190+ original photos to help you choose
Visit Tips
- Tolmin Gorge Entrance ticket – 6 euros
- Tolmin Gorge opening hours: at least 9am to 5pm in Spring/Autumn and at least 8:30am to 7pm in Summer – check the latest info here
- Tolmin Gorges in Winter – closed from October to roughly mid-March
- Plan 1h15 to walk the complete loop with the Bear’s Head detour but without the cave
- Around 690 stairs to climb for this loop (including 220 down if going counterclockwise)
- Toilets and restaurant at the carpark
Where to stay nearby
- The closest town is of course Tolmin with the mountains in the background – Check out the best rated accommodations in Tolmin
- Another option not far (and close to the Kozjak waterfall) is the charming Kobarid – Check out the best rated accommodations in Kobarid
- Or East of the gorges, you can enjoy the also charming Most na Soci by the river – Check out the best rated accommodations
Tolmin Gorge Hike – Maps & Trail Difficulty
Tolmin Gorge Parking & Entrance
The Tolmin Gorge Parking area is easily accessed from Tolmin. The drive is not difficult.
There is plenty of space space to park. But it can get crowded in Summer in the afternoon.
The Entrance hut is just at the end of the carpark. The local name is Tolminska korita.
Need to rent a car in Slovenia?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Choose a car with enough power for the mountain roads
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Tolmin Gorge Hike Map
Once you have paid for entrance, the team gives you a map with all the points of interest and explanations. I had read reviews that the staff was really great, and I have to agree. It was one of the best welcomes I had at an attraction in Slovenia.
She explained everything and answered most of my questions, happy to help me.
Although she was not able to answer all of them (because I asked very specific ones lol).
On the map above, you can see the entrance hut at #1, the confluence at #4, the spring at #2, the Bear’s Head at #7 and the Devil’s Bridge at #9.
Is the Tolmin Gorge Hike difficult?
The Tolmin Gorge walk is a bit tiring but not really difficult. It is one of the greatest short hikes in Slovenia.
The tracks and steps are in very good conditions. There is nothing technical.
The main issues are the slopes and steps, since the confluence is at the lowest point in the Triglav National Park.
One of my questions to the official in the hut was: how many steps there were. She could not tell me.
I counted:
- 100 steps down to the confluence
- 350 steps up to the bridge
- and if you want to see the Bear’s Head there is a detour with 120 steps up and the same down
So, you have to consider that when deciding if it makes it for your itinerary.
Best option to walk the Tolmin Gorges
For an easier hike, it is recommended to actually walk it in the opposite direction. Start with the bridge, go down the 350 steps and back up with the 100 steps and slope.
However, as you will see below my favorite part is the walk to the spring. That means 100 steps down, maybe 30 extra steps to get to the spring + walking – and then back up. I really thought this was the most impressive part.
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
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Confluence of the Rrivers
Your stop at the bottom of the gorge is at the confluence of the rivers Tolminska and Zadlascica. It is the only meeting of 2 valleys in Slovenia.
The confluence “Sotocje” is the lowest point in the Triglav National Park, approximately 180m above sea level.
You can see the exact meeting point in the photos below.
And the 3 photos below show you the magnificent scenery in all 3 directions.
Inviting, isn’t it?
Narrow gorge and thermal spring
Now I am taking you on my favorite part of the hike, walking along one of the rivers all the way to the thermal spring: from #4 to #2. I loved it so much, that I can’t even narrow down the number of pictures I am sharing with you… sorry
The path is carved by the water that is of an incredible color (like everywhere in Slovenia).
Just look at the beginning of this section. So inviting!
And as you can see, we are going to walk under the Devil’s Bridge:
The Tolminska has carved its path in the limestone:
At one point you have to enter a tunnel with steps to reach the last part of the walk.
And the gorge narrows down:
These are views at the end of the path. The river makes a turn, and it is quite spectacular!
It is also at this point that you can spot the thermal spring.
Look at the first photo below, on the right of the small cave.
The temperature of the Tolminska river reaches 5 to 9°C while the water coming out of the spring is around 20°C. Such springs are quite rare in the Julian Alps.
The Bear’s Head
Then, even though I was really tired, I decided to go up and see more of this area.
On your way to the top, you can go on a detour to see the Bear’s Head.
You walk through the Zadlascica Gorge that is quite fascinating because of its luxurious vegetation. It is due to the excessive humidity and Mediterranean climate.
Its local name is Medvedova Glava. It is a natural bridge created by a large rock that got stuck between the walls of the Zadlascica canyon.
In this area, the water jumps from one pool to the next.
Devil’s Bridge
Once at the top of the gorge, you can make another detour to the Zadlaz Cave also called Dante Cave.
It is said that this is where the writer Dante Alighieri found inspiration for his Inferno in the Divine Comedy.
If you decide to visit it, bring a flashlight! (I think you should never travel without a headlamp anyway)
To return back down to the parking area, you will have to cross the Devil’s Bridge.
Here are pictures taken from the bottom of the Gorge. It does not look so good from down there.
But once at the top, you feel a bit more secure crossing it.
It was built in 1907.
From the top you can admire the narrow canyon where River Tolminka is flowing.
It is a 60m drop under the bridge.
Town of Tolmin, Slovenia
The Tolmin Gorges are located close to the town of Tolmin. It is the largest town in the area.
The other points of interest around it are vestiges from World War I, especially the Javorca Church
Want to see other highlights in Western Slovenia?
- Drive the impressive Vrsic Pass road and head to Lake Jasna – read article
- Enjoy the beautiful drive in the Soca Valley with the emerald river – read article
- Enjoy a walk to a waterfall hidden in a cave (Kozjak) – read article
- Want to discover the Bled Region? – check out my 20 favorite places to see in that area
Planning a trip to Slovenia?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Slovenia thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- 16+ extra ideas
- GPS + info to make the most of your time
- 190+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
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