Spring in Slovenia
private one day photography workshops

Lake Bled is a true fairytale. The lake becomes a photographer's paradise during spring, when the surrounding forests burst with fresh verdant greens and delicate blossoms that frame the iconic island church and medieval castle perched on its rocky promontory. The waters mirror these spectacular spring colours, shifting from turquoise to emerald beneath the changing light, whilst the Karavanke Alps, their peaks still crowned with winter snow, create a majestic backdrop against painted skies at sunset. Evening light transforms the scene into a canvas of soft pastels and golden hues, with the spring foliage creating a stunning contrast against the snow-capped peaks. Dawn mist sometimes drifts mysteriously over the glassy surface, offering ethereal conditions as the golden hour bathes the flowering trees and fresh greenery in warm light, rewarding early risers with perfect reflections of the spring awakening in the still morning water.

In spring, Lake Bohinj is stunning as the crystal-clear waters create a perfect mirror for the surrounding peaks, still mantled with winter snow. The shoreline comes alive with fresh growth and wildflowers in delicate shades of white, purple, and yellow, whilst the ancient beech forests awaken with vibrant spring colours—bright greens, soft lime hues, and emerging foliage that frame the lake's perfect reflections. Early morning mist often hovers just above the water's surface, creating ethereal conditions for landscape photography, as the soft spring light filters through the fresh canopy. Evening brings particularly spectacular moments when the setting sun illuminates the new growth and paints the sky in soft pinks and gentle blues, bathing the church of St. John the Baptist in warm, golden light that reflects magnificently in the still waters. The surrounding mountains glow with alpenglow as sunset approaches, their snow-covered peaks creating a dramatic contrast against the verdant forests below. Spring brings a perfect balance of tranquillity and natural renewal to this hidden gem of Slovenia's Triglav National Park, making it an ideal time for photographers seeking both dramatic sunset vistas and intimate details of nature's spring awakening without the summer crowds.

The Vodnik viewpoint overlooks the Bohinj Valley and Lake Bohinj. This vantage point offers breathtaking views across the valley as it transforms into a tapestry of spring colours—fresh greens, delicate blossoms, and vibrant new growth painting the landscape in spectacular hues. From this viewpoint you get a clear view of the Julian Alps framing the lake, their snow-covered peaks creating a stunning contrast against the verdant spring foliage below, whilst there might still be some morning mist lingering in the valley, adding an ethereal quality to the awakening landscape.

The Church of St. Primož and Felician in Jamnik village stands as one of Slovenia's most captivating photography locations, perched dramatically on a hillside on the Jelovica Plateau with the majestic Mt. Storžič and the rest of the Kamnik Alps as its backdrop. Surrounded by rolling meadows and scattered trees bursting with spring blossoms and fresh greenery creating a stunning foreground of seasonal renewal. The church is lit, so it's a perfect scene to photograph during the blue hour and at sunrise when the sun comes up behind the Kamnik Alps, casting warm golden light across the verdant spring landscape and transforming the modest church into an ethereal vision that perfectly captures Slovenia's enchanting blend of architecture, spectacular spring awakening, and stunning alpine scenery painted in the soft hues of dawn.

From the charming church of Saint Ana (Sveta Ana), perched upon an exposed hill overlooking the Ljubljansko Barje (Ljubljana moors), spring visitors are treated to one of Slovenia's most spectacular panoramic vistas. The elevated position at 484 metres offers wonderful views over the Ljubljansko Barje, part of the Ljubljana Basin, the Polhov Gradec Dolomites, the Alps and the forested slopes beyond.

In spring, this sweeping landscape transforms into a tapestry of fresh greens as the vast wetlands and surrounding forests burst with new life and seasonal renewal. The views here are panoramic, and you can see right across to the city of Ljubljana and even see the Ljubljana Castle to the east. The majestic Kamnik Alps are clearly visible to the north on most days, their peaks still snow-capped, as are the Polhov Gradec Dolomites to the west.

Lake Planšarsko (Planšarsko jezero) in Jezersko, Slovenia is a breathtaking alpine gem that offers photographers a perfect fusion of pristine waters and dramatic mountain backdrops. This small, emerald-green lake is backed by the towering eastern peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. The surrounding meadows, alive with spring wildflowers and fresh grass, along with traditional wooden structures provide compelling foreground elements, while the awakening forests and snow-capped limestone mountains create natural framing opportunities throughout the seasons.

Peričnik Waterfall is located in the Vrata Valley, one of three beautiful valleys cutting into the Triglav National Park in Slovenia. It's actually a dual waterfall, with the upper part being the smallest (16 metres) and lower part, as seen in the photo, the largest (52 metres).

Situated beneath Mt. Sleme and Višek mountain pasture, it is one of the highest and most famous waterfalls in Slovenia, particularly stunning during spring when the surrounding valley awakens with fresh growth and flowing meltwater. The upper fall cascades into a small pool which then feeds the larger fall below, whilst the spring foliage creates a vibrant frame around the cascading waters. This one cascades down the wall of a wide rockface, with the dramatic contrast between the white rushing water, swollen with snowmelt, and the fresh greens of the valley floor creating perfect conditions for photography, especially during the golden hours when warm light illuminates both the waterfall and the surrounding landscape of seasonal renewal.

The Mostnica Gorge offers exceptional spring photography opportunities with its dramatic combination of emerald waters and fresh foliage. The narrow 2-kilometre canyon creates intimate compositions where crystal-clear pools, fed by snowmelt, reflect the vibrant greens and delicate blossoms of surrounding beech forests.

Nestled in the northwestern corner of Slovenia near the Italian and Austrian borders, Zelenci Nature Reserve offers photographers an enchanting landscape dominated by its emerald-green pools of spring water. The reserve's crown jewel is its main spring of the Sava Dolinka River, where crystal-clear waters bubble up through white limestone sand, creating a mesmerizing palette of blues and greens that shift with changing light conditions. Photographers will be captivated by the wooden boardwalks that wind through lush wetlands bursting with new growth, the dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Julian Alps, and the ethereal morning mist that often hovers above the water's surface at dawn.

Located in northern Slovenia, near to Kranjska Gora, is this lovely location known as the Fairytale Cottage. It sits in the small hillside village of Srednji Vrh with the Julian Alps forming a sublime backdrop.

Lake Jasna is a pristine alpine gem nestled at the foot of the Julian Alps near Kranjska Gora, Slovenia. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters perfectly mirror the dramatic snow-covered peaks of Prisank and Razor mountains, creating ideal conditions for reflection photography, especially during golden hour when soft light illuminates the fresh spring greenery along the shoreline.

The Russian chapel is also a place that can be photographed even on overcast days. The chapel is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War I. Built by Russian prisoners of war in 1916, this small wooden chapel serves as a memorial to those who perished while constructing the treacherous road over the pass. Its simple yet beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere make it a lovely scene to photograph.

The mountain road to Vršič pass offers multiple beautiful stops for photography. This one offers great views on Mt. Prisank north wall.

The Pagan Girl on Vršič Pass in Slovenia is an interesting rock formation depicting the face of a young woman. It is located on a steep rock face along the Vršič Pass road, which is a high mountain pass in the Julian Alps. The Pagan Girl, also known as “Ajdovska Deklica” in Slovene, is entwined with local folklore, symbolizing a mythical giantess who was turned to stone. The relief stands as a poignant reminder of the historical events and the cultural legends of the region.