Slap Savica Waterfall is the most famous waterfall in Slovenia because of its unique A-shape and emerald pool. To be able to admire it, you first have to climb more than 500 steps. But, in my opinion, it is worth the climb!
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit and walk with tips, map and pictures.
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 Slap Savica Slovenia?
Before I share with you the details of the hike to the Savica waterfall, you might want to know why this place is so loved and recommended by Slovene people.
Well, just have a look at this photo:
Plus:
- It is located near one of the most beautiful lakes in Slovenia: Lake Bohinj and not far from the famous Lake Bled
- It appears in the middle of the mountain coming from underground
- It has the shape of an “A” in a narrow cut in the mountain
- It falls into a pool whose color is an intense emerald / turquoise blue/green
The combination of all that makes you look for fairies in the area… In my opinion, it is one of the best waterfalls in Slovenia.
Video – Virtual Visit
Below is a short video to show you the waterfall in action and to prove it is the real color. I am sorry my filming was not very good, but it still gives you an idea of what it looks like, a brief virtual visit!
More photos after the planning tips.
Planning Tips & Map – Slap Savica Waterfall, Slovenia
How to get to Savica Waterfall Carpark – Map
- East of Bohinj lake in Slovenia, 4km from Ukanc
- Bled to Savica carpark = 40min drive
- You can also walk from Ukanc for 1h30 to reach the beginning of the Savica walk or you can drive to the Savica Carpark.
- Parking at Savica = 3 euros
- Below is a map to help you get oriented and locate Savica:
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
Bus access
If you are not driving, you can head to Lake Bohinj East by train and then take a bus.
In Summer, there is a tourist bus that goes all the way to the Savica carpark.
However, off season, the local bus will only take you to Ukanc.
Visiting and Hiking to Slap Savica
- Savica Waterfall opening hours – I asked at the entrance and they say it opens at 8am. But the gate is not closed so you can always go there and pay upon return. Off season it can open at 9am or 10am.
- In Winter, the hut is closed. Access will depend on the conditions and if the path has been cleared or not. However, know that the flow of the waterfall may be very reduced.
- Savica waterfall entrance fee – 3 euros for adults – see latest on Bohinj official website
- Best time – early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
- Be careful in case of bad weather. Path can be slippery.
- Savica waterfall hike time – it took me 25 min to climb and 25min to walk down and I counted 550 steps (not 500 like written everywhere)
- Food – Cafe by the carpark
- Toilets near the entrance booth
- In Spring, when snow is melting, the flow can be much higher and the emerald color not be as vibrant
- Other trails leave from that carpark: To Dom na Komni hut (3hours) and to the Crno Jezero lake (4 to 5 hours)
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!
Where to stay nearby
- Stay at the West End of Lake Bohinj in Ukanc, is the closest place – This is for those who don’t need all the facilities and just want peace and quiet – see options
- Or stay at the East end of the Lake in the towns of Ribcev Laz or Stara Fuzina. There is a large hotel and a great selection of guesthouses and apartments. The pros is that you have access to several restaurants and are very close to the lake – see the best rated accommodations
- Or stay in Lake Bled and do day trips to Lake Bohinj – after all it is only 30 minutes away by car – see the best rated accommodations
Slap Savica Waterfall Hike
Is the climb to the Savica falls difficult?
Well, it is not an easy stroll in a park. But the path is well maintained, and the steps are regular for the most part. Therefore, it is not too difficult. However, it is not suitable for people with strong knee pains.
Below is the hut (Koča pri Savici hut) that marks the start of the walk. This is where you have to pay your entrance fee:
How long does it take to walk to Slap Savica?
It is quite funny, as when you start the hike, you get a first sign that says 15min and right after another sign that says 20 minutes…
It took me roughly 25 min each way. I was not very slow, but I am not fit at all, so I took several breaks
How many steps to Slap Savica Falls?
This is a not a normal hiking path. They have built steps almost the whole way to the waterfall.
They are well maintained and there is enough space to cross path with people going in the other direction. So that is great.
I counted on my way down and I reached 550 steps.
There are 2 main stops on the way.
After roughly 200 steps you get a view over the mountains and the end of Lake Bohinj (see next paragraph).
And 100 stairs later, there are picnic tables where you can sit to have a rest.
The good news is that you are almost always under a dense forest. So, if it is a hot day, the temperature is cooler here and if it is raining you don’t get so wet under the trees.
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
Lake Bohinj Viewpoint
After 200 steps, you get a clearing in the trees and can enjoy a glimpse at the Ukanc end of Lake Bohinj.
As explained on the board:
“Bohinj is an excellent example of typical Glacial Landscape. During the last glaciation 20,000 years ago, the Bohinj Glacier was the largest in Slovenia and was up to 1000m thick.
“The previously gentle slopes were carved by the glacier to form the steep walls of the Prsivec (reaching 1761m to the left) and Vogel mountains (Reaching 1535m to the right – where the Amazing Vogel Cable Car is).
For your information, Lake Bohinj lies at 527m.
From the Savica Viewing Cabin
At the top of the hike, there is a small wooden platform.
On one side you can see above the trees towards Lake Bohinj and the mountains.
And on the other side, you finally discover the magnificent Savica Waterfall.
Once there, you can admire the waterfall from the top or go down a few steps to get closer.
However, there is a gate at the bottom. The crystal water is very tempting, but you cannot swim in Slap Savica.
If you don’t visit early, you might have to fight a little to get a spot on the right side of the stairs to take nice pictures (as you can see in the picture below). It is not so easy to get pictures without anyone on them.
The Savica Waterfall – facts & photos
And here we are. Certainly the most famous of the Slovenian waterfalls and the most visited!
According to the explanations on the path, its recognition is greatly due to the Slovenian Poet France Preseren who wrote The Baptism at the Savica.
Learn a bit more about what makes Slap Savica special:
- As you can see above, the water flows from the cave to a fault line in the Komarca rock wall.
- Water comes out at the altitude of 836m
- Watch closer it starts with rapids
- The height of the right-hand cascade is 78m
- Inside the caves are lakes. The water of one of the lakes emerges as the lower fall. This one is 25m in height.
- The right waterfall will disappear overtime as the crevice will expand
- The water originates in the Triglav Lakes Valley and flows underground
Want to see more things to do in the Bled-Bohinj area?
- My complete guide to Lake Bled with viewpoints and island – read article
- The wilder Lake Bohinj – read article
- The cliff-hanging castle of Bled – read article
- The magnificent Vintgar Gorge walk – read article
- The Vogel Cable car
- …
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!
Want to see more of SLOVENIA?
Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Slovenia Destination Guide.
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Hi we are two active 58 and 61 year old Australians. We have been enjoying your blogs.
My wife and I both love very much swimming and hot springs lakes and the surf.
We are going to Slovenia around mid August 2010 and join a cruise in Budhapest on 4/9 but want to be in at end of Ausust or 1/9.
Any tips re great places to swim would be appreciated.
Thanks
Hi Graeme.
I am glad you are enjoying my content.
You can’t swim at Slap Savica but you can at: Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Lake Jasna and in some spots of the Soca River.
The coastal towns allow you to swim but don’t expect a lot of beaches. And no surf…
I am not an expert on hot springs. Apparently there is Klevevzka Toplica, North of Novo Mesto
I wish you a wonderful trip!
Claire