Emerald green waters, rugged mountains, and charming villages – the Soča Valley is a true gem nestled in Western Slovenia.
If you’ve already tried Googling Soča River, you’ve probably found some pictures that look like they are photoshopped.
I guarantee you, they AREN’T.
The emerald green color is just as out of this world in real life as it is in pictures. Soča river mesmerizes anyone who sees it, and even the-quite-famous movie The Chronicles of Narnia features the Soča River in a battle scene.
If you’re visiting Slovenia and only have time for one road trip, I suggest going on a Soča Valley road trip.
Even Bojan (my husband), who is from the beautiful Krka River Valley in Southeastern Slovenia (and where we are based atm), agrees with me.
We visit Soca Valley a couple of times every year, and I feel there’s always more to explore. But since I know you don’t have for-ev-ah for this road trip, I’m sharing some of the best activities and gorgeous places to see along the Soca River in Slovenia.
HOW TO GET TO THE SOČA VALLEY FROM LJUBLJANA
I think the most scenic way to drive to the Soča River Valley is to take the “northern route” through Kranjska Gora (via A2/E61 from Ljubljana) and over the Vršič Pass.
This is a marvelous idea for another reason – you can start your morning with a croissant and coffee overlooking the breathtaking Lake Jasna in Kranjska Gora and mingle with the curious ducks.
Snapping a photo with the famous bronze statue of an Alpine Ibex that stands on the bank of the lake is a must when passing by! Just please, please, please – do NOT climb on it. Imagine the poor statue having to withstand the weight of hundreds of buttocks every single day. 🙂
Driving to Vršič Pass via the serpentine roads can be quite an adrenaline challenge on weekends as you overtake cyclists and maneuver past oncoming cars. So, take it slow, be cautious, and most of all – be patient.
On your way to Vršič, you can also stop by the famous Russian Chapel, a charming wooden church constructed during WWI (many Russian soldiers were fighting here).
A little further up, you’ll be greeted by a fantastic view of the majestic Julian Alps.
Along the way and at the top of the pass, there are also mountain huts, so feel free to make a stop if you wish. Let me know if you manage to spot the stone face of the “Heathen Maiden,” which is best seen from the lookout hill at Poštar mountain hut in Vršič or Erjavec mountain hut.
The Heathen Maiden legend says that a kind-hearted girl lived under the Prisank mountain and helped travelers navigate the steep Vršič Pass. She also had the gift of foreseeing newborns’ futures.
One night, she predicted that a newborn boy would grow up to kill the immortal Zlatorog (Goldenhorn, a mythical chamois with magical powers living in the Slovenian Alps!), angering her sisters with that awful prediction. They cursed her, causing her to turn to stone in sadness. Today, her face can still be seen etched into the rock on the way to Vršič Pass.
Then, finally – towards the Soča Valley!
THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT ON YOUR SOČA VALLEY ROAD TRIP
Right after the summit of Vršič Pass, you can see a row of gray peaks from the viewpoint, majestically rising on both sides of the Trenta Valley. Occasionally, you might spot wisps of smoke from seemingly miniature houses, marking the spot where your Soča River road trip “officially” begins.
Towards the end of the serpentine road, you’ll turn right towards the source of our alpine beauty – the Soča River.
Soča River Source
There’s a well-organized parking lot and a small mountain hut, next to which a path leads along the Soča River to its source.
The trail isn’t long but ascends steeply at the end. One path meanders through the forest, while the other follows along the river. Towards the end, just before the river source, the path becomes a bit sketchy and resembles a via Ferrata, as you have to cross a small bridge and hold onto a wired rope.
You REALLY don’t want to fall into the water rapids below, so only proceed if you’re comfortable with that kind of hiking. We turned back before the bridge, so we didn’t go ALL the way to the source – because this part of the path wasn’t suitable for dogs. But even if you don’t go until the end, the Soča River is truly exceptional here, with its crystal clear water and the raw power with which it emerges from the source.
ENTRANCE FEE: none
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SCHEDULE? 30min – 1hour (with photo stops)
WALKING / HIKING TIME: 30min total
ELEVATION GAIN: cca 70m
CAN I BRING MY DOG? I’ll say yes because you can really hike almost to the source with your pup.
DO I NEED SPECIAL GEAR? Low hiking shoes will be enough, but if you have problems with your knees, you should also take hiking poles.
