Slovenia is known for great landscapes and nature experiences. That is why the country is especially popular with outdoor and hiking tourists. A trip to Slovenia promises adventures in countless protected nature parks, but especially in the Julian Alps, Karavanke and Kamnik-Savinja Alps in the north of the country. In the south of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps is the Kamniška Bistrica Valley, where you can explore wonderful sights. The Orglice waterfall carries water from the Kamniška Bela River. It is considered the most beautiful waterfall in the valley and is very popular among tourists and locals. In winter, the water freezes in the shape of a harmonica, which gives the waterfall its name. In summer it is named after the eagles of Kamniška Bistrica valley and is called Orličje waterfall. There is a great circular hike leading to the waterfall, which I will introduce to you in this blog post. For me, visiting the Orličje waterfall was an absolute highlight on my trip through Slovenia. I hope you enjoy reading my travelogue and I’m glad you came across my travel blog.
The hike to Orglice waterfall at a glance
If you click on a link below, you will go directly to the corresponding section of the route. It starts from the parking lot in Kamniška Bistrica valley and leads directly into a green forest. The first part of the route follows a picturesque trail along the Kamniška Bela River. At the end you will reach the spectacular Orglice waterfall. The way back runs on the other side of the river through forest areas and passes an old partisan hospital.
In total, the hike in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps is 4.7 kilometers long. We needed about 1.5 hours with a break at the waterfall. The route has no significant slope, only at the waterfall it is slippery and steep. However, the paths are well developed, signposted and recognizable, so that even children can manage the path. Only at the Orglice Waterfall caution is required. I have marked the route and all important destinations on the map.
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4,7 km (1,5 h)
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↑↓ 250 m
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Easy
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Parking Orglice Waterfall
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Well developed nature trails
If you’re looking for more information and tips on hiking in Slovenia, check out this blog article.
How to get to the Orličje waterfall
Travel by car
The beautiful hiking route at the Orglice waterfall starts at a small free parking lot in the Kamniška Bistrica valley (see map). From the town of Kamnik take road 225 in the direction of Kamniška Bistrica. In Stahovica turn left on road 923 and after 7 kilometers you will reach the parking lot on the right side. A small sign with „Slap Orglice“ shows the way.
By bus to Kamniška Bistrica valley
About one kilometer from the start of the hike there are two bus stops. These are served by buses from Kamnik. The ride from Kamnik to Kopišča takes 17 minutes and to Kamniška Bistrica 20 minutes. A ticket costs 2.30 euros. Kamnik is well connected to the transport network and therefore easy to reach by bus and train. You can find more information on the bus company’s website.
If you want to learn more about traveling by car or public transportation in Slovenia, check out my travel blog about Slovenia.
My hike to the Orličje Waterfall in Kamnik-Savinja Alps
The small parking lot on the road is located at about 580 meters above sea level. Directly from the parking lot, a path leads into the forest towards the Orličje waterfall. A rushing sound, which becomes steadily louder, accompanies us along the way until we finally reach the release after 300 meters. The small river Kamniška Bela flows through the valley and at the end it joins the river Kamniška Bistrica. Our hike now continues along the river, staying at the same altitude, and after about a kilometer it leads us to a junction. We stay on the right side of the river and follow the stony trail towards the Orglice Waterfall.
Short Facts for your Trip
The main season in Slovenia lasts from June to September. We were in Slovenia in early August and the waterfall had enough water. However, Orglice waterfall can also be dried up in summer. It is better to come in spring or autumn. In the winter months you can expect snow in the Kamniška Bistrica valley and the Orglice waterfall freezes. On the following page you can find a climate table.
We needed about 1.5 hours for the entire hike with breaks. However, it is worth to stay longer in this area of Slovenia because there are some sights and natural spectacles waiting. For example, the town of Kamnik or the alpine settlement on Velika Planina. Furthermore, the Kamnik–Savinja Alps offer countless hiking opportunities.
We stayed at the B&B Hostel Pod Skalo* in Kamnik at that time. The owners are very friendly and give valuable tips for the Kamniška Bistrica valley. In addition, the breakfast buffet was very extensive and delicious. From the hotel it is only 15 minutes by car to the starting point of the hike. There is also the possibility to stay overnight directly in the Kamnik–Savinja Alps. Under the following link you will find a selection of accommodations*
The easiest way to get around Slovenia is by car. A parking lot is available around Orglice Waterfall. If you prefer to travel by bus and train, the websites of the train company and the bus company will navigate you through Slovenia. You can reach my presented hike by buses from the town of Kamnik, which go to the stop Kopišča or Kamniška Bistrica.
