The Peričnik Waterfall

Above the Lower Peričnik, which falls 52 m and is one of the few free-falling Slovenian waterfalls, the Upper Peričnik, which is much lower at 16 m, has carved its way across the stage.

After the glacier retreated from the Vrata valley, the Peričnik stream began to fall from the overhanging side valley over the conglomerate wall.

The Triglavska Bistrica Trail passes by Peričnik Waterfall. You can also learn more about the trail in our leaflet.

Peričnik is the name of the waterfall and the stream that flows into the Triglavska Bistrica stream near the Koča pri Peričniku. The formation of the waterfall is linked to the glacial transformation of the Vrata valley. The valley through which the Peričnik flows is a so-called hanging valley above the deeper, larger Vrata valley. Water erosion has created two waterfalls - the Upper and Lower Peričnik. The upper part of the Lower Peričnik consists of conglomerate, while the lower part is dominated by crumbly breccia, which has also formed potholes, allowing a path to be made around the waterfall.

The Peričnik waterfall is destroying itself, as the power of the water undermines the conglomerate sill, which is crumbling and crumbling. The power and magnitude of the water erosion can be experienced up close, because with the right footwear and care, the waterfall can be approached from behind.

Waterfalls help us understand the processes that are continually reshaping the Earth’s surface. The vertical water drops make their eroding power particularly impressive. As a retreating waterfall, the Peričnik gradually eroded the soft rock at the base, gradually undercutting the more resistant conglomerate overhang until it collapsed under its weight, shattering into large conglomerate blocks that now lie at the waterfall base.

In the past, the waterfall moved several times as the river feeding it changed its course. Fossil notches in the conglomerate cliff are reminders of the waterfall’s past.

Your safety is your responsibility

In the natural environment, you may encounter falling rocks and trees, slippery and uneven terrain, sudden changes in weather, high water levels and wild animals. The park authority maintains trails within the scope of its responsibilities and available resources but cannot guarantee your safety. Visitors are responsible for adapting their plans to the weather and trail conditions, choosing trails suited to their abilities, using appropriate equipment, staying on marked trails and acting responsibly.