The Radovna Valley stretches through the heart of Triglav National Park in Upper Carniola. Carved by the Radovna River, it connects the village of Mojstrana to the Vintgar Gorges, offering a corridor of dense forests, alpine meadows and limestone cliffs. It is one of Slovenia's rare glacial valleys still largely preserved, frequented by hikers and cyclists alike who follow the scenic mountain road.

Quick practical guide

• Access: from Bled, the route passes through Bohinjska Bela and Mojstrana; the valley is accessible by car, bike or on foot.
• Entry: the valley itself is free to access; the Vintgar Gorges at the eastern end require an entrance fee.
• Duration: half a day to a full day depending on your chosen route.
• What to wear: hiking boots recommended on trails; warm clothing at altitude even in summer.
• National Park: wild camping and foraging prohibited; stay on marked trails.

What to see

The Radovna flows over a bed of white pebbles between century-old spruce trees. Traditional hay meadows dot the valley floor, maintained by a handful of still-active farms. The limestone walls of Mežakla and the Triglav massif close the southern horizon. In autumn, the beeches turn a vivid rust color, contrasting sharply with the evergreen conifers.

History and context

The valley was long exploited for timber, transported by raft down the Radovna to the Save River. The scattered hay farms — some dating to the 18th century — bear witness to an agropastoral economy that shaped the landscape. Incorporated into Triglav National Park in 1981, the valley benefits from Slovenia's strictest protected zone status.

Highlights of your visit

The Radovna scenic road

A low-traffic road follows the river for several kilometers. Cycling-friendly, it passes through hamlets and wooden bridges, with clear views of the surrounding peaks. It is the main axis for exploring the valley.

The Vintgar Gorges

At the eastern end, the Radovna plunges into a sandstone and limestone canyon. Wooden catwalks suspended above the rapids allow you to follow the gorges for about 1.6 km to the Šum waterfall. Entrance is paid and very crowded in July and August.

The village of Mojstrana

The western entrance to the valley, Mojstrana is home to the Slovenian Mountaineering Museum, devoted to the first ascents of Triglav. A useful stop to understand the mountain before you set off to explore it.

Photography tips

Early morning raking light illuminates the meadows and river before the mist lifts — arrive early. In autumn (mid-October), the colors of the beeches are particularly vivid. For Vintgar Gorges, favor cloudy days: diffuse light avoids strong contrasts in the narrow canyon. Reflections in the calm pools of the Radovna work best late in the morning.

Location and access

The valley opens to the west of Bled, about ten kilometers away. Mojstrana, at the western entrance, is accessible from the main road connecting Jesenice to Kranjska Gora. The Vintgar Gorges can be reached from Bled by a secondary road via Podhom. No regular public transport to the heart of the valley; in season, tourist shuttles sometimes connect Bled to the Vintgar Gorges.

Nearby attractions

• Vintgar Gorges — spectacular canyon carved by the Radovna, accessible on foot from the valley.
• Lake Bled — glacial lake with its island and castle, about ten kilometers to the east.
• Kranjska Gora — alpine resort at the foot of Vršič Pass, starting point for the Julian Alps.
• Triglav National Park — the valley is one of its most accessible gateways.