Vintgar Gorge Facts
- The comparatively short term of Vintgar Gorge serves as one of the two english language names of a breathtaking geological formation. The other, slightly less often used term for this creation of time and natural processes is that of Bled Gorge.
- Meanwhile, in the primary language of the region in which it formed, it’s typically known by the moniker of soteska Vintgar. Regardless of which of these names one chooses to employ when referring to it, though, it remains a true marvel of Nature.
- It’s currently unknown if prehistoric humans ever knew of its existence. Amazingly, the first known discovery of the site in modern times only occurred in 1891. That fortuitous event happened due to the joint efforts of two individuals, both of local origins.
- At that time, the mayor of the local city of Gorje, Jakob Žumer, was exploring the region. He was also accompanied at that time by professional cartographer, Benedikt Lergetporer. Their discovery of the site clearly made an enormous impression on both.
- The visually stunning Vintgar Gorge understandably rapidly became a local destination for sightseeing. Observation walkways and platforms were therefore built to allow access. The first of these actually took shape as far back as the year 1893.
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Vintgar Gorge Physical Description
The magnificent creation of geological processes known as Vintgar Gorge impresses all those who view it. It further does so due to a variety of reasons. One of those is its sheer physical size. Though it’s size certainly doesn’t approach the Grand Canyon, it’s respectable.
In terms of overall length, the feature measures approximately 1 mi (1.6 km). The canyon works its way through the surrounding countryside in a comparatively straight manner. Along the way, though, this marvel of the region manifests some other captivating aspects.
Among these, the walls of the delightful gorge itself literally stand out. The height of those naturally vary along the length of the ravine, of course. As a general principle, however, these beautiful parts of the gorge range from roughly 160 – 330 ft (48.8 – 100.6 m).
The width of the ruggedly appealing Vintgar Gorge also understandably varies along its length. At no point, however, does this measurement exceed 174 ft (53 m). Impressively, at many points along its expanse the gulch closes in considerably narrower than this.
It further boasts a relatively steep downward angle of flow. That’s due to the fact that, from its beginning to end it drops a remarkable 820 ft (250 m). This degree of slope creates some intriguing flows, yet several comparatively quiescent sections nevertheless exist.
Vintgar Gorge Location, Formation, and Features
The location of the eye-catching beauty Vintgar Gorge comes as no surprise to those familiar with its setting. That’s due to the fact that it formed in a region of the world already renowned for its many natural wonders. It’s also the same region that hosts Postojna Cave.
That’s true since this visual marvel lies in general central section of the continent of Europe. There, the picturesque chasm sits in the northwestern section of the country of Slovenia. This places it within the municipalities of Gorje and Bled, one of its namesakes.
This topographical spectacle also forms part of the equally magnificent Radovna Valley. That itself serves as home to the beautiful, and still largely pristine, Radovna River. All of these remarkable features themselves lie within the boundaries of the Triglav National Park.
In the distant past, the river flowed in a different direction. Like many such formations, though, the last Ice Age altered its course. Prior to that event, the body of water flowed eastward. Subsequent to that occurrence, its northeasterly flow carved out a new course.
The limestone composition of the rock strata underlying and comprising Vintgar Gorge resulted in yet more natural creativity. The erosive action of the flow consequently allowed for the creation of additional wonders. That combination is truly stunning to behold.
These include numerous gentle pools of various dimensions. Several areas of respectable rapids also exist along its length. Among the most appealing of these, however, is Sum Falls. Measuring 43 ft (13 m) in height, it’s the largest river waterfall in the entire country.
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