Have you heard of Slap Virje in Slovenia? Soča valley’s waterfall has got people talking and for good reason. During your trip to Slovenia add this waterfall to your list of places to visit. Don’t fret about planning, we got you covered in this full guide.
What is Slap Virje
Slap Virje – or Virje Waterfall – is an impressive waterfall located in the Soča Valley, near the town of Bovec. The waterfall is hidden in the forest of the Julian Alps, and it’s the first cascade on the course of the Gljun rive, a stream fed by the subterranean waters of the Kanin mountain range. Being so close to the spring, the water is incredibly clean and it creates a few emerald pools which are a pleasure to see.
The waterfall isn’t very popular but it’s not a secret spot either. Expect to find a moderate amount of tourists, especially during high season.
The water is cold year-round, but in summer Slap Virje makes for a great spot to sunbathe and even swim if you dare to. If you like hiking or climbing, you can go up a steep trail to enjoy the view from above and discover some small pools. On the lower level, you can walk around the lake or explore the paths behind the smaller waterfalls.
Where is Virje Waterfall
Virje Waterfall is located just 3.5km from Bovec, a town in northeastern Slovenia, not far from the border with Italy. The waterfall is located at the end of a dirt trail, and there is a (narrow) paved road leading to its starting point. More on how to get there in the following chapter. Check out the map below for the exact location of Slap Virje.
Are you chasing waterfalls in Slovenia? Don’t miss Pericnik Waterfall, the most beautiful drop in Slovenia!
How to get to Slap Virje
🚗 By car – Parking info
Getting to Virje Waterfall by car is fairly easy. From Bovec, take the local road to Plužna. At the crossroad in Plužna, go right and after a few hundred meters you’ll arrive at your destination. There is a wide parking lot near the beginning of the trail, where you can leave your car for a fee.
The parking costs €5 for cars and €10 for other vehicles, and it’s valid for 2 hours. Motorhomes and buses are not allowed in the parking.
🚌 By public transport
Getting around in the Soča Valley by public transport is a very convenient and sustainable way to explore the Julian Alps. To reach Virje Waterfall by bus, take bus B4 from Bovec to Plužna village. Buses run daily, check out the table below for times and details.
From Plužna is about a 15-20 minute walk to reach Slap Virje.
FROM BOVEC TO PLUŽNA VILLAGE
| Departure | Arrival |
| 08:05 | 08:10 |
| 09:10 | 09:15 |
| 15:05 | 15:10 |
| 16:10 | 16:15 |
FROM PLUŽNA VILLAGE TO BOVEC
| Departure | Arrival |
| 08:15 | 08:20 |
| 09:20 | 09:25 |
| 15:15 | 15:20 |
| 16:20 | 16:25 |
🥾 Trail to Virje Waterfall
The trail from the parking lot to Virje Waterfall is a short, easy walk through lush vegetation.
It’s well-maintained and accessible for most visitors, making it a relaxing way to enjoy the beauty of the waterfall without much effort.
Best time to visit
You can visit Slap Virje any time of the year, any time of the day. Virje Waterfall is highly influenced by the weather, as the water flow changes so much after heavy rainfall, and so does the pools’ clarity.
BEST TIME OF THE DAY: Early in the morning the waterfall is in shade, so it’s not ideal if you want to enjoy the waterfall while it’s lit up by the sun’s rays. On the other hand, being relatively popular, Slap Virje gets a bit crowded during the central hours of the day.
BEST TIME OF THE YEAR: Slap Virje can look very different depending on the time of the year of your visit. Summer is a great time to enjoy the emerald pools and get some refreshment, while winter offers a unique look of a frozen cascade.
What to bring
Hiking shoes are recommended at Virje Waterfall. The trail is short but it’s always good to have appropriate footwear.
Keep also in mind that the nearest bar/shop is in Bovec, so bring everything you need according to the length of your visit.
Entrance fee
There is no entrance fee at Slap Virje.
The only fee is the parking one, which is 5€ for cars and 10€ for other vehicles.
What to do near Virje?
When visiting Slap Virje, make sure to also explore its surroundings. Continuing on the same road for a few meters you will get to the trail leading to Glijun Spring, the origin of the river of the Virje Waterfall.
Walking even more you will get to the Plužensko Jezero, a man-made basin that is used to create electricity thanks to a hydroelectric power plant.
[…] It’s no question that this is one of the highlights of the Vrata Valley and is part of the Triglav National Park. This valley is located almost halfway between Lake Bled and the alpine resort of Kranjska Gora, in north-western Slovenia, and it’s also not far from other stunning places like the Vršič Pass or Slap Virje in Bovec. […]