25.05.2022
SAVICA WATERFALL
Waterfall Savica, in Slovenian Slap Savica is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Slovenia. Its main quality is that the flowing water divides into two streams. The smaller one is 25 meters high, and the bigger one is 78 meters high. Thanks to that, the waterfall resembles the letter “A”.
WATER – WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?
The main creek is from the Triglav Lakes Valley (Seven Lakes Valley). Waterfall Savica, flows out of a steep wall from an altitude of 836 m and is the source of the river Sava Bohinjka. The water flows into an alpine limestone karst cave, where it then splits into two streams. It hides in its depths, numerous siphons and underground lakes. Access to it is possible only with a guide and appropriate equipment. The waterfall continues its course and flows into Lake Bohinj, which is its main source. The water from Lake Bohinj is also the source of the Sava Bohinjka, which after merging with the Sava Dolinka forms the Sava River.
SAVICA WATERFALL IN NUMBERS
– Height above sea level: 894 meters (2,934 feet)
– Height of the large waterfall: 78 meters (256 feet)
– Height of the small waterfall: 25 meters (82 feet)
– Number of steps to walk: 553
HOW TO GET TO SAVICA WATERFALL?
Savica Waterfall is located at the western end of Lake Bohinj, above the village of Ukanc. At the base of the waterfall at Koča pri Savica there is a parking lot (cars: €5 (3 hours) / €10 (day), motorcycles: €2 (3 hours) / €5day) and an attractive mountain hut offering food and drinks.
You can check the price list of parking lots at the Savica Waterfall on the interactive parking map of Bohinj (link here). You can also leave your car at the parking lot opposite the Zlatorog bus station in Ukanc (about an hour’s walk to the parking lot at the Savica Waterfall).
From Bohinj Camping (link here) near Lake Bohinj, there is a nicely marked path towards Slap Savica. It will take us about an hour and a half walk to get to the waterfall.
Trains run from the train station in Bled (located on the shore of the lake) and from the main train station in Ljubljana. You can also take to the train in your bicycle.
From Lake Bled: The train trip lasts 20 minutes. The train runs seven times a day.
From Ljubljana: The train ride lasts 2 hours, and it departs seven times a day. At the Jesenice train station, change to another train going in the direction of Bohinjska Bistrica.
Both trains do not go to Ribčev Laz or Ukanc. They stop at Bohinjska Bistrica train station, which is also the last stop. Bohinjska Bistrica is 3 km from the lake. From the train station you can come in 5 minutes to the bus station, where coaches go to Ukanc (the journey lasts about 20 minutes).
To Bohinj everyday go regular buses from Bled and Ljubljana. Some buses run only to Ribčev Laz, and others to Ukanc (from Ukanc it is an hour’s walk from the Savica Waterfall).
The hike to the Savica Waterfall can also be started from Ribčev Laz. From there, the trail leads along the southern part of the lake to Ukanc and then to the waterfall. This 11-kilometer hike takes about two and a half hours.
There is a bike path along the same route from Ribčev Laz, but it is not marked as a bike trail. So one should to ride on the path or the side of the road. A mountain bike is recommended.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO?
The best time to visit Slap Savica is late spring or early summer, when there is a lot of snow melting in the mountains. Then the Savica Waterfall flows the most water and is the most spectacular.
Keep in mind that this is one of the most popular attractions in the area and many group tours visit this place. Therefore, it is best to go in the early morning or late afternoon.
USEFUL INFORMATION
The waterfall is usually entered from the Koča pri Savica hut, located in the western part of Lake Bohinj. Slap Savica is about 20 minutes walk from the hostel. You have to pay access.
Admission fee to Savica Waterfall (2022)
Individual tickets
– Adults: 3,00 EUR
– Children 7-14 years old: 1,50 EUR
– Pupils, students: 2,50 EUR
– Seniors 65+: EUR 2,50 EUR
Group tickets
– Adults: 2,70 EUR
– Children 7-14 years: 1,30 EUR
– Pupils, students: 2,20 EUR
– Seniors 65+: 2,20 EUR
Admission free:
-Children up to 7 years
-Members of Bohinj Tourist Association (card)
-Persons on business visit, who are not engaged in tourist activities (water service, foresters, TNP)
Lower prices and discounts are recognized when submitting relevant documents, and membership cards!
Current prices can be found here on the official website.
Unfortunately, there are not opening hours on the official website (unofficial opening hours are: June-September 8:00-20:00, October-May 10:00-16:00). Contact details:
TD Bohinj
Ribčev Laz 48
4265 Bohinjsko jezero
+386 (0)4 574 60 10
+386 (0)4 572 33 30
The path to the Savica Waterfall is open all year round except for periods of bad weather, ice and snow.
The path to the waterfall is not adapted for baby carriages and wheelchairs.
USEFUL LINKS
Website of the camping in Ukanc (Camp Bohinj):
Search engine for public transport in Slovenia:
https://www.ap-ljubljana.si/en/
Information center in Bohinj:
https://www.bohinj.si/en/information/info-centres/
Current weather in Bohinj:
WHERE ELSE TO GO?
Koča pri Savici hut is the starting point into towards Komna plateau and The Valley of the Triglav Lakes. The first hiking trail leads from Koča pri Savici through the valley to Dom na Komni hut. The hike lasts about three hours.
The second hiking trail leads first to Črno Jezero (Black Lake) and then to a hut nearby the Dvojno Jezero (Double Lake) (walking time 4-5 hours). The trail is steep but well protected with beautiful views.
TIDBITS
- Slovenia’s most famous poet, France Prešeren, described Savica Waterfall in several of his books.
- Bohinj is an excellent example of a typical glacial landscape. During the last glaciation 20,000 years ago, the Bohinj glacier was the largest in Slovenia, and its thickness was up to 1 kilometer.
- Lake Bohinj lies at an altitude of 527 m above sea level.
Dragan Tomić, source pixabay.
River Savica in Ukanc, Tiia Monto, source commons.wikimedia.org.
SHARE AN ARTICLE
SEE ALSO
BAREDINE CAVE
GROSSGLOCKNER ALPINE ROAD
