Slovenija
slapovi
(look at: "What is a waterfall?")
Slovenia – The Land of Waterfalls
It is not easy to define what a waterfall truly is. Essentially, any falling stream of water can be considered a waterfall. Height is not the most important factor – the volume of falling water also matters. But above all, it is our feelings when we stand near a waterfall… whether it soothes us, inspires romance, or evokes awe. Waterfalls are not merely geographical features – they are natural spectacles that stir a sense of grandeur, freshness, and connection with nature.
If we wish to define a waterfall more precisely, we can rely on a technical definition: a waterfall is a stream or river with a continuous water flow that descends along a slope steeper than 45 degrees. The drop must be equal to or greater than 5 meters. The distance between two stages of a waterfall must not exceed 5 meters – otherwise, we consider them two separate waterfalls.
This definition allows for a more systematic mapping of waterfalls and helps distinguish between natural phenomena that may appear similar but differ geologically and hydrologically.
Slovenia is an exceptionally water-rich country with a diverse and rugged terrain, creating ideal conditions for the formation of waterfalls. According to the technical definition above, Slovenia has more than 350 permanent waterfalls. If we include torrential waterfalls that appear during heavy rainfall or snowmelt, the number exceeds 1,000.
My exploration of waterfalls began in the early 1980s, driven by passion and persistence. I started mapping waterfalls across Slovenia using classic topographic maps, which were the only reliable tools for field navigation at the time. Later, I became one of the first in Slovenia to use a handheld GPS device, marking a major step forward in accurately recording the locations of waterfalls and other geomorphological features.
Since digital photography had not yet been developed, I documented waterfalls using traditional film cameras. The films were then scanned, and despite their modest quality and resolution by today’s standards, I regularly published the images online. Each photo was the result of physical effort, fieldwork, and technical improvisation.
From these field explorations, the idea was born to present Slovenia as the Land of Waterfalls on the internet. The project became the first truly comprehensive online presentation of Slovenia’s natural and cultural heritage, combining photographs, descriptions, maps, and interactive elements.
By 1998, the project Slovenia – The Land of Waterfalls was largely completed. Since then, its structure has remained mostly unchanged, as it already included a rich collection of waterfalls with detailed descriptions, photographs, and locations. It was a pioneering example of using technology for geographic documentation, merging natural science, cartography, photography, and web design.
The project is not just a database – it is an invitation to experience nature. Waterfalls are scattered across all Slovenian regions: from alpine valleys to karst edges, from forested ravines to underground caves. Each waterfall has its own story, its own character, and its own moment – one that can only be truly felt in the quiet presence of nature.
Avtor: Boštjan Burger, March 1998