The hike leads along well-maintained nature trails, but hiking boots are still recommended. In the Kamnik–Savinja Alps you should have rain gear with you even in summer. Since there is no refreshment stop, you should think of some food. You can find my selection of recommended hiking equipment for Slovenia on this page.
To get the full splendor of the Orglice waterfall on your picture, it’s best to take a wide-angle lens. If you want a smoothing effect of the water on your pictures, think about a travel tripod and ND filters. It’s a good idea to use a waterproof for your camera gear, because you’ll definitely get wet here.
Visit to Orglice waterfall
After 400 meters we come to the next junction, which leads uphill to the right to the Ladja Rock viewpoint (see map). However, we keep left and after another 600 meters we reach the pool of the Orličje waterfall. There is nothing to see from the waterfall, so we follow the roar and have to fight our way over rocks across the river.
On the other side of the river, a small path leads steeply up over tree roots. Over large rocks and slippery stones we fight our way forward to have the best view of the Orglice waterfall. Here we have to be careful! The roar of the water that falls from more than 40 meters into the depth, the huge rocks, and the wind that drives the water in the face keep us from climbing even closer to the waterfall. Even when this force of nature does not look like that on the picture, because I’m still standing about 30 meters away from the waterfall.
If you are looking for more hikes in Slovenia, check out these books. The books are small and handy, offer useful information about hiking and detailed descriptions of the hikes. I am sure that you will discover hiking routes that you would not find without these book.
From Orglice waterfall back to Kamniška Bistrica valley
On the way back, the hike takes us along the other side of the river Kamniška Bela. The trail leads through a mixed forest that shines as lush green as if it were constantly raining here. And indeed, gray clouds are gathering, slowly moving over the mountain slopes, creating a grandiose atmosphere. The rugged gray mountains of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and Velika Planina stand out from the green surroundings and are almost swallowed up by the clouds.
After 400 meters we reach a crumbled partisan hospital (see map), where some information boards tell about the history. The clouds are getting thicker, so we hurry and after another 500 meters we cross the river again. From here we walk on the same trail back to the parking lot in Kamniška Bistrica valley.
If you are looking for a travel guide to Slovenia, check out this book. I personally like this travel guide series very much. The authors give travel tips especially for individual and low budget travelers. Moreover, not only the well-known sights are described, but also more unknown places are mentioned.
Conclusion on Orglice Waterfall
The presented route in Kamnik-Savinja Alps is beautiful, and I liked it very much. Those who appreciate the mountains and nature will love this hike. The alternation between green forest and views of the rugged mountains makes the hike special. But the Orglice waterfall is of course the highlight of this hike. No relevant hiking experience is needed to complete the route, but caution is advised when climbing to the waterfall. The circular hike is 4.7 kilometers long and takes about 1.5 hours. I was in the Kamniška Bistrica valley in August, during the high season. The waterfall had a lot of water, however, in summer it can be almost dried up. It is better to visit in spring. During the winter months and into April, snow can be expected in the mountains. I highly recommend this attraction, which is best combined with a visit to Velika Planina, and would return anytime.
Hotels and accommodation near Orglice waterfall
The best starting point for the hike is the region around Kamnik. In the city there are sights, bus connections, supermarkets, restaurants, and many accommodations. You can find a selection of accommodations under this link* I myself stayed at the B&B Hostel Pod Skalo* and was very satisfied. We got many valuable tips and an excellent breakfast buffet.
Of course, it is also possible to stay overnight directly in the Kamniška Bistrica valley. The accommodations are more expensive and usually booked out quickly, but an overnight stay in Kamnik-Savinja Alps is worth the experience. Below you will find a selection for the entire Kamniška Bistrica Valley.
I hope you enjoyed my travelogue about Orglice Waterfall. On my Slovenia Blog I show you other beautiful travel destinations in Slovenia and share valuable tips and experiences for your trip to Slovenia. Did you like my blog post? Was I able to help you? Then I would be happy if you recommend my travel blog, leave a comment, or follow me on Instagram. Thanks for reading and have fun on your vacation in Slovenia.
The references marked with an asterisk (*) are so-called commission links. If you click on such a referral link and buy something, I get a small commission from the provider. For you, the price does not change! I see it as a small thank you for my work and look forward to any support.
