Dovžanova Soteska

For hiking and geology lovers, the Natural Monument Dovžanova Soteska is a little-hidden jewel, totally worth the detour in the Gorenjska region of Slovenia. Dovžanova Soteska is visited for its hiking paths, but it is world famous for its geological interest.

In the lower part of the Park, you can see the Jamenšnikova paštba, one of the few preserved paštba in the entire Karavanke region. A paštba is a small building that was used to dry linseed, hemp, and fruits.

The path goes along the water flow of the Tržiska Bistrica; you will love the calming sound of the water. As you hike up, you will be able to see some very interesting rocks Travis Breccia, which are minerals that were formed over 267 million years ago. You will easily spot them as they will look like a conglomerate of rocks – characteristic of the Karavanke Mountains.

The next point of interest is where the Devil’s Bridge used to be. There will be a sign, at the beginning of the current rock tunnel.Before the tunnel was constructed in the 19th century, the villagers had to cross a suspended bridge to get out of the Dovžanova Soteska. The bridge got its name from a local story. One day, a little girl tried to cross the bridge on the back of her cattle, as she started crossing, the cattle became demented as the water flow suddenly got stronger, the cattle tossed the little girl in the air and the current, like the devil’s arms, grabbed her away.

As you follow the Tržiska Bistrica, you will reach the enchanting waterfalls of Dovžanova Soteska.

If you go by the road and keep walking up, you will reach the Razstavno izobraževalno središče, Exhibition Educational Center, where you can see fossils and minerals (Opening Hours: from May 1st September 30th on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 11 to 18 hours).

Have an awesome hike!

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