The Vintgar Gorge is situated within the territory of three local communities: Bled, Jesenice, and Gorje. Yet, it’s most at home and in the hearts of all in Gorje. Gorje serves as a pivotal starting point for exploring the natural and cultural treasures of the Triglav National Park.

Beneath Triglav lie 11 villages pulsating with authentic Alpine vibes. Together, they are known as Gorje, hinting at their elevated position. Stretching from the edge of the Bled Basin to the summit of Mali Triglav at 2700 meters, this entire area has been inhabited for over 10,000 years, reaching back to the origins of the Vintgar Gorge. Here, prehistoric people sought refuge, with the Poglej Church and the cave above Poljšica serving as their havens.

Villages with Picturesque Names

The names of the 11 idyllic Gorje villages have ancient origins. They originated from old folk names for natural phenomena or characteristics in the immediate vicinity, such as the village of Podhom, located beneath the hill of Hom, the village of Zatrata, lying behind the meadow, or Krnica, a village nestled in a typical recess of a glacial valley. The everyday life of Gorje villages from past centuries still echoes at the Pocar Homestead, one of the oldest in the Triglav National Park.

Green Treasures of Gorje

Gorje serve as the gateway to the Triglav National Park and an excellent starting point for nature lovers. Near the clear, fast-flowing Radovna River and the famous Vintgar Gorge, vast slopes of Mežakla and Pokljuka rise. In the mysterious forests of these plateaus, one can follow the footsteps of lynxes, listen to the song of the capercaillie, or admire the round-leaved sundew, one of the rare carnivorous plants in Slovenia.