Climb a rock above a quiet village near Lake Bled and discover a hidden waterfall
If you travel from Lake Bled towards Bohinj Lake by train, bus, car or even bicycle, you will almost certainly notice a pale rock formation rising above the small village of Bohinjska Bela.
This rock, known as Iglica, hides a small waterfall, Iglica Waterfall, flowing between its steep walls. You can climb up to the rock and take in the views over the surrounding villages. It is one of the quieter corners of the Bled countryside, worth exploring if you enjoy walking in nature and countryside life.
Iglica Rock offers a short climb, rewarded with an open view.
Traces of rural life can still be seen in the village below the Iglica Rock.
A walk through the village towards the Iglica Rock and Waterfall
The starting point of this walk is the village of Bohinjska Bela, which lies below the Iglica Rock. Today, the village is known for fishing and climbing, while its connection to the Sava Bohinjka River, which flows through the village, can still be felt in everyday life.
Each August, locals gather for a small festival of fish dishes, continuing a tradition that has been part of the village for generations.
Once in the village of Bohinjska Bela, follow the signposts for Iglica.
Above the village, Iglica Rock rises with a network of climbing routes traced across its pale walls. As you spend time here, you may notice a climber moving slowly across the rock.
Climbing the Iglica Rock and Waterfall
As you leave the last houses of the village behind, the sound of water slowly begins to follow you. Hidden between steep rock walls, Iglica Waterfall reveals itself gradually – a 24-metre waterfall that, during the dry summer months, can sometimes fall silent.
Not far from the waterfall, a set of steep steps appears. To reach the top of the rock, there may be a moment of hesitation, especially if you are afraid of heights, and then the climb begins.
Steep rock walls are shared by climbers and birds, with the Iglica Waterfall flowing in between.
To reach the top of the Iglica Rock, you’ll need to climb a short set of steps.
To reach the top of the Iglica Rock, the path leads over three sets of steep steps, sitting between the narrow walls of the rock.
From the top of the rock, known locally as “Iglica”, the view opens quietly. Below, Bohinjska Bela settles into the landscape, while in the distance the village of Kupljenik rests at the foot of the Jelovica Plateau.
A wide view opens towards the villages below when you are standing on the top of the Iglica Rock.
At the top, two simple viewpoints with wooden seats invite you to pause.
A peaceful corner above Bohinjska Bela
Iglica Rock and its waterfall offer a different kind of experience near Lake Bled: more off-the-beaten-track and closely connected to the life of the surrounding village. It may not be the most famous viewpoint near Lake Bled, but that is precisely part of its charm.
Below, you will find a few practical details to help you plan your climb to Iglica Rock and Waterfall.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Location: The Iglica Rock rises above the upper part of Bohinjska Bela, a village just a few kilometres from Lake Bled.
- Starting point: The climb begins in the village of Bohinjska Bela. The difference in altitude is 50 metres.
- Nearby hills: From Bohinjska Bela, the path can also lead further, on a longer hike of around two and a half hours one way, towards Galetovec. It is a peak on the edge of the Pokljuka plateau, from where Lake Bled reveals itself from a distance.
- Safety: Because of the steep steps, it is best to wear sturdy walking shoes with a good grip. Before setting out, it is worth checking the current conditions here. Please stay on the marked trail.
