The Orglice Waterfall
| Region | Central Slovenia Statistical region |
| Starting point | Marked parking lot, 2 km (1.4 miles) from the Velika Planina Hill cable car |
| Route length | 3 km (1.15 miles) |
| route duration | 1 h |
| Start Point altitude | 571 m (1,873 feet) |
| End Point Altitude | 800 m (2,624 feet) |
| Best time to visit | spring, summer, early autumn, winter (the waterfall has little water) |
| Appropriate for | Baby Carriers , 3-6 years of age , 6+ years of age |
| Level of difficulty | Moderately demanding route |
Route Description
Kamniška Bela is a beautiful stream that flows into the Kamniška Bistrica River. It is here that nature formed an interesting waterfall called Orglice. Due to its easy access and beautiful surroundings, this is a very popular location for family trips.
Follow the Strahovica road sign from Kamnik and turn left into the Kamniška Bistrica Valley. Drive for a few more kilometers and pass by the Velika Planina cable car. After about 2 kilometers (1.4 miles), you will see a signpost for the Orglice Waterfall and a small parking lot where you can leave your car. There is another parking lot further down the road from the cable car. It has a well-marked board with SLAP ORGLICE written on it, so you will not miss it. There is more than enough space for several vehicles.
A wide forest path branches off soon and it is marked all the way to the waterfall. Simply follow the trail that runs along the Kamniška Bela Stream and after half an hour of walking, you will reach a crossroads. You can continue straight on to the Orglice Waterfall or you can turn left towards an interesting partisan hospital. We decided to visit the grave of a fallen American war pilot, then the place where the Bela Partisan Hospital once stood and a little further on the smaller (but also beautiful) Bela Waterfall, which is located only 20 meters (21 yards) from the hospital. A narrow path led us straight to the burial site of the American pilot, lieutenant Otto Hinnds. The information booklets are very thorough and you can read all you need to know about the sights. We really recommend going on this trip, as the trail is not demanding and not too long. The children will have a blast listening to all the interesting information, looking for imaginary pixies and finding a mushroom or two!
We climbed past the grave towards the neatly arranged remains of the partisan hospital. There is also a box with a registration book to sign on the spot, and several informative booklets. They describe Lieutenant Otto and all the others who fought for this hospital in detail.
The pilot actually flew one of the largest American fighter jets at the time. The BOEING B-17 bomber, then called the Flying Fortress, had room for 10 crewmembers. During a war mission, the plane crashed into the Mala Planina Hill. The locals found Lieutenant Otto and carried him to the partisan hospital, where he sadly died. They buried him in Slovene language without a priest.
Head BACK from the hospital to the sign (on the tree) pointing towards the Orglice Waterfall. In 15 minutes, you arrive at your destination.
The Orglice Waterfall is an approximately 40 meter (131 feet) high waterfall in the side valley of the Kamniška Bela Stream, a left tributary of the Kamniška Bistrica River. You can visit it in all seasons, but when we were there, it had little water and our photos do not do it justice. We will definitely return in the springtime, when the water flow is stronger. The trip itself is easy and suitable for younger children, however, since they need a bit of stamina, we recommend they are aged 3 and above.
Find more info about Kamnik on this web page.
Interesting Facts
They say that a visit to the Orglice Waterfall in winter is a must. When the icy temperatures freeze the water, the waterfall takes the shape of a harmonica. According to some rumours, when the water flow is at its greatest, it makes the sound of someone playing a harmonica. Well, if there is enough rainfall of course. Still, we were amazed by the magnificent appearance of this natural wonder.
When the waterfall freezes in winter, it is eerily silent in the side intrusion dug by the water. They say, however, that the conditions are completely different in the warmer months, when the water falls from 40 meters (131 feet) high and noisily lands in a smaller pool at the bottom. When the waterfall is not frozen, it is called by another name, the Eagle’s Nest (Slap Orlišče). It was allegedly given the name after the eagles, which nest in the Kamniška Bela Valley.
However, the official name of the waterfall is Orglice.
Story about town Kamnik
Map
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Vita, Olja and Juna Recommend
The Terme Snovik Spa is located near the town of Kamnik. This eco-world of thermal pleasures offers entertainment for the whole family. Children can splash around all they like and tired parents can relax A LOOOOOOOOOOT ;). This is another great idea for a family outing.
