Rivers in Slovenia: The Complete List

Slovenia’s landscape is threaded with rivers that carve valleys, feed wetlands and shape towns from alpine springs to the Adriatic coast. Locals use them for fishing, short hikes and seasonal paddling, while maps and place names often follow the water’s course.

There are 86 Rivers in Slovenia, ranging from Bača,Želimeljščica. For each entry you’ll find Length (km),Source → Mouth (places),Notable (max 15 words) in the compact table you’ll find below.

Which rivers are best for easy day trips or gentle paddling?

Look for lowland sections of the Ljubljanica and Sava for calm paddling and easy access, while the Soča offers scenic but more challenging stretches; check local outfitters for put-in/take-out points, seasonal flow and permit rules before you go.

How accurate are the lengths and source/mouth locations listed?

Lengths and source points come from official hydrological records and maps, but measurement methods and natural changes (meanders, manmade alterations) cause small variations; treat the list as a reliable starting point and consult current local maps or agencies for precise planning.

Rivers in Slovenia

Images and Descriptions

Sava

Major river that crosses central Slovenia from the Alps toward the east. It forms from two headwaters in the northwest and continues into Croatia. It ranks among Slovenia’s largest and most important rivers for towns and transport.

Drava

Large northeastern river in the Danube system. It flows along Slovenia’s border areas and supports hydroelectric power and riverside towns. It matters to Slovenia’s Drava basin and cross-border water management.

Mura

River in the far northeast that drains into the Drava. It flows near the border regions and supports wetlands and agriculture. It is important to the Mura basin and cross-border ecology.

Kolpa

Border river in southern Slovenia that separates Slovenia and Croatia in places. It flows through lowland valleys and is popular for swimming and canoeing. It appears here as a major southern waterway.

Soča

Striking turquoise river in western Slovenia. It runs through steep valleys and clear gorges and is famous for rafting, fishing, and scenic beauty. It anchors the Soča basin and alpine recreation.

Savinja

River in eastern and central Slovenia that joins the wider Sava system. It passes through industrial and tourist towns and supports rafting and fishing. It is a key river for the Savinja basin.

Krka

River in southeastern Slovenia that flows through karst hills and lowlands. It supplies local agriculture and passes near historic towns. It is notable among Slovenian lowland rivers.

Sotla

Eastern border river with Croatia that drains rural lowlands. It supports local farming and forms part of the border landscape. It is included as an important eastern tributary.

Ledava

Northeastern river in the Prekmurje region. It winds through flatlands and feeds local irrigation and wetlands. It serves the Mura/Drava borderlands in north-east Slovenia.

Dravinja

River in eastern Slovenia that runs through mixed countryside and small towns. It feeds local agriculture and joins larger river systems. It represents a notable tributary in the Drava basin.

Pesnica

River in northeastern Slovenia that crosses wine country and small towns. It drains to larger rivers in the Drava basin. It is included for its role in local landscapes and settlements.

Idrijca

Western river that runs from the Idrija hills toward the Soča basin. It passes through valleys with mining and cultural heritage. It matters for local industry and Soča-side ecology.

Nadiža

Small mountain stream in the upper Soča region near the border. It runs through narrow valleys and alpine meadows. It is notable for its clear water and local gorges.

Ščavnica

River in northeastern Slovenia that drains agricultural plains. It flows toward larger Mura-area rivers and supports local communities. It is included as a regional waterway.

Reka

Karst river in southwestern Slovenia that sinks into caves. It disappears underground and feeds the karst spring systems. It is included for its classic karst behavior.

Sora

River formed by two headwaters in the Gorenjska region. The combined Sora flows into the Sava and serves local towns and valleys. It is included as a key tributary of the Sava.

Vipava

River running through the Vipava Valley in western Slovenia. It shapes a notable wine region and windy valley. It matters for local agriculture and lowland drainage.

Sava Dolinka

One of the two headwaters of the Sava that rises in the northwest. It flows from alpine sources and joins its twin to create the main Sava. It is included as a principal Sava source.

Mirna

Gentle river in southeastern Slovenia that flows through low hills and fields. It drains local countryside and joins larger basins. It is included as a calm lowland river.

Poljanska Sora

Headwater stream of the Sora that rises in the Poljane Valley. It meets the Selška Sora to form the Sora proper. It is included for its role in forming the Sora river.

Meža

Northern Slovenian river draining Carinthian valleys. It runs through mining and industrial areas and connects to larger northeast basins. It is notable as a northern watershed river.

Sava Bohinjka

The other principal Sava headwater that springs from the Bohinj area. It flows from alpine lakes and joins the Sava Dolinka downstream. It is included as a main Sava source.

Ljubljanica

Cultural and urban river that flows through Ljubljana. It rises from karst springs and runs under historic bridges. It is essential to Slovenia’s capital and karst hydrology.

