Hungarian tourist injured in Vintgar Gorge to receive compensation

A Hungarian tourist who sustained a severe head injury in Slovenia's Vintgar Gorge in 2021 has been awarded compensation following a lawsuit against the Republic of Slovenia, the Triglav National Park public institution, and the Gorje Tourist Association.

The incident occurred in July 2021 while the woman was on holiday with her family. The severe head injury left her in a coma for several weeks, resulting in significant long-term consequences. Previously a speech therapist, she is now medically retired and disabled at 56.

The lawsuit, which sought over 480,000 euros plus interest for material and non-material damages, argued that all three entities were jointly responsible for the accident. The legal proceedings began with a settlement hearing in April, where the plaintiff's lawyer noted a "fair settlement proposal" that the tourist was considering.

While the exact amount of the settlement remains confidential, the legal dispute has concluded with the tourist receiving compensation. The management, maintenance, and safety oversight of the gorge had been a long-standing question. An agreement reached before the current season designates the Triglav National Park as responsible for accidents, with the Gorje Tourist Association and its associated company Soteska Vintgar acting as temporary custodians.