Pekel Gorge - Scenic hiking area with natural beauty
Pekel Gorge (Soteska Pekel, meaning "Hell Gorge") is a dramatic natural gorge located near the town of Borovnica, about 30 km southwest of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Despite its ominous name, it’s a serene and scenic place, known for its waterfalls, narrow rock passages, wooden bridges, and lush forest surroundings. The name “Pekel” refers to the dark, narrow nature of the gorge, but the experience is heavenly for hikers and nature lovers.
Visitor Fees
- Free entry – Open year-round
- No ticket or official entrance fee required
- Donations may be encouraged for trail upkeep
Transportation
- By Car – About 40 minutes from Ljubljana; parking available at the trailhead
- By Train – Take a train to Borovnica, then walk or taxi to the gorge
- By Bike – A scenic cycling route connects from nearby towns
- Hiking Access – Easily combined with trails in the surrounding hills and forests
Things to See & Do
- Five waterfalls – Each one is unique, with the tallest reaching around 20 meters
- Wooden bridges and ladders – Adding a touch of adventure to your hike
- Steep rocky paths – Ideal for active hikers; wear good footwear
- Lush forest – Enjoy fresh air, mossy rocks, and tranquil surroundings
- Photo ops – The gorge is full of picture-perfect views and natural charm
Why People Enjoy Visiting
Visitors love the wild and untouched feeling of Pekel Gorge. It’s less commercialized than other attractions, offering a peaceful retreat into nature. The combination of waterfalls, caves, rock walls, and greenery creates a magical, fairy-tale-like setting perfect for hiking, nature photography, and relaxing walks.
How Old Is Pekel Gorge?
- Naturally formed by water erosion over thousands of years through limestone and dolomite rock
- Known locally for generations, with marked hiking trails maintained for decades
List of Activities
- Hike the main gorge trail to see all five waterfalls
- Climb ladders and cross bridges
- Enjoy a picnic in the surrounding forest
- Spot mosses, ferns, and forest wildlife
- Explore nearby hiking trails and viewpoints
- Visit the small cave near the entrance of the gorge
Additional Nearby Attractions
- Borovnica Viaduct Ruins – Historic railway remains from WWII
- Ljubljana Marshes (Barje) – UNESCO biosphere reserve with unique wetlands and birdlife
- Technical Museum of Slovenia – Located in nearby Bistra Castle
- Planina Cave – Underground river and cave system
- Vrhnika – A historic town at the source of the Ljubljanica River
Pekel Gorge is a hidden treasure of Slovenia, perfect for those seeking adventure, tranquility, and natural beauty off the beaten path. Whether you want a short scenic stroll or an active hike, it offers a refreshing escape into the wild.