Paka

Small river in northern Slovenia that passes through valley towns. It feeds the Savinja basin and local industry. It is included as a regional tributary.

Mislinja

River in northern-eastern Slovenia that drains mixed highlands. It feeds larger river systems in the Drava basin. It is included for its role in the northeast landscape.

Voglajna

River that flows near Celje and joins larger Savinja waters. It runs through industrial and agricultural terrain. It is included as a Celje-area tributary.

Kokra

Mountain stream from the Kamnik area that joins larger central rivers. It runs through steep valleys and supports local settlements. It is included as a notable alpine tributary.

Lahinja

Southern karst-influenced river in White Carniola. It flows through meadows and wetlands into larger lowland rivers. It is notable for its natural habitats.

Kamniška Bistrica

Alpine river that descends from the Kamnik–Savinja Alps. It runs through mountain valleys and meets the Sava. It is included for its mountain scenery and outdoor recreation.

Gradaščica

Small river that runs through western Ljubljana neighborhoods. It feeds the Ljubljanica system and structures city green spaces. It is included as an urban stream.

Radulja

Small stream in southeastern Slovenia that feeds larger lowland rivers. It runs through rural countryside and forests. It is included as a local tributary in Dolenjska.

Kobiljski Potok

Minor stream in northeastern Slovenia near border areas. It drains local fields and joins larger lowland rivers. It is included as a named local watercourse.

Selška Sora

Headwater of the Sora rising in the Selška Valley. It meets the Poljanska Sora to form the Sora. It is included for its role in the Sora river system.

Bolska

Small river in central Slovenia that drains rolling hills. It feeds regional river networks and local towns. It is included as a tributary of the Savinja area.

Hudinja

River that runs through Celje and joins the Savinja system. It passes urban and industrial zones and supports local recreation. It is included for its regional importance.

Iška

Short river south of Ljubljana that cuts a steep gorge. It feeds into the Ljubljanica system and shapes local karst terrain. It is included for its scenic gorge and proximity to the capital.

Dragonja

Coastal river near the Istrian peninsula that flows to the Adriatic. It forms parts of the coastal border zone and wetlands. It is included as a southwestern coastal waterway.

Bistrica (Sotla)

Bistrica stream that drains into the Sotla river system. It flows across eastern lowlands and supports local agriculture. It is included as a named tributary of Sotla.

Dreta

River in central-eastern Slovenia that runs through forested valleys. It joins larger river systems in the Savinja basin. It is included for its upland valley character.

Oplotniščica

Small eastern river that drains rural landscapes. It joins larger rivers within regional basins. It is included as a local tributary in the eastern watersheds.

Pivka

Karst river in southwestern Slovenia that flows intermittently and feeds sinkholes. It links karst lakes and caves and is part of the Notranjska karst. It is included for its karst behavior.

Tržiška Bistrica

Mountain stream near Tržič that flows from alpine slopes. It joins rivers that reach the Sava. It is included for its alpine valley and recreation value.

Temenica

Karst river in southeastern Slovenia that sinks and reappears along its course. It joins larger lowland rivers and shapes karst fields. It is included for its classic karst features.

Ložnica

Small river in northeastern Slovenia that drains rural hills. It feeds the regional river network and local towns. It is included as a named tributary in the area.

Zala

Local stream name used in parts of Slovenia. It drains small valleys and connects to larger basins. It is included as a regional watercourse entry.

Framski potok

Small brook (potok) in Slovenia. It drains local farmland and woodlands and joins larger streams. It is included as a named minor watercourse.

Nanoščica

Minor stream found in southern Slovenia. It drains karst and lowland areas and feeds local wetlands. It is included as a small but named watercourse.

Kučnica

Small river in central Slovenia that feeds local basins. It runs through rural landscapes and joins larger streams. It is included as a local tributary.

Bača

Mountain river in western Slovenia within the Soča basin. It flows through narrow valleys and joins larger western rivers. It is included for its alpine character.

Grosupeljščica

Stream running near Grosuplje that feeds the Ljubljanica network. It drains suburban and rural zones south of Ljubljana. It is included as a local named stream.

Velka

Regional river in eastern Slovenia that drains rolling countryside. It connects to larger river systems in the northeast. It is included as a named eastern watercourse.

Unica

Karst river that emerges from Planina Cave and flows through karst poljes. It links underground waters with surface rivers and joins larger systems. It is included for its karst importance.

Čabranka

Southern border river that touches Croatia and Slovenia. It flows through forested valleys and joins larger lowland rivers. It is included as a cross-border waterway.

Radovna

Alpine stream that carves the Vintgar Gorge. It runs out of Triglav National Park and feeds downstream rivers. It is included for its scenic canyon and mountain source.

