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Slovenia
Osrednjeslovenska

Borovnica

Attractions and Places To See around Borovnica - Top 7

Attractions and places to see around Borovnica include historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. This municipality in Slovenia's Inner Carniola region is situated on the southwestern edge of the Ljubljana Marshes, offering diverse landscapes from marshlands to karst terrain. The area is characterized by its narrow valleys, dramatic gorges, and historical remnants, providing varied points of interest for visitors.

Best attractions and places to see around Borovnica

  • The most popular attractions is Third Waterfall of Soteska Pekel, a waterfall that is often cited as the most beautiful among the five waterfalls in the dramatic Pekel Gorge. This natural monument is a key feature of the gorge, formed by the subsidence of the Ljubljana Marshes.
  • Another must-see spot is Bistra Castle and the Technical Museum of Slovenia, a castle and former Carthusian monastery. This site houses one of Slovenia's most important museums and is considered a family-friendly historical and cultural destination.
  • Visitors also love Remains of the Borovnica Viaduct, a man-made monument. Only the 21st pillar of the original 1850 viaduct remains, declared a technical monument, offering a glimpse into the region's railway history.
  • Borovnica is known for its historical sites, natural monuments, and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore remnants of past engineering, dramatic waterfalls within gorges, and significant museums.
  • The attractions around Borovnica are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 20 upvotes and 10 photos shared by explorers.

Last updated: May 3, 2026

Remains of the Borovnica Viaduct

Highlight • Monument

The mighty viaduct, which commanded respect and admiration in its time, is no more today. Only the 21st pillar from the direction of Ljubljana reminds us of it. A fault in the ignition of the explosive preserved it, and in January 1992 it was declared a technical monument. Today, under the preserved pillar stands a board with a description and a model of the former bridge.

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Third Waterfall of Soteska Pekel

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First of the five waterfalls of Soteska Pekel

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Nice asphalt side road along the southern edge of Ljubljansko barje. From Vrhnika to Podpeč via Borovnica. You can see Ljubljana and the castle when the road rises a bit and the view north opens up. Also, the Alps behind Ljubljana can be seen. Another interesting feature along the way the remains of the old railroad viaduct that was blown up by the resistance during the Second World War can be seen in Borovnica.

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A great place to visit, also great for children.

tms.si/index.php

Everyone has to visit the Technical Museum in Bistra once.

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Pristava Hamlet

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Passing the rocky outcrop of "Kozlové gradu", with a wonderful view, we descend through the village of Pristava again into the Hell's gorge (the path flows into the valley near the guest house) (45 min) or we continue to the left towards Padež and Pokojišče and from there descend to Borovnica ( 1 hour 15 minutes). It takes 3 hours from Pokojišče to Logatac, 2.5 hours to Cerknica, and here you can also walk partly along the European footpath E-7.

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Pekel Gorge Waterfalls

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Definitely worth a visit. Some sections are still to be prepared, can be walked with caution.

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Zavrhov Mill Ruins

Highlight • Historical Site

About thirty meters above today's stone dam above the fifth waterfall stood the mill of the villagers of Zavrha. The mill operated until 1942, when the Italians threw the millstones from the hinges and burned the building.

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Patsy
September 8, 2025, Pekel Gorge Waterfalls

We did the hike after days of heavy rain. Emergency services came to rescue us after we lost our way because it was too slippery and dangerous!

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This is really interesting. The same engineer who built the Semmering Railway with its numerous viaducts built a two-story viaduct here to cross the valley in a loop and gain altitude. First the Yugoslav army and then the Germans blew up the viaduct down to one pillar.

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The mighty viaduct, which commanded respect and admiration in its time, is no more today. Only the 21st pillar from the direction of Ljubljana reminds us of it. A fault in the ignition of the explosive preserved it, and in January 1992 it was declared a technical monument. Today, under the preserved pillar stands a board with a description and a model of the former bridge.

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The third waterfall, which for most visitors is the most beautiful of the waterfalls in this gorge, is located in the middle of the rock jump. The water falls into the lake where the bravest even bathe. I do not recommend swimming because of the swirling water created by the waterfall. Water falls from the lake into the 2nd waterfall.

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https://visit-borovnica.si/znamenitosti/soteska-pekel

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Passing the rocky outcrop of "Kozlové gradu", with a wonderful view, we descend through the village of Pristava again into the Hell's gorge (the path flows into the valley near the guest house) (45 min) or we continue to the left towards Padež and Pokojišče and from there descend to Borovnica ( 1 hour 15 minutes). It takes 3 hours from Pokojišče to Logatac, 2.5 hours to Cerknica, and here you can also walk partly along the European footpath E-7.

