Ljubljanica River Cruise

A river of magical seven names

The river Ljubljanica, with its interesting bridges and picturesque old city center embankments, is one of Ljubljana’s most notable landmarks.

Cruise Ljubljanica, the river of seven names; view Ljubljana from a different perspective!

Excellent add-on to your walking tours in Ljubljana!

The river Ljubljanica has a special position among Slovenian rivers. It is supplied with water from many karst influent streams. Its course is long and varied. It vanishes into the ground and comes to the surface many times along its course, each time with a different name.

From its source in the foothills of Mount Snežnik it is known as the Trbuhovca, than later as the Obrh, then the Stržen, Rak, Pivka and Unica rivers, until it rises to the surface for the final time near Vrhnika as the Ljubljanica. Its springs are divided into three major groups: Močilnik, Retovje and Bistra. In addition to these, there are many smaller springs, wells and affluents.

We’ll cruise only a small part winding through Ljubljana. First, you head towards Spica where Ljubljanica splits into two, offering a view into nature. Then you will turn back at Livada.

On the way, you can enjoy the view of Ljubljana Castle, some of the embassies and newly renewed river banks. As you approach the old town, you’ll have a magnificent view of the Cobblers’ Bridge, Franciscan Church, Tromostovje or the Triple Bridge, the architect Plečnik Market colonnade and charming baroque vila-houses. You get a special view of new bridges such as glassy Butchers’ Bridge or Grain Bridge. Finally turn back to departure point at famous Dragon Bridge, the one from below…

Ljubljanica in Greek mythology

According to Greek mythology, the ancient Greek hero Jason assembled a group of champions

to aid him in his quest to find the Golden Fleece. The shipbuilder Argus followed the goddess Athena’s instructions and built a ship named Argo in his honor. Naming themselves after their ship, the Argonauts sailed to many countries.

With the Golden Fleece stolen, Dragon defeated, the Argonauts and Medea sailed for home. They sailed across the Black Sea to the Danube, then up the Sava River and finally up the Ljubljanica to Močilnik Springs. Jason was furious as they couldn’t go any further and he hit the rock with his fist.

You can still see the imprint today in the rocks called the Devil’s Cliffs (‘Hudičeve skale’) by local people. The Argonauts disassembled their ship and carried it on their shoulders to the Adriatic Sea.