Located at the Ćićarija Mountain range foothill at Mirna Valley, The Seven waterfalls Trail used to be fresh and naturally cool.
Tucked away in the rolling foothills of the Ćićarija mountain range, at the entrance to the Mirna River valley, lies a hiking gem that seems almost too poetic to be real. The Seven Waterfalls Trail is a scenic circular route starting and ending in Buzet, Istria’s northernmost town. Stretching across 13.5 to 14 kilometers, the path winds through deep forest, rocky ravines, and charming stone villages, revealing seven distinct waterfalls, each with its own rhythm and character.
The trail is moderately challenging, with an elevation gain of around 350 meters, and typically takes five hours to complete. While some parts of the route—especially the climb between the third and fourth waterfalls—require the help of fixed ropes and metal steps, the journey is as rewarding as it is refreshing. And, besides, it is waterfalls addicted.
Access point:
The trailhead is located near the Buzet brewery, just beside the Istrian water supply system. From here, a narrow wooden bridge marks the beginning of a natural performance, inviting hikers into a world shaped by centuries of flowing water.
Seven waterfalls trail: a nature of art
Just after the starting point in Buzet, while entering the trail, a narrow fascinating wooden bridge will allow us to get into real nature. The thick forest areaand the water sound on the ex. mine coal area.Furthermore, the challenging climb rise secured by ropes will bring us under the big rocks, above the two lakes. What we see is the same we feel: the cliffs, the shadow and the freshness. The overture ends with theropes secured trail that dramatically fits the climb. The end will bring us to the viewpoint from which Buzet is seen.
After reaching the top of the hill, we continue with the more comfortable and more relaxed walking. Soon we get the valley and indication to the next waterfall we see is “Mala Peć”.The waterfall will be revealed to us in its most beautiful enchantments.Look at the rocks, enjoy the silence and listen to the sound of water.
For centuries, on this point, the water has formed the rocks by its water flow. This could be now observed in its clefts, passages and the little cascades. If you visit this waterfall in the springtime like us, you’ll get an extra charm, especially in the morning or sunrise.Although it seemed the weather to be changeable, this time the luck was a friend of ours. The sun shines through the clouds. So the glint in the pond’s water revealed a unique experience at the excursion point, which is situated between the legendary town of Buzet and the magical Kotli.
Waterfalls as Nature’s Art
The Seven Waterfalls Trail isn’t just about waterfalls—it’s about water as an artist.
- Zagon (5 m) and Bačva (8 m) greeted me first, their modest heights made up for by the sheer lushness around them.
- But it was Vela Peć (26.5 m), the tallest and most dramatic, that truly humbled me. The roaring drop, the slick cliff face—it was a moment where I paused not to catch my breath, but to lose it.
- Afterward, the trail softened. At Mala Peć (4 m), the water had carved delicate cascades into the rock—hundreds of years of flow sculpting poetry in stone. Visiting in spring, the surrounding green shimmered under morning light.
- At Kotli (12 m), both nature and heritage converged. Watermills stood quietly beside the fall, and a nearby restaurant offered a chance to linger, to listen, to taste Istria.
- The final two waterfalls, Zelenščak / Ispod stare kave (7.9 m) and Grjok (8.2 m), signaled the winding down of the journey. Yet, even here, the forest and the river refused to let the magic fade.
Beyond the Water: Villages, Bridges, and Echoes of the Past
The more straightforward route led us afterwards through the few villages with the rural and abandoned houses. And not to mention the stone Napoleonian era bridge with an archis noticeably artistic. Shortly we cross the Kuhari village. A small town is now close to the famed Kotli village, which we reach that we reachby passing the forest.Listening to the water flows, we notice the town got its name from the ditches of water flows. The stream of water flow creates a waterfall’s magic sound, while the reflection of drops touching the water gives a unique charm under the blue sky. And the watermill. What such of the odea for art!
Back to Buzet: Cooling Down by the Mirna River
Further walking towards the path will get us back to Buzet most walking by the river flow. The trees have grown from the river’s water, and the shade under the trees offers agreat refreshment during the summer heat. Seven waterfalls trailis one of the Buzet pearls. I want a lot of good artwork forthose who decide to take a trip. Although not difficult, a couple of climbs make the trail demanding. Nevertheless, thenon-hikers will also find pleasure in it. Enjoy the sound of water.
Summary: Why This Trail Is Worth Your Time
The Seven Waterfalls Trail is more than a hike. It’s an invitation into the layered story of Istria—written in water, stone, forest, and time. Accessible but never boring, scenic yet immersive, it offers the kind of richness that rewards every kind of traveler: the photographer, the nature lover, the slow walker, and even the casual visitor looking for a place to reconnect with silence.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn, when the waterfalls are full, the forest is lush, and the sun filters gently through the trees. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply someone who enjoys walking in places that feel alive, this trail near Buzet delivers an unforgettable day in nature—quiet, fresh, and beautifully slow.