River confluence
A rare meeting of rivers inside the gorge.
Muhi11 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Melki Bes from Yavne, Israel — CC BY 2.0 · Luka Peternel — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Tiia Monto — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Melki Bes from Yavne, Israel — CC BY 2.0
The Tolmin Gorges are the combined name for the gorges of the Tolminka and Zadlaščica rivers, forming the lowest and southernmost entry point to Triglav National Park at just 180 m above sea level. With turquoise water and narrow rock walls, they are the leading natural sight of the Tolmin area. They were formed by water cutting deep into the rock, and the Tolminka valley follows a fault line. The Tolmin Tourism Society hewed the paths into the rock between 1953 and 1958, and these have been the main way to see the gorges ever since. The path first drops to the confluence of the two rivers, the only such meeting inside a gorge in Slovenia. It then leads to the narrowest section and a cave holding a warm spring at about 21°C, before climbing to the Devil's Bridge, 60 m above the river. Another branch runs to Zadlaška Cave, known as Dante's Cave, and to a triangular boulder wedged between the walls, called the Bear's Head. The entrance lies about 1.4 km from the town of Tolmin and 61.2 km from Ljubljana in a straight line. The trail has steps and slippery stretches, so wear sturdy shoes rather than sandals. Timed entry may apply in July and August, so book ahead, and check opening months since the site usually shuts in winter.
A rare meeting of rivers inside the gorge.
A span 60 m above the water.
A triangular boulder wedged between the walls.
Zatolmin, Municipality of Tolmin, Slovenia
About one to two hours, depending on your pace and the branches you take.
Booking is advised in July and August, when timed entry may apply.