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Dovzan gorge
The undiscovered gem. The most beautiful gorge in northern Slovenia: The Dovzan Gorge: Dovzanova Soteska.
The Dovzan gorge is located in the Karawanken mountain range in Slovenia, near the town of Tržič. This natural gorge is a must-see for nature lovers and adventurers. The gorge offers a fascinating glimpse into the geological history of the region, with fossils of marine animals dating back to when this area was a tropical sea.
The gorge was carved over thousands of years by the Tržič Bistrica river. Through the gorge runs this clear river with impressive waterfalls and rapids. You can also swim or paddle there, beautiful paths and several bridges so you can go in all directions and make your own route.
HIKING ALONG THE GORGE AND AROUND DOVZANU
The Dovzan Gorge is an ideal place for a beautiful hike around the gorge through nature. You walk past information boards describing the formation of the rocks and fossils. You will walk over bridges, through a tunnel, past waterfalls and impressive rock formations. You will also pass the hamlet of Na Jamah and the Bence House.
Start: The hike starts at the parking lot in the village of Čadovlje pri Tržiču.
Difficulty: The trail is moderately challenging, with a slight climb and some steel cables. Suitable for children 3 years and older accompanied by parents.
Duration: Count on about 1 to 1.5 hours for the 2.7-hour hike.
Additional adventure: For the daredevils, there is the steep Bence Trail with iron rungs and steel cables.
Highlights of the Dovzan Gorge
The tunnel and the river are not to be missed. But there is more impressive stuff to see. These are the highlights of the Dovzan gorge.
Fossils
The Dovzan Gorge is known for its abundance of fossils, including brachiopods and foraminifers. The Karavankina schellwieni and Sphaeroschwagerina carniolica were first discovered here and even depicted on Slovenian stamps!
Kušpegar’s Belfries
These six tall rock columns are an impressive sight. These vertical rock formations that are remnants of a prehistoric coral reef. This spot is a favourite with climbers.
Borova Peč (Pine Cliff):
The steep slopes of this rock, overgrown with Scots pines, are the source of the large white quartz conglomerate blocks you see in the riverbed.
Dolina Exhibition and Education Centre
Learn more about the Dovzan Gorge at this educational centre in the village of Dolina. The centre offers exhibits on the geology and fossils of the Dovzan Gorge.
Practical information
Would you like to hike in a Dovzan Gorge? Then we have some useful information for you.
Best time to visit
You can visit the Dovzan Gorge just fine from spring to autumn. In spring, the waterfalls are violent due to meltwater. In summer, nature is at its greenest and you can enjoy the coolness of the water. And in autumn you have the most beautiful autumn colours of leaves and, thanks to rain, the waterfalls and rapids are also more exuberant.
Entrance fees and parking
Entrance to this gorge is free. At the most beautiful part of the gorge, there is a small car park and a bit of paid parking zone. But for €1 an hour, you can park just fine. A hefty climb and walk along the road but, a little before or after, you can park for free at a few spots along the road.
Tips:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Take plenty of water and snacks with you.
- Allow for changing weather conditions.
- Don’t forget your camera – the Dovzan Gorge is very photogenic!
Stegovniski Slap waterfall
An impressive waterfall can be found if you continue by car towards Jelendol. Be warned: the last stretch a gravel road. Parking at the end of the road is, of course, completely free. A nice, easy walk through the forest will take you to the big waterfall.
