Vrata Valley and Peričnik Waterfall

Vrata is our most famous and also the most popular alpine valley. At the upper end it "crashes" into the wide Triglav north wall, and a few-minute walk from the parking lot will be rewarded with a splendid view of the wall. You will feel its power even if you don't have the intention to hike further towards Triglav, and have a look at the magnificent symbol of Slovenia from up close without special effort. On the way to Vrata a stop-over at Peričnik waterfall is a must. Actually there are two of them, and we can even walk underneath the lower one! A great way to cool down in summer and a spectacular experience during winter when the waterfall freezes.

Gallery

Where to sleep

Basic information

Location

Mojstrana Gorenjska

Type

slap, dolina, razgledna točka

Entrance fee

ne

Altitude

1000 m

Trip duration

1 h

Difficulty

How to get there:
On road 'Jesenice – Kranjska Gora' a signpost directs us left towards Mojstrana. Follow the signposts for Vrata and carry on from Mojstrana for about 10 km (road is occasionally steep, narrow and unpaved) to a large parking lot in front of 'Aljažev dom' hut. Peričnik waterfall is approximately half way between Mojstrana and the end of the road. There is a hut by the road, so it will be difficult to miss it.

Description:
Park the car on a large parking lot at the end of the road in Vrata valley. Continue on foot and in a few minutes you will arrive to 'Aljažev dom' hut, where you can get something to eat. Proceed straight on a wide marked and gently ascending path. After a short walk you'll come out of the forest and a wonderful view opens up. Triglav north wall and the summit itself are huge! This is definitely one of Triglav's most beautiful viewpoints that is practically reachable by car. You will also spot a giant rock piton with a carabiner – a memorial for all victims of the mountains.

On the way to Vrata a stop-over by Peričnik waterfall is a must. A circular route to the waterfall starts right by the 'Koča pri Peričniku' hut. The path to the first waterfall is easy; however, caution is necessary since the water is sprayed all around and the rocks are wet. The lower waterfall is 52 m high and has a lot of water. Water drips and leaks from everywhere out of the wide Peričnik wall, so we will surely get a bit wet. The peculiarity of this waterfall is that we can walk underneath it and see it 'from behind' as well. An incredible thing, but be careful!

A somewhat steeper and more difficult path takes us left from the lower waterfall to the upper 16 m high one, that is just as beautiful and less visited.

You can see the most spectacular image of Peričnik waterfall during winter. That is when the entire wall of both waterfalls freezes and creates ice stalactites, which will totally amaze you! It is absolutely wonderful and one of the most beautiful winter scenes in Slovenia! The ice blocks fall from the wall depending on the temperature - be extremely careful!

If you wish to get to know Vrata valley better, you can walk along the marked 'Triglavska Bistrica' path, which runs from Mojstrana to 'Aljažev dom' hut (10 km, 3 hours). The path goes along Triglavska Bistrica stream and occasionally merges with the road. There are information boards, which educate about peculiarities of this glacier valley. Get more information here.

Basic info:
Duration: 2 walks, 30 minutes each
Total altitude difference: 50 m
Type of path: easy marked path (be careful near the waterfall, below it and on the way to the upper waterfall!)