Explore Slovenia's waterways in pictures
Known for iconic Lake Bled, Slovenia is a watery delight. From the majestic gorges of the River Soča to the glistening Adriatic sea, you can kayak, paddleboard and sail in this gem filled country.
Photographs By National Geographic
Published 14 Jan 2019, 10:57 GMT, Updated 30 Dec 2021, 16:50 GMT
For centuries visitors have flocked to the crystal clear waters of Lake Bled, to swim, sail and soak up the scenery. Nowadays, locals like Ana Pirih are trying their hand at stand-up paddle-boards, too.
A tourist from Estonia takes a shot of Lake Bohinj in the morning mist. Whatever the weather, whatever the season, there’s always something new to see here.
German tourists Julia and Ralph paddle out onto Lake Bohinj, with their dog Iceman riding ‘shotgun’.
A wooden pier stretches out over the petrol blue waters of Lake Jasna, where the surrounding mountains keep a watchful eye.
An early morning paddle on Lake Jasna. Get here in time and you’ll see the sun spotlighting the surrounding mountains, and forested foothills of Kranjska Gora. As the day unfolds, the colours keep getting better.
Going with the flow. The River Soča slices through the eponymous valley for nearly 90 miles, surrounded on all sides by the Julian Alps. Famous for its vivid, emerald waters, it’s a favourite with kayakers from all over the world.
Located in the heart of the Soča Valley, the Great Soča Gorge is a dramatic avenue of cliff walls where people gather on sunny afternoons – diving into the cool waters then drying themselves off on the surrounding rocks.
Framed by lush forests and towering mountain walls, the Boka waterfall cascades down a near vertical limestone rock face into the Boka creek below, before eventually emptying into the Soča River nearly a kilometre away.
Sitting at the tip of a narrow peninsula, the fishing town of Piran looks out onto the Adriatic sea, where a sloop drifts by on the warm afternoon breeze.
Located close to Piran, on Slovenia’s western edge, the historic fishing town of Izola has spectacular views of the mountains beyond. It may be small, but this Mediterranean-style town has roots dating back to Roman times.
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