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, though admittedly slightly less often used term for this creation of time and natural processes is the unique title of Bled Gorge.
- Meanwhile, in the primary language of the region in which this natural wonder 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, the site remains a true marvel of Nature.
- It’s currently unknown if prehistoric humans ever knew of its existence, though it’s likely. Amazingly, the first known discovery of the fromation 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 remote region. He was also accompanied at that time by a professional cartographer, named Benedikt Lergetporer. Their discovery of the site clearly made an enormous impression on both men.
- The visually stunning Vintgar Gorge understandably rapidly became a local destination for sightseeing, due to its many marvels. Observation walkways and platforms were therefore built to allow access. The first of these additions 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 nonetheless still quite respectable.
In terms of its overall length, the amazing feature measures approximately 1 mi (1.6 km). The canyon also works its way through the surrounding countryside in a comparatively straight manner. Along the way, though, this marvel of the region manifests some other truly captivating aspects.
Among these, the walls of the delightful gorge itself quite literally stand out. The height of those naturally varie significantly along the full length of the ravine, of course. As a general principle, however, these multiple 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 ever exceed 174 ft (53 m). Impressively, at many points along its expanse the stunning gulch closes in considerably narrower than this measurement.
It further boasts a relatively steep downward angle of flow. That’s due to the surprising fact that, from its beginning to end the geological marvel 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 of the world that hosts lovely Postojna Cave.
That’s true since this visual marvel of Nature 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 the canyon within the municipalities of Gorje and Bled, being one of its namesakes.
This topographical spectacle also forms part of the equally magnificent Radovna Valley. That setting itself serves as home to the equally beautiful, and still largely pristine, Radovna River. All of these remarkable features themselves actually formed within the boundaries of the Triglav National Park.
In the distant past, however, the river flowed in an entirely different direction. Like many such formations, though, the last Ice Age altered its course. Prior to that extreme event, the body of water flowed eastward. Subsequent to that occurrence, its northeasterly flow carved out a new course.
Interestingly, the limestone composition of the rock strata underlying and comprising captivating Vintgar Gorge resulted in yet more natural creativity. The erosive action of the flow consequently allowed for the creation of additional natural wonders. That combination is stunning to behold.
These marvels of geology 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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