THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Hike through the rugged Pekel Gorge with Ljubljana Active Trips to five waterfalls and cool off with swims in natural pools. This half-day trip blends outdoor thrills with a dip in Podpeč Lake and a taste of Ljubljana’s vibrant lifestyle.
Hike through the rugged Pekel Gorge with Ljubljana Active Trips to five waterfalls and cool off with swims in natural pools. This half-day trip blends outdoor thrills with a dip in Podpeč Lake and a taste of Ljubljana’s vibrant lifestyle.
Book with Ljubljana Active Trips
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Ljubljana Active Trips · Ljubljana, Ljubljana
Just a short drive from Ljubljana, Pekel Gorge offers a raw, kinetic outdoor playground that contrasts the capital’s urban dynamism. Operated by Ljubljana Active Trips, the Refreshment Tour is a half-day adventure bringing you deep into this dramatic gorge carved by millennia of water flow, chasing the thundering calls of five distinct waterfalls. The route ascends from around 350 to 650 meters above sea level, navigating well-maintained paths that reveal rocky pools perfect for cooling swims and culminate at Devil's Tooth, a striking viewpoint within the gorge.
What sets this tour apart is its seamless blend of active hiking, natural immersion, and easy access from Slovenia’s vibrant capital. The challenge includes secured climbing sections with steel cables and ladders, demanding moderate fitness but rewarding with intimate waterfall encounters and crystal-clear plunge pools. The path also adapts to different fitness levels, allowing families or less confident climbers to enjoy a gentler segment to the second waterfall.
After the gorge, the journey continues to Podpeč Lake, a quietly stunning karst sinkhole lake tucked at the edge of the UNESCO-listed Ljubljana Marshes. The lake’s serene waters invite a refreshing swim or a moment’s pause before the ride back to Ljubljana. The offer to combine this natural adventure with an urban paddle along the Ljubljanica River adds a unique urban-nature crossover rarely found around European capitals.
Ljubljana Active Trips enhances the city’s outdoor scene by making Slovenia’s wild side accessible within hours, emphasizing sustainability, local knowledge, and safety. Whether you’re cooling off from summer heat or searching for a half-day adrenaline escape near town, the Refreshment Tour delivers a memorable mix of terrain, water, and culture.
moderate.
4 hours.
Suitable for hikers with moderate fitness who are comfortable with some climbing and heights.
Swimming is safe in the deeper pools beneath the waterfalls, weather permitting, but always follow guide instructions.
All ages are welcome, but some trail sections may be challenging for young children.
The hike is moderate with some steep, secured sections involving ladders and cables, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Yes, pick-up and drop-off from Ljubljana are included with transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Yes, the trail can be shortened to avoid the most demanding climbs and still offer impressive scenery.
Bring hiking shoes, swimwear, a towel, a lightweight jacket, and water for the hike.
Pekel Gorge’s name—meaning 'Hell'—reflects local folklore about its rugged, wild nature and turbulent waters.
The area is subject to strict trail maintenance and visitor guidelines to protect delicate karst formations and native wildlife.
Ljubljana Active Trips is an activity provider based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, offering a diverse program of guided outdoor experiences across the city and surrounding regions. The company runs short urban adventures like “City from the water” (2-hour SUP or canoe on the Ljubljanica River) and three-hour bike and e-bike tours that showcase Ljubljana’s car-free old town and nearby natural landscapes. Longer day trips include guided hikes to Velika Planina, Logarska Valley and Rinka waterfall, full-day explorations to Kamnik and the Savinjska region, and a 7-hour visit to the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves and Rakov Škocjan. Ljubljana Active Trips provides multi-activity itineraries such as stand-up paddling on Velenje Lake, whitewater rafting on the Sava Dolinka with certified guides and full equipment, mountain biking on Golovec trails, and half-day hikes to Pekel Gorge with swims at waterfalls and Podpeč Lake. A private, tailored tour option is available to book for custom combinations — from biking and kayaking to cave visits and Lake Bled excursions. All listed offerings specify guided formats and, where noted, certified rafting guides and supplied equipment. The operator focuses on accessible formats with half-day and multi-hour options, providing clear trip durations and activity types for travelers planning logistics. Based in Ljubljana, the business presents a practical base for both urban and regional outdoor adventures in Slovenia.
Book with Ljubljana Active Trips