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The first waterfall is the smallest of all. It flows over boulders and is 5 meters high.

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About thirty meters above today's stone dam above the fifth waterfall stood the mill of the villagers of Zavrha. The mill operated until 1942, when the Italians threw the millstones from the hinges and burned the building.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural attractions can I explore in Borovnica?

Borovnica is rich in natural beauty. A highlight is the dramatic Pekel Gorge Waterfalls, known for its five waterfalls, with the Third Waterfall of Soteska Pekel often cited as the most beautiful. The region also borders the extensive Ljubljana Marshes, a protected landscape park, and features intriguing karst terrain with sinkholes and additional waterfalls directly behind the village.

Are there any historical landmarks to visit in Borovnica?

Yes, Borovnica has significant historical landmarks. You can visit the Remains of the Borovnica Viaduct, where only the 21st pillar of what was once one of Europe's largest railway viaducts stands as a technical monument. The village also features the historic Parish Church of St. Margaret and the Zavrhov Mill Ruins, which operated until 1942 within the Pekel Gorge.

What family-friendly activities are available in the Borovnica area?

For families, a visit to Bistra Castle and the Technical Museum of Slovenia is highly recommended. Located a short distance from Borovnica, this former Carthusian monastery houses one of Slovenia's most important museums and is considered a great place for children. Additionally, the Pristava Hamlet can be incorporated into family-friendly hiking excursions through the Hell's Gorge area.

Where can I go hiking or mountain biking near Borovnica?

The mountainous terrain around Borovnica is popular for outdoor activities. For hiking, you can find easy trails in the area, such as those listed in the Easy hikes around Borovnica guide. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore numerous routes, with options like the 'Retovje Wooden Bridge – Logatec Forest Shelter loop from Borovnica' found in the MTB Trails around Borovnica guide.

What makes the Pekel Gorge special?

The Pekel Gorge (Soteska Pekel) is a dramatic natural wonder renowned for its five waterfalls, carved out by the subsidence of the Ljubljana Marshes. The Third Waterfall of Soteska Pekel is particularly beautiful. While some sections are accessible, reaching the upper waterfalls requires a rigorous path with pegs, ladders, and steel ropes, offering a challenging experience for adventurers.

Can I learn about the region's railway history in Borovnica?

Yes, the region's railway history is prominently featured through the Remains of the Borovnica Viaduct. This solitary 21st pillar is a poignant reminder of a massive railway viaduct built in 1850. A board at the site provides a description and a model of the former bridge, detailing its construction and eventual destruction.

Are there any scenic drives or viewpoints in the Borovnica area?

The Southern Edge Road of Ljubljansko Barje, connecting Vrhnika to Podpeč via Borovnica, offers scenic views. As the road rises, you can see Ljubljana and its castle, with the distant Alps visible on clear days. This route also passes by the remains of the old railway viaduct in Borovnica.

What kind of terrain characterizes the Borovnica surroundings?

The Borovnica surroundings feature diverse terrain. It lies on the southwestern edge of the extensive Ljubljana Marshes, a flat, protected wetland. Directly behind the village, the landscape transitions into karst terrain, characterized by intriguing sinkholes, underground caves, and additional waterfalls, offering a varied geological experience.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Borovnica?

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The dramatic Pekel Gorge Waterfalls are a major draw, with many finding them definitely worth a visit. The Technical Museum of Slovenia at Bistra Castle is also highly regarded as a great place for all ages. The historical remnants like the Borovnica Viaduct are considered very interesting, offering a glimpse into past engineering marvels.

Are there running trails available near Borovnica?

Yes, Borovnica and its surroundings offer various running trails. You can find options ranging from moderate to difficult, such as the 'Sveč hrib loop from Vrhnika' or the 'Storžev hrib – Planina nad Vrhniko loop from Vrhnika'. More details on these routes are available in the Running Trails around Borovnica guide.

What are some lesser-known spots or 'hidden gems' in Borovnica?

Beyond the main attractions, you might explore the Zavrhov Mill Ruins, located above the fifth waterfall in Pekel Gorge, offering a glimpse into the region's past. The charming Pristava Hamlet is another peaceful spot that can be discovered during hikes through the Hell's Gorge area.

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