Borovniščica

Small stream near Borovnica that drains forested terrain. It joins the Ljubljanica system and affects local valleys. It is included as a local watercourse.

Veliki Potok

A ‘big brook’ by name that functions as a small stream in central Slovenia. It feeds local valleys and larger rivers. It is included as a named minor waterway.

Tolminka

Mountain tributary in the Tolmin area that joins the Soča system. It runs through steep alpine terrain and forests. It is included for its Soča-basin role.

Koritnica

Fast mountain river in the Bovec area that cuts deep canyons. It feeds the Soča and offers rafting and fishing. It is included for its dramatic alpine landscape.

Učja

Coastal or border river in the Istrian area that flows toward the sea. It crosses flat coastal zones and supports wetlands. It is included as a coastal waterway.

Rečica

Common river name meaning ‘small river’. It appears in several regions as a minor tributary. It is included to document often-used stream names.

Črnec

Small stream whose name means ‘black creek’. It drains local woodlands and fields. It is included as a regional minor watercourse.

Ižica

River in the Inner Carniola area that drains karst terrain. It shapes local valleys and joins larger systems. It is included as a named local river.

Nevljica

Small river in central Slovenia that feeds the Sava basin. It runs through valleys and small towns. It is included as a local tributary near Ljubljana.

Zala (Ljubljanica)

Stream that feeds the Ljubljanica river system near Ljubljana. It drains suburban and karst terrain. It is included for its role in the capital’s river network.

Rižana

Coastal river that flows near Koper and to the Gulf of Trieste. It crosses the coastal plain and supports local wetlands. It is included as a coastal drainage river.

Cerknica

Intermittent karst river tied to Lake Cerknica and the karst polje. It appears and disappears seasonally and links to underground streams. It is included for its famous karst cycles.

Lipnica

Common river name found in several regions of Slovenia. It typically describes a small tributary in upland or lowland areas. It is included to note recurring local river names.

Šujica

Small river that flows in a valley region and feeds larger lowland rivers. It runs through rural landscapes and supports local farming. It is included as a minor tributary.

Želimeljščica

Stream south of Ljubljana that drains local hills into the Ljubljanica system. It threads through rural suburbs and fields. It is included as a named local watercourse.

Lobnica

Small northeastern stream in the Drava basin that drains agricultural land. It supports local habitats and joins larger rivers. It is included as a regional tributary.

Sevnica

Local river near the town of Sevnica that drains into larger lowland systems. It shapes the riverside town landscape. It is included for its local geographic role.

Lipnica (Savinja)

Lipnica stream that drains into the Savinja basin. It runs through the Savinja region’s valleys and agricultural lands. It is included as a Savinja tributary.

Radomlja

Small river in Upper Carniola that joins larger streams in the Sava basin. It passes through rural settlements and forests. It is included as a local watercourse north of Ljubljana.

Glinščica

Stream in western Slovenia that feeds the Ljubljanica or nearby systems. It drains suburban and rural land. It is included as a local named creek.

Bistrica (Bohinj)

River that drains Lake Bohinj toward the Sava Bohinjka. It emerges from alpine lake channels and flows through mountain valleys. It is included for its alpine lake connection.

Globasnica

Minor river in eastern Slovenia that drains upland areas. It connects to larger river systems and supports local farms. It is included as a named eastern stream.

Trebija

Mountain or foothill stream that drains into the Soča or nearby basins. It runs through rugged terrain and forests. It is included as a small western tributary.

Završnica

Short mountain river in the Julian Alps or nearby ranges. It drains alpine valleys and joins larger rivers. It is included for its highland character.

Logaščica

Karst-influenced stream in Inner Carniola. It drains poljes and karst fields. It is included as part of Slovenia’s karst river network.

Bela

Common river name meaning ‘white river’. It appears across Slovenia as mountain-fed tributaries. It is included to note recurring river names and mountain streams.

Besnica

Stream east of Ljubljana that flows into the Ljubljanica system. It drains local valleys and supports nearby villages. It is included as a local tributary.

Hotenjka

Small river in central Slovenia that feeds the Ljubljanica or nearby systems. It flows through mixed countryside and joins larger streams. It is included as a named local watercourse.

Kupica

Minor stream in lower Slovenia that drains rural land. It joins larger tributaries and supports local agriculture. It is included as a small named brook.

Krupa

Karst river in southeastern Slovenia that rises at a spring and flows through lowlands. It supports wetlands and joins larger rivers. It is included for its karst spring origin.

Rak

Karst river running through Rakov Škocjan and karst valleys. It flows through caves and joins other karst rivers. It is included for its notable karst gorge and underground links.

Jezernica

Very short karst river that flows from Lake Cerknica into the Unica system. It links the intermittent lake to downstream rivers. It is included for its unique short course and karst role.

Rivers in Other Countries