Quick facts
- Location: Voje Valley above Lake Bohinj, Julian Alps
- Type: Upper gorge + forest trail extension
- Length / effort: ~8–10 km return (including main gorge), 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate – length and some rocky sections
- Best time: Late spring to autumn, mornings or late afternoon
Introduction – beyond the usual Mostnica viewpoint
Mostnica Gorge near Bohinj is well known – bridges, carved rock and the classic “elephant” formation appear in every brochure. Most hikers stop there, take the photos and return. Yet the river continues upstream into Voje Valley, where the gorge opens into a quieter, broader landscape.
The upper part of Mostnica is ideal for people who are not done after the main gorge: fewer voices, more space, alternating forest, meadows and calmer river sections. The mood shifts from “tourist stop” to “alpine side-valley walk”.
Why this upper section is a hidden gem
- Fewer people: most visitors stop at the classic viewpoints. Beyond them, the path becomes noticeably quieter.
- Layered terrain: narrow river passages, mixed forest and open alpine meadows in one compact walk.
- Natural transition: you see how the gorge widens into Voje Valley – a rare landscape shift.
- Flexible turnaround: return at the first huts or continue deeper into Voje depending on time.
What to expect
- Terrain: forest trail with roots, occasional mud and scattered rocky steps near the river.
- Hazards: wet stone after rain, short steeper parts, a few narrow sections above the water.
- Seasonality: in early spring some shaded parts hold snow; in midsummer open meadows can be hot.
- Navigation: one clear marked path following the river – difficult to get lost.
- Footwear: light hiking shoes recommended.
- Families: suitable for children used to 3–4 hour walks. Distance is the main challenge, not the terrain.
Top things to see & do
1. Main Mostnica Gorge section Must-see
Start at the Mostnica / Voje trailhead near Stara Fužina. Walk through the classic lower gorge: narrow rock corridors, carved pools and the famous “elephant” formation.
2. Transition into Voje Valley
After the last viewpoints, keep following the marked trail. The rock walls pull back, the noise drops and the path becomes a softer forest walk. The river stays close but the atmosphere is calmer.
3. Meadows and wooden huts
Soon the forest opens into meadows with wooden huts and views of higher Bohinj peaks. This is the natural turnaround point for most hikers and a quiet place to rest.
Practical route outline
- Starting point: Mostnica / Voje trailhead near Stara Fužina.
- Phase 1: Walk through the main gorge to the last viewpoints (45–60 min one way).
- Phase 2: Continue upstream along the same marked path into Voje Valley.
- Turnaround: First larger meadows and huts, or any point further up the valley.
- Total time: 3–4 hours with pauses.
Exact location
Trailhead for the lower and upper Mostnica sections:
Mostnica / Voje trail start near Stara Fužina
