Introduction
Peričnik Waterfall (Slap Peričnik) is one of Slovenia’s most recognisable and dramatic natural landmarks. Set in the glacial Vrata Valley below Mount Triglav, it is famous not only for its vertical drop but also for something rare in the Alps — you can walk behind it.
Water plunges from a limestone cliff in a shimmering curtain, filling the air with mist, noise and movement. As one of the clearest examples of alpine waterfall geology in Triglav National Park, Peričnik captures the wild, untouched character of the Alpine Serenity region.
Geography and Geological Origin
Peričnik lies in the Vrata Valley, a classic U-shaped glacial valley carved by ancient Triglav glaciers. The waterfall forms where Peričnik Creek flows over a resistant limestone layer that sits above softer glacial deposits.
There are actually two separate waterfalls created by differential erosion:
- Lower Peričnik Waterfall – 52 metres, the famous main fall
- Upper Peričnik Waterfall – 16 metres, reached by a short, steeper path above
Over thousands of years, freeze–thaw cycles and water erosion undercut the cliff, creating the overhang that now allows visitors to walk all the way behind the main waterfall — something very unusual in alpine terrain.
What to See: Key Natural Features
1. The 52-Metre Curtain of Water Must-see
The main fall drops in a clean vertical line, forming a veil-like curtain. On sunny days, small rainbows often appear in the mist around the base.
2. Overhang Path Behind the Water Must-see
A narrow natural ledge runs behind the falling water. Following this path gives a full 360-degree experience of the waterfall — rock, spray and roar all around you.
3. Upper Peričnik Waterfall
Above the main fall, a smaller and quieter waterfall drops into a compact basin surrounded by mossy rocks and mixed forest. Fewer visitors come this far, so it often feels more intimate.
4. Glacial Vrata Valley
Peričnik is only one highlight in Vrata Valley. Towering rock walls, spruce forest and views towards the north face of Triglav create one of the most dramatic alpine valleys in Slovenia.
5. Seasonal Waterflow Changes
In spring, snowmelt makes the waterfall powerful and loud. By late summer it becomes lighter and more transparent. In winter, ice builds up into a frozen column and hanging icicles.
Best Time to Visit
Spring
Strong flow from snowmelt; the waterfall is at its most forceful and impressive.
Summer
Pleasant temperatures, lush green forest and usually safe access to the behind-the-water path. A good time for families with proper footwear.
Autumn
Golden foliage and crisp air; excellent conditions for photography and quieter visits.
Winter
The waterfall often turns into an icefall — an almost sculptural frozen column. Only for experienced visitors with proper winter gear; paths can be extremely icy.
Photography Highlights
- Long-exposure shots of the curtain-like drop from the main viewpoint
- Rainbow arcs in the mist on clear mornings
- Unique compositions from behind the water looking out into Vrata Valley
- Frozen columns and icicles in winter
- Moss-covered rocks, spray patterns and details around the basin
Some of the best angles come either from the lower viewpoint directly facing the waterfall or from the behind-the-water passage during golden hour.
How to Get There
- By car: about 10 minutes from Mojstrana and around 25 minutes from Kranjska Gora, following the Vrata Valley road.
- Parking: small parking areas near the road below the waterfall; Peričnik is one of the few major waterfalls almost directly accessible from a valley road.
- Trail: a short but steep forest path of roughly 10 minutes up to the Lower Waterfall.
- Upper waterfall: an additional 10–15 minutes on a steeper, rougher path above the main fall.
Public transport
Public transport options are limited. The most realistic approaches are by car or bicycle from Mojstrana.
Difficulty
Overall easy to moderate. The path is short but steep and often wet. The behind-the-water section can be slippery and exposed, so good hiking shoes are strongly recommended.
Interesting Facts
- Peričnik is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Slovenia and a classic stop on Vrata Valley trips.
- The walk-behind path is possible thanks to thousands of years of undercutting erosion at the base of the cliff.
- In cold, stable winters, ice climbers sometimes ascend the frozen fall with full alpine equipment.
- Vrata Valley ends at Aljaž Lodge, a major starting point for ascents of Triglav.
- Peričnik Creek feeds into the Sava Dolinka, which later joins the Danube and flows to the Black Sea.
Conclusion
Peričnik Waterfall is an unforgettable natural experience — powerful, close and unusually interactive thanks to the rare chance to walk behind the falling water. Set in the dramatic setting of Vrata Valley, it combines glacial history, raw alpine energy and huge photographic potential. For visitors exploring Slovenia’s Alpine Serenity region, Peričnik is a genuine must-see stop and one of the most memorable waterfalls in the country.
