Hiking the Vintgar Gorge in Slovenia with kids was easily one of the highlights of our week in the country. While we were based at Lake Bled, we took the short drive out to this stunning narrow gorge carved by the Radovna River. We walked along the wooden boardwalks with turquoise water and past rushing rapids and little waterfalls. The trail is very family-friendly, which meant it was an adventure we could all enjoy together. Yes, it’s a popular spot, especially in summer, but the strict time-slot system worked really well.
The official advice is to avoid the gorge with children under three, and I completely agree. With uneven terrain, narrow paths, and stairs, it’s just not pram-friendly. For us, it worked perfectly with kids aged five and ten who can manage a fair bit of walking. The trail is managed very well to deal with visitors. At the entrance it felt busy, but the timed entry system really does its job. Once inside, it never felt crowded. We could stop, look around, and take photos without worrying about bumping into other visitors.
How we got to Vintgar Gorge from Lake Bled
Driving to Vintgar Gorge from Lake Bled was incredibly easy, just a 10-minute drive. We had rented a car for our week in Slovenia through the Discover Cars platform, which made getting around with kids so much simpler. I highly recommend renting a car in Slovenia, as public buses are limited.
We parked at Central Parking VINTGAR LIP, the official free lot with plenty of spaces. Since you can’t drive right up to the gorge itself, this was our starting point. From there, we hopped on the VINTGAR Shuttle e-bus, which runs every 20 minutes and takes roughly 20 minutes to reach the Visitor Centre.
If you don’t have a car, it’s still possible to reach the gorge. You can catch the shuttle directly from the Central Bus Station in Bled, which drops you near the trailhead. Either way, it’s a smooth start to what’s easily one of the best family day trips from Lake Bled.
Booking tickets and preparing for the visit
Something I hadn’t realized before visiting is that Vintgar Gorge is carefully managed. Entry isn’t free-flowing – you need to pre-book a time slot online, even though it’s a natural site. The reason became clear once we were inside: the gorge is narrow, and the wooden walkways can’t handle endless crowds. Limiting numbers keeps the experience peaceful and safe.
Even in peak summer, we were able to get same-day tickets on the official website, though not for the morning, so we booked an afternoon slot instead. We arrived early, hoping they might let us in, but the staff were strict. No one gets through before their scheduled time. We ended up waiting about 40 minutes, which was a little frustrating at first, but the kids soon found ways to pass the time.
There’s a small café for drinks and snacks, and a souvenir shop where we picked up a kids’ activity book in English. It’s cleverly designed to be part of the trail: at each numbered stop, children complete an activity and earn a sticker for their passport. If you’re visiting the Vintgar Gorge with kids, I can’t recommend this enough. Don’t forget to pick one up at the entrance!
Tickets and pricing
At the time of our visit:
- Adults (and students/seniors): €15 for the All-in-One Pass
- Children 3–15: €5
- Children under 3: Not advised due to tricky terrain
The All-in-One Pass includes the entrance fee, the kids’ activity book and the round-trip shuttle from the official VINTGAR parking lot to the Visitor Centre. Tickets are limited, so booking online in advance is recommended.
Our experience hiking the Vintgar Gorge with kids
When our time finally came, we scanned our tickets and were handed helmets. They’re not optional – the walls of the gorge are steep and rocky, and helmets protect against falling stones. My children thought this was brilliant, like gearing up for an expedition.
The first part of the trail takes you along the gorge itself: a 1.6-kilometre wooden walkway clinging to the cliffs above the turquoise Radovna River. Water rushed beneath our feet, spilling into emerald pools and cascading over small waterfalls. Every few steps, we paused to take it all in – the colours, the sound of rushing water, and the way sunlight danced across the rock walls. It took us about 45 minutes to cover this section, partly because we kept stopping for photos and partly because the kids were pointing out fish and other little wonders in the river.
At the end of the gorge, the 13-metre Šum Waterfall crashes into a pool below, and it’s the perfect spot to stop and catch your breath. Here, we returned our helmets and faced a choice for the return leg. The trail is one-way, so you can’t simply retrace your steps. There are two options: the longer Alpine trail or the shorter, shaded Forest Trail. With children in tow, the decision was easy and we went with the Forest Trail. Both routes eventually loop back to the visitor centre or shuttle terminal.
All in, it took us about three hours from start to finish, with plenty of stops along the way to rest, take photos, and enjoy the scenery.
What to expect from the Vintgar Gorge hike
The trail through the gorge was definitely my favourite part of the day. This is where the walk really comes alive: the wooden boardwalks wind through narrow canyons, and you cross the Radovna River on small bridges, watching it rush beneath you, then widen into calm pools before narrowing again around the next bend. The path itself is very easy to walk, flat and well-maintained. Don’t rush through; the best views and sounds of the gorge are right at the beginning, and you’ll want to pause often to take it all in.
Once we left the gorge and entered the Forest Trail, everything changed. Suddenly, it felt more like hiking than just walking. The trail winds through dense forest, over gentle uphill stretches, but without steps or steep inclines. It took us about two hours to complete this section. My older child, age ten, was fine, but my five-year-old got tired along the way, so we stopped frequently to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
The return trail meandered through a mix of forest, farmland, and rolling countryside. All in, the hike took just under three hours, with plenty of breaks to suit children’s pace. Along the way, we discovered a small playground next to the Sveta Katarina Church, which was perfect for a short break. From there, we continued along the hillside, taking in the views, and eventually made our way back to the car park at the gorge entrance.
A quick tip for summer visits: if it’s sunny and over 30°C, much of the Forest Trail is in full sun. While the lack of trees gives you spectacular views, it’s another good reason to start early to avoid the heat.
Family-friendly activities on the return trail
This is where the kids’ activity book truly came into its own. Numbered markers along the Forest Trail guided the children from one activity stop to the next, keeping them motivated and engaged. They were so focused on completing each activity and filling in their passports that they barely noticed the distance we were covering.
Along the way, there are 13 fun and adventurous stations, each with its own little surprise or challenge designed to keep young explorers entertained. By the end of the trail, every child receives a special reward: a real book titled “The Real Life of Oskar Kos from the Vintgar Gorge”, which can be collected at the VINTGAR Entrance Center. Don’t forget to do this at the end of the trail.
Practical tips for visiting Vintgar Gorge with kids
By the end of the day, we were tired but exhilarated. We were happy we made it to the end of the trail! Here are a few tips:
- Book tickets online in advance, especially in summer.
- Don’t arrive too early – you won’t be allowed in before your time slot.
- Bring water and snacks for the hike.
- Sun protection and hats are important in summer when there is no shade at all in some areas.
- Wear proper shoes – the boardwalks can be slippery.
If you’r visiting Lake Bled, I would definitely recommend doing a day trip to the Vintgar Gorge in Slovenia with kids.
