Martuljek Waterfalls

The Martuljek waterfalls are two cascades in the valley of the Martuljek stream, which comes down from the high peaks of the Martuljek group above the village of Gozd Martuljek, a few kilometres east of Kranjska Gora in the Upper Sava Valley. The valley lies in the Julian Alps within Triglav National Park, and the setting is among the grandest in the region: steep forest, narrow rock gorges, and above them the jagged wall of the Martuljek range with Špik as its best-known summit.

The lower waterfall is the easier and more popular of the two. The stream drops in a high ribbon of water into a rocky gorge, with spray hanging in the air and moss on the surrounding rock, and the volume is greatest in late spring and early summer when snowmelt swells the stream. A marked path leads from the valley through forest to the lower fall, with viewpoints from which to admire it, and the walk takes a pleasant hour or so for most people. The path is signed and generally easy, but it can be rough and wet in places.

The upper waterfall is a much more demanding objective. It tumbles in several stages down a steep cliff and is one of the highest in Slovenia, set in a more remote and wilder stretch of the valley. The approach is steeper, with exposed sections and stones that can be slippery, and it is best left to experienced, well-equipped walkers who are used to mountain terrain. Together the two falls can be visited in a day of a few hours of walking, depending on pace and conditions, and the effort is well rewarded by the sense of being deep in the mountains.

Along the way there is a mountain farm and refreshment stop where walkers can rest and try local food, and the forest holds a rich variety of birds, flowers and, with luck, chamois on the high slopes. The surrounding area offers other easy sights, such as the little lake called Jasna, with its statue of the golden-horned Zlatorog, and the nature reserve of Zelenci, where the Sava Dolinka begins, and Kranjska Gora has cultural tours and ski areas.

The falls suit walkers, families with older children and photographers. They are open at all times but are best from late spring to early autumn, and heavy rain can make paths dangerous and raise the stream. Wear good shoes, take water, and check conditions locally before setting out.