Zelenci Springs – Emerald Source of the Sava River
Nature guide

Zelenci Springs – Emerald Source of the Sava River

Nature · Slovenia

Quick Overview – Zelenci Springs, Slovenia

Zelenci Springs is one of the most striking natural scenes in the Upper Sava Valley — a shallow emerald lake fed by underground karst springs, surrounded by wetlands and framed by the peaks of the Julian Alps. The water is famously clear, glowing in shades of turquoise and green even on overcast days.

A short, easy boardwalk leads to viewing platforms and the iconic wooden tower overlooking the main spring.

  • Type: spring lake / wetland
  • Region: Alps / Kranjska Gora
  • Best seasons: spring to autumn
  • Ideal for: photographers, families, casual walkers

Introduction

Zelenci Springs is where the Sava Dolinka — one of the main headwaters of the Sava River — emerges through porous limestone and fills a shallow basin with crystal-clear water. The colour is intense, almost unreal, and stays vivid throughout the year thanks to constant underground flow.

The walk is short and flat, making it an easy stop for anyone visiting Kranjska Gora or driving through the Upper Sava Valley.

Geography / Geological Origin / Background

Zelenci is a classic karst spring system: underground water rises through small openings in the limestone bottom, creating visible bubbling points across the lakebed. The basin is shallow — only about 2 m deep — which makes the colour even more striking.

The wetlands surrounding the springs form a protected nature reserve with characteristic vegetation and stable water temperature year-round.

What to See: Key Features

1. Emerald Spring Pool MUST-SEE

The heart of Zelenci — a shallow turquoise basin with visible bubbling springs on the lake floor. Its colour remains intense in all weather conditions.

2. Wooden Viewing Tower

The raised platform gives a wide, elevated view of the main spring and surrounding wetlands, with the Julian Alps rising in the background.

3. Boardwalks & Wetland Paths MUST-SEE

Short wooden paths cross the protected area, keeping the ecosystem undisturbed while offering clean compositions for photography.

4. Sava Dolinka Source Zone

The springs feed the Sava Dolinka, one of the headwaters of the Sava River, Slovenia’s longest river system.

Best Time to Visit

Zelenci is beautiful year-round but changes its mood with light and vegetation.

  • Spring: fresh colours and high water clarity.
  • Summer: warm tones and active birdlife in the wetlands.
  • Autumn: golden vegetation around the emerald water.
  • Winter: snow contrasts sharply with the bright turquoise pool.
Tip: early morning calm gives the best reflections and the deepest colour tones.

Photography Highlights

Zelenci is all about colour, clarity and quiet compositions.

  • Main spring pool: top-down angles show the bubbling points clearly.
  • Viewing tower: best for wide shots with alpine peaks.
  • Boardwalks: clean leading lines across wetlands.
  • Winter scenes: turquoise water in a snow frame is striking.

How to Get There

  • By car: 5 minutes from Kranjska Gora on the road to Rateče.
  • Parking: small lot near the entrance path.
  • Route: flat 5–10 minute walk to the main boardwalks.
  • Nearby: combine with Lago di Fusine (Italy) or Tamar Valley.
Note: Zelenci is a protected reserve — stay on marked paths and avoid entering the water.

Interesting Facts

  • Zelenci stays around 5–6°C year-round due to constant underground flow.
  • The name comes from “zelen” — Slovenian for “green”.
  • It is one of the headwaters of the Sava River, Slovenia’s longest.
  • The lake appears much deeper than it is because of exceptional clarity.

Conclusion

Zelenci Springs is a compact but unforgettable stop — emerald colours, quiet wetlands and a dramatic alpine backdrop. It’s one of the easiest, most photogenic natural sights near Kranjska Gora and a perfect addition to any Upper Sava Valley itinerary.

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