Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Slap Boka (or the Boka Waterfall) is one of the biggest waterfalls in the Soca River Valley and the claims to be the most powerful waterfall in Slovenia. This tall waterfall is easy to see from the road, but you can take a short hike to a closer viewing platform, and if you are feeling more motivated, it is possible to hike even further up to get a close view of the waterfall or do this hike as a longer loop
This guide shares exactly how to get to the official Boka Waterfall viewing area.
For other things to do in the area and Slovenia, check out our other Slovenian Guides and our as part of our 7 Day Slovenia Itinerary. Some of the other nearby sites include the Great Soca Gorge, Mount Mangart, and Slap Kozjak.
Quick Overview of the Hike to Slap Boka Viewing Platform
Distance: There are many options for hiking to Slap Boka - the shortest can be reached in 15 minutes, the longer routes are up to several miles. Elevation Gain: up to 1,500 feet Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging
While the trail is mostly straightforward, with severally well marked signs, the number of trails can make it slightly complicated especially above the first viewing area. The trail has stairs and is mostly easy walking.
How to get to Slap Boka (the Boka Waterfall)
The Boka waterfall is easy to get, well signed and visible from the road. To get to Boka Waterfall from Bovec, drive south on route 203 for about 5 minutes (4 km). The road will make a sharp bend to the right then left and the parking lot is on the left side of the road just before the bridge across the Boka River. If you miss the parking lot, you will cross the bridge and should turn around.
There is a view of the Boka Waterfall from here, but the short hike takes you to a viewpoint with even a better view of the waterfall. Below are some common driving distances to Slap Boka
- Slap Boka to Bovec: 6 minutes
- Ljubljana to Slap Boka: 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Lake Bled to Slap Boka: 1 hour and 45 minutes
The parking lot for Slap Boka is relatively small and around a curve in the road, so use caution when entering and exiting. To get to the hike to the Slap Boka Waterfall, cross the bridge and look for the well signed trailhead.
Map of the Boka Waterfall Hike
Below you can see a map of the Boka Waterfall hiking trails – note that there are many options. The trail to the closest viewpoint is on the west side of the Boka River and can be reached in about 15 minutes.
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Details of Hiking to Boka Waterfall
The Boka Waterfall is a tall and powerful water (depending on the current waterflow) just south of Bovec. This is not a typical waterfall, but is actually a Karst Spring. This spring above the waterfall, runs out of the rocks onto a ledge. The Karst spring is actually a deep cave that has only been partially explored by divers.
As the water flows out across the ledge, it plunges 106 meters through the are before running down a sleep slope for a further 30 meters. From here, the water continues down the Boka River to join with Soca River.
To hike to the viewpoint of Slap Boka, start on the trail to the left of the bridge when you are looking up at the waterfall. The trail is well signed and starts almost completely flat. After a few minutes of walking, the trail to the viewpoint turns to the left and begins to ascend partially up a series of stairs. From this turn it is only about a 7 minute walk to the viewing platform. It is possible to hike above this viewing platform to a more unofficial viewing area after about 300 meters.
Other options for this hike include going up the right side of the river to get to the source of the Boka Waterfall, or also hiking up the Boka River. You can see several options and read the most recent trail conditions on All Trails.
Things to Know about Visiting Slap Boka
How long do you need at Slap Boka?
Slap Boka is a short hike unless you are hiking up to the source. To hike to the viewpoint and take in waterfall, you need about 45 minutes. If you are hiking further up the trail, you will need longer.
When is the Best Time of Year to visit the Boka Waterfall?
You can visit the Boka Waterfall at any time of the year, but the best time of year to see Slap Boka is in the spring when the water is running high. We visited in July during an especially lower water time and while the waterfall was beautiful, it was not as impressive as the photos when the waterfall is running high.
Have you visiting the Boka Waterfall? Leave a comment below.
Looking for more to do in the area? Check out the:
