Waterfalls and caves in the Julian Alps

Waterfalls & Caves of the Julian Alps

The Julian Alps' karst landscape features a high concentration of water-sculpted landmarks, from the 106-meter Boka waterfall to the multi-level Martuljek falls. This collection highlights the region's geological diversity, including Italy’s Grotta di Villanova, Europe’s longest contact cave, and the unique cave-church of San Giovanni d'Antro. Visitors can explore emerald pools at Kozjak, the hydrologically significant Savica, and the glacial-fed Peričnik, where trails allow passage behind the falling water.

Waterfalls & Caves of the Julian Alps — Map

Sl-Ziga / Public domain

A

Savica Waterfall

A 78-meter-high double waterfall fed by a karst spring, located within a national park. The waterfall is linked hydrologically to a nearby lake and is known for its natural and cultural significance.

Tuoermin / CC-BY-SA-3.0

B

Peričnik Falls

Peričnik Falls is a waterfall in Triglav National Park, Slovenia.

Stephen Colebourne / CC BY 2.0

C

Veliki Kozjak

A 15-meter waterfall captured within a cavernous limestone amphitheater. It flows into a deep emerald pool and is accessible via a forest path along the Kozjak stream near Kobarid.

Tiia Monto / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Slap Virje

A multi-stranded waterfall fed by the karst spring of the Glijun stream. The water cascades over a wide, moss-covered rock face into a green pool near the village of Plužna.

Tiia Monto / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Boka

Boka is a waterfall in the western part of Slovenia, near the Soča River.

konjar.luka / CC-BY-SA

F

I. Martuljški slap

The lower of two falls in the Martuljek forest, dropping 29 meters over a vertical wall. It is reached via a trail starting from Gozd Martuljek.

G

Grotta nuova di Villanova

Europe's longest contact cave, featuring over 8 kilometers of explored passages. Guided tours lead through illuminated galleries showcasing varied stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Mihael Grmek / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Šum Waterfall

A 13-meter waterfall located at the end of the Vintgar Gorge. It is the largest river waterfall in Slovenia, marking the point where the Radovna River exits the canyon.

Monikalusin / Public domain

I

Gregorčič waterfall

An 88-meter waterfall named after the Slovenian poet Simon Gregorčič. Located in a remote ravine near Selce, it is one of the highest falls in the Krn mountains.

Aconcagua / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

San Giovanni d'Antro / Landarska jama

A karst cave containing a 15th-century Gothic church and a wooden altar. Historically used as a defensive fortification, the site includes archaeological remains from the Roman and medieval periods.

Luka Konjar / CC BY-SA 4.0

K

II. Martuljški slap

A 110-meter waterfall descending in three stages down the face of Mount Špik. Reaching the upper fall requires a steep hike and a short climb with fixed steel cables.

konjar.luka / CC-BY-SA

L

Zapotok

A series of waterfalls in the Zapotoški potok stream within the Trenta Valley. The highest drop is approximately 30 meters, surrounded by the high peaks of the Julian Alps.

M

Grotta Turchnaiama

A karst cave in the Natisone Valleys of Italy. It serves as an archaeological site where evidence of prehistoric human presence has been discovered.

Petr Ceska / CC-BY-SA

N

Mali Kozjak Waterfall

A smaller waterfall located downstream from its famous counterpart, Veliki Kozjak. It features a visible bridge and is part of the themed trail near Kobarid.

Stefano Zocca / CC BY-SA 4.0

O

Fontanon di Goriuda

Emerging from a karst cave in the Raccolana Valley, this waterfall plunges into a turquoise pool. A trail allows visitors to walk behind the water curtain.

konjar.luka / CC-BY-SA

P

Šum

A 25-meter waterfall on the Nemiljščica stream near the village of Besnica. It is one of the highest waterfalls in the foothills of the Julian Alps near Kranj.

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Julian Alps Essentials Julian Alps Peaks Julian Alps Mountain Huts Historic Churches of the Julian Alps Castles and Forts of the Julian Alps