Slovenia - an underrated jewel
Hello everyone, Today I would like to introduce a country that was never really on my radar until the end of last year - Slovenia. It was purely by chance that I took a closer look at this destination and then decided to spend my vacation there.
When I tell others that I spent my vacation in Slovenia, most of them just look at me and ask me what I wanted to do there? For many people, the country only serves as a stopover on their way south to Croatia. At most, they spend an overnight stay there.
My focus was on a small region in the north-east of the comparatively small country: The Triglav National Park. I spent a total of 10 days there. This time I had the
SIGMA 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM | Art and the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Art.
Both complement each other fantastically and are excellent for landscape photography.
About the author
Robert Sommer has lived in Hamburg since 2005, but his heart belongs to his home - R?bel and the M?ritz region.
As often as possible he is out and about in nature and his camera is always with him. When he wants to photograph the beauty of the landscape, he either gets up before sunrise or stays out until after sunset. At this time, there are "those 5 minutes" when the light is simply indescribable. It is precisely this moment that he tries to capture in his pictures. Email: robert@sommerblende.de
Website: sommerblende.de
Instagram: Sommerblende
The famous spot: Lake Bled
Even if many people have never been to Slovenia, most people know one of the most photographed motifs there - the small island with the church in Lake Bled. Anyone who has been there knows why. I couldn't help but photograph this island again and again. You can walk around the lake, so there are plenty of opportunities for many different perspectives. The light was magical, especially early in the morning or late in the evening.
Two viewpoints in close proximity to each other are particularly suitable for a slightly higher view. You can choose between Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica. After looking at both of them during the day, I decided to hike to the higher viewpoint the next morning at sunrise.
Drowsy, I hiked up about 200 meters through the forest deep into the night. Suddenly - without warning - a dormouse falls out of one of the trees right next to me and stares at me with wide eyes. We were probably both startled, but after a brief moment he went back up the tree and I climbed further up the mountain, now wide awake. Once at the top, all I had to do was set up the tripod and wait for the sun to come out from behind the mountains. The light was great, with the view I know why so many photos are taken of this island. The whole backdrop is incredibly photogenic!
Dreamy gorges
Of course, this island is by no means the only thing you can photograph near Bled. In the immediate vicinity is the Vintgar Gorge, through which the Radovna River meanders. This gorge can be wonderfully explored via a wooden construction. However, you should be there relatively early to take photos. It gets crowded here during the day, so there are always people in the photos. Another highlight is definitely the Mostnica Gorge, which is located a little west of Bled near Lake Bohinj. You hardly ever meet other people there and can enjoy nature to the full. The turquoise water meanders through the forest and sometimes deep gorges. There are interesting compositions at every turn and you can let off steam photographically with the small waterfalls. A visit is particularly worthwhile when the sky is cloudy. Then the light is nice and soft and there are no harsh contrasts, so the lights don't burn out.
After first spending time in the eastern part of the Triglav National Park with Bled, I spent the second half of the trip in the western part, the Soca Valley.
The best way to get into and out of the Soca Valley from the north is via the Predil Pass. The Soca meanders through the valley in a fantastic blue color. Here, deep gorges alternate with wider passages. Especially in the evening, when the temperature had already dropped a little, a light mist formed directly above the river, which gave the whole scenery a magical atmosphere.
The valley of waterfalls
The water of the river has to come from somewhere and so there is one thing in the valley that is a dime a dozen: waterfalls.
You can find a waterfall at almost every corner while hiking. You virtually never run out of motifs.
I can particularly recommend the Lepena Valley. An easy circular hiking trail takes you past a large number of larger and smaller waterfalls. It can take a few hours to walk the few kilometers, as you have to stop again and again. The Tolmin Gorge is also definitely worth a visit. There is an area where the sun hardly reaches the depths and the humidity is relatively high. As a result, not only does moss form on the ground, entire trees are literally covered in a thick layer of moss. Here you feel as if you are in a kind of rainforest. The colors are vibrant and it is simply incredible fun to explore the whole area.
The aforementioned Predil Pass is not only suitable for reaching the valley. From its highest point, you can turn off onto the highest road in Slovenia. This leads to the fourth highest peak in Slovenia, the Mangart.
The road winds its way uphill with gradients of up to 20%. This can be quite adventurous from time to time, especially with oncoming traffic. But once you reach the top, you have a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains and the valley. Especially in autumn, when the trees change color, this drive is worth every effort!
Slovenia is an undiscovered gem for many. The landscape is fantastic and offers an incredible amount for landscape photographers. From waterfalls and imposing gorges to a magnificent mountain landscape, it has it all.
Here you will find motifs that have not yet been photographed to death (the island in Lake Bled is of course an exception).
The area has managed to retain its originality despite growing tourism.
I will definitely be back, because there is still a lot to discover!
