Tolmin Gorges (Slovenia) – Tips + Hike + Photos with stunning colors

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.

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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?

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:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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. 

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.

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

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