Virje Waterfall | Bovec

Virje Waterfall (Slap Virje) is a karst waterfall located on the Glijun stream near the village of Plužna in the Bovec basin. It is characterized by its wide, fan-like flow over a moss-covered limestone wall and its vibrant emerald-green pool at the base.

Visual Characteristics

The waterfall is approximately 12 meters high and 20 meters wide. The water spreads across a rock face heavily colonized by dark green moss and algae, creating multiple delicate strands. The pool at the bottom is crystal clear with a distinct turquoise or emerald hue, surrounded by lush deciduous forest and large limestone boulders.

Location & Access Logistics

The waterfall is located approximately 3.5km west of Bovec.

By Car: Follow the signs from Bovec toward the village of Plužna. There is a small, payable parking lot near the trailhead. The road is narrow and steep in sections.

By Foot: A marked hiking trail leads from Bovec to Plužna and then to the waterfall (approx. 45–60 minutes).

Final Access: From the parking lot, a steep gravel path descends for about 5 minutes to reach the base of the falls.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The waterfall is fed by the Glijun stream, which is a karst spring that originates from the subterranean waters of the Kanin mountain massif. The water remains at a constant, cold temperature (around $5°C$ to $7°C$) year-round. Geologically, the site is a classic example of tufa deposition, where calcium carbonate precipitates from the water and encrusts the moss and rocks, continuously shaping the waterfall’s face.

Key Highlights & Activities

Photography: This is one of the most photographed spots in the Soča Valley due to the color contrast between the moss and the water.

Picnicking: The flat rocks near the pool are popular for resting, though space is limited during peak hours.

Nearby Source: A short walk upstream leads to the Izvir Glijuna (Glijun Spring), where the water emerges from between massive stones.

Plužna Lake: A small artificial reservoir (accumulation lake) for a nearby hydro-plant is located within walking distance of the path.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Infrastructure is minimal to preserve the natural setting. There are no restrooms or food vendors at the waterfall itself; the nearest services are in the village of Plužna or Bovec. 4G/5G mobile signal is generally reliable. The descent path is not wheelchair accessible due to its steepness and uneven surface.

Best Time to Visit

Season: Late spring (May/June) offers the highest water volume. In dry summer months, the flow may decrease significantly.

Time of Day: Early morning is best to avoid crowds and to capture the soft light filtering through the trees.

Weather: Light rain or overcast conditions saturate the green colors of the moss, making it ideal for photography.

Facts & Legends

The water from the Glijun stream is used to power the oldest hydroelectric power plant in the region. While the pool looks inviting, swimming is discouraged to preserve the delicate tufa-forming moss and because the water is exceptionally cold even in mid-summer.

Nearby Landmarks

Bovec Town Center: 3.5km East

Kanin Cable Car (Bottom Station): 3.8km East

Boka Waterfall: 5.2km Southwest

Soča River: 4.5km East

Plužna Village: 1.0km East