Address
Ljubljana
GPS
46.039505915221, 14.511500109235
Level of difficulty 2 paddles | Gastronomy 3 pitchers | Length 4.8 km Time 50 - 70 minutes
The city of dragons is not only Slovenia's political and cultural center, but also scores as a paddling paradise. The countless waterways in the city area allow relaxed paddling trips for all ages.
General information
Navigation rules
The busy boat traffic has priority. Keep enough distance or paddle by the shore. You will hardly find bathers here.
Dangers and risks
The low-current water in and around the center of Ljubljana is calm but there is a lot of boat traffic on it. Especially during the warm season countless tourist boats run every minute and stir up water. It is best to keep to the right and keep a sufficient distance when approaching boats.
If two boats cross it can get quite narrow in the canals. If necessary you interrupt your journey and let the boats pass.
The entrance via Park Špica, in the middle of town, is a bit steep and the stones in the water under the steps can be slippery.
There is no going further between the St. Peter Bridge and the Fabiani Bridge. The sluice gate was built in the 1940s and leads to a water drop of about 2 m. Because of the canal walls, you can't carry the board to the other side here either.
Directions
Whether by bus, by car or other means of transport - Ljubljana is always easily accessible. Further information can be found here.
The best way to get to the start of this tour is by car. If you are traveling without a car, you can of course take public transport, although depending on your starting point you may have to take longer walks.
Parking
You can park for free along Ižanska cesta Street by the Botanical Garden. From there you just walk over the footbridge and within a few minutes you are by the water in Park Špica.
Swimming
Slovenia is known for its thermal baths and many of them are located in the outskirts of the city. Due to the almost non-existent current you could swim in the river Ljubljanica, but the boat traffic is too heavy and represents a corresponding danger. There are enough great alternatives in and around Ljubljana.
Atlantis Water City
Šmartinska cesta 152, 1533 Ljubljana
Phone +386 (0)1 585 21 00
Laguna Lido
Dunajska cesta 270, 1000 Ljubljana
Phone +386 (0)1 585 21 00
Tour
From the Park Špica, turn right and head towards the city center in a wide arc to the sluice gate Zapornica na Ljubljanici after the St. Peter's Bridge. Turn around in front of the water drop and paddle back to the park.
Length
4.8 km
Time
50 - 70 minutes
Start and landing
Along the waterfront of Špica Park.
SUP rental
Bananaway
Podmilščakova 46, 1000 Ljubljana
Phone +386 (0)40 238 756
SUP Klub
Livada 31, 1000 Ljubljana
Phone +386 (0)41725553
Ljubljanica SUP & kayak
Trnovski pristan 40, 1000 Ljubljana
Phone +386 (0)41 351 698
Sightseeing through Slovenia's capital
This unique tour has been on my To-SUP-list for almost two years and the long wait has definitely paid off. The small country of Slovenia is not only delightful in terms of its landscape. The people, the culture and the gastronomy also leave a lasting impression. All of these characteristics even multiply in the capital Ljubljana and ensure an unforgettable stay.
Here people paddle on the river Ljubljanica, which branches off at Park Špica coming from the south and thus flows around the city center. The "river with seven names" runs about 20 km of its 85 km through underground karst caves and flows into the Sava north
In principle, there are a lot of great opportunities to get to the water in and around the city center. The entrance at Park Špica is easily accessible by car, especially since there is a park zone along the Botanical Garden, which is outside the center and, with a bit of luck, has enough open space. Directly in the center it is usually very difficult to get a good parking space near the river. A decent alternative would be to get in at the Ljubljana Kayak and Rowing Club on the opposite side.
You can either inflate your SUP board directly by the parking strip or you walk with your bags and gear across the pedestrian walkway directly to the park and get ready to paddle there. The entry via the stone steps is a little tricky and should be approached with caution, but after that nothing stands in the way of the city paddling feeling. Here at the fork of the Ljubljanica there is enough space to avoid the tourist boats if necessary and to warm up on board. It's best to stay on the edge of the canal, because the just 32 m wide canal becomes even narrower in the center and is only 20 m wide in many places. Everything has to get through here without collision – boats and paddlers of all kinds.
You could stop right under the first bridge (Prule Bridge) and sit down comfortably on the underpassing promenade. The little Bar Klub Recnih Kapitanov looks inviting and could be easily approached by SUP. First of all, however, I continue along the lively stepped promenades with their weeping willows and countless seating options. As a paddler you are a well-exposed photo motif here, be it from the shore or from one of the tourist boats.
The banks are slowly getting higher and higher and I notice that I am getting closer to the old town centre. The beautiful old architecture above me has been flawlessly preserved and the few modern elements, such as glass walkways, fit perfectly into the cityscape. There seems to be a small market to the right above me, while the first bars appear on the left. The city is not only fun on the water, but also two floors higher, along the quays where bars, restaurants and hip shops alternate providing urban life.
The highlights of this small round trip are certainly the three adjacent bridges between Prešeren Square and Stritarjeva Street. The pink-red Franciscan Church on Prešeren Square can be seen from about 300 m away and, curiously enough, fits in wonderfully with the varied cityscape.
Things can get really tight under the three bridges in particular, so I feel my way carefully and past the stone bridge piers. Then it's a little quieter again in the direction of the Dragon BridgeThe dragon is the symbol of the city and sits enthroned at both ends of the bridge. It can also be seen on the city coat of arms and over time the monster has become more and more the protector of the city, which according to legend was founded by the legendary hero Jason.
Above me I see the elongated buildings of the city market. From down here they cover the baroque St. Nicholas Cathedral which can be found right behind the market. By the way, this market is a must for every visitor. Handicrafts, fruit and vegetables and slovenian specialties can be bought here all year round except on Sundays.
First, however, I paddle the last 600 m to the sluice gate between St. Peter's Bridge and the Fabiani Bridge. The guided SUP tour by Bananaway also leads up to here, where I turn around because you can't really avoid the waterfall due to the vertical concrete sole attachment. To do this you would have to land at St. Peter's Bridge and carry the board under the Fabiani Bridge (approx. 350 m). From there you could paddle for kilometers on end back to the starting point, but unfortunately there is still a weir in the way that, according to the satellite image, cannot be avoided (dense bushes). The water level doesn't seem to be optimal everywhere either.
Since the way back leads against the hardly noticeable current, I decide to increase the paddling frequency and treat myself to a little workout on the water. This goes well until I get close to the market and the triple bridge again. Here the boat traffic picks up and I try to ride the waves behind the boats a little - just to entertain the onlookers on deck. The sun is now setting and the terraces above me are filling up with guests.
It's interesting to watch the hustle and bustle on the water in the middle of the city, surrounded by centuries-old canals and buildings. How different that is from what's going on on lakes or at the sea. This city and its surroundings definitely make you want more - for example a refreshing Union Pivo from the local Union Brewery. It is best to enjoy this with a direct view of the Ljubljanica while planning the next SUP tours in the region.