Trenta Valley
When you return, take some time to explore the Trenta Valley – or Kekec Valley as we like to call it in Slovenia – because this is where they filmed a famous Slovenian (or then, still Yugoslavian) youth-adventure movie “Kekec” (named after a mischievous main character) that we all grew up with.
Trenta Valley lies in the heart of the Triglav National Park, and its remoteness makes it one of the most peaceful places in Slovenia.
I can guarantee you’ll be amazed – vivid green meadows with soft grass, charming alpine houses with wooden shutters and colorful flowers on the windows, and majestic mountains surrounding the valley, truly make an ideal setting for a movie.
Take a stroll to the Kekec Hut (Kekčeva domačija), and treat yourself to a coffee with a view. On a lounge chair by the stone pool.
Did I mention the views are ah-mazing?
ENTRANCE FEE: none
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SCHEDULE? 1-2 hours (you know, to stop for a drink!)
WALKING / HIKING TIME: 30-40min total (1,2 km)
ELEVATION GAIN: mostly flat
CAN I BRING MY DOG? Yep!
DO I NEED SPECIAL GEAR? Not really.
If you’d like to spend the night in one of the fairytale cottages in the Trenta Valley, that’s an option, too! Here are a few accommodations in the Trenta Valley.
Mlinarica Gorge
Your next stop-worthy place in the Soča Valley is just around the corner – the lesser-known but oh-so-lovely Mlinarica Gorge, located along the Soča River just a little further from the bend towards the Trenta Valley.
On the right side of the road, there is a designated parking area. Then, you walk a bit further along the road and cross the Soča River. There are benches and tables in the shade at the parking area, so you can also have a snack here.
The path to the gorge is easy and takes only 10-15 minutes. As you approach Mlinarica Gorge, it narrows and steepens towards the end. When you reach the end, look over the crevice—there’s a waterfall behind the rocks!
In addition to the Mlinarica Gorge, you can also head in the opposite direction when you cross the bridge (the path isn’t circular, unfortunately) to visit the Kugy Monument, dedicated to the mountaineer and researcher Dr. Julius Kugy. He explored and wrote about the Julian Alps (and the Soča River), so you’ll find his face facing towards the Alps.
ENTRANCE FEE: none
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SCHEDULE? 45 min – 1,5h (if you want to hike to the monument too)
WALKING / HIKING TIME: 30min total (700m one way) or cca 50min (if you want to hike to the monument too)
ELEVATION GAIN: 55m (or cca 120m if you want to hike to the monument too)
CAN I BRING MY DOG? Yep!
DO I NEED SPECIAL GEAR? Low hiking shoes will be enough.
Juliana Alpine Botanical Garden
I always say that in life, you have to take the time to smell the flowers! And my dogs agree 😉 The Juliana Alpine Botanical Garden, located just 500m further from the Mlinarica Gorge, is an excellent place to explore the Alpine plant world.
In early summer, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a fairy tale as soon as you open the front gate. It’s quite possible that a butterfly will land on your hand, and you might even spot a snow-white edelweiss peeking out from behind a rock.
ENTRANCE FEE (adults): 5,00 €*
OPENING TIMES: May – September (ya’ know, you can’t force flowers to bloom ????)
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SCHEDULE? 30min—1 hour (Depending on how much you enjoy flowers). There are benches in the garden where you can sit and enjoy the view.
WALKING / HIKING TIME: a few minutes from the parking lot to the garden
ELEVATION GAIN: 20m
CAN I BRING MY DOG? Yep!
DO I NEED SPECIAL GEAR? Not really.
*If you purchase a Julian Alps Card, admission is free. It might be worth it if you plan to visit more places in the Soča Valley!
Trenta Museum
As you continue driving down the Soča Valley, you’ll pass through the village of Trenta, where you’ll find the Trenta Museum and the Information Center of the Triglav National Park (TNP), the only national park in Slovenia.
If you enjoy visiting museums, you can stop here as well. The museum showcases Trenta’s cultural and ethnological heritage and the peculiarities of nature in the TNP.
ENTRANCE FEE (adults): 6,00 €*
OPENING TIMES: May – October, 10 AM – 6 PM
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SCHEDULE? 1 hour
WALKING / HIKING TIME: Nah, more standing and watching 🙂
CAN I BRING MY DOG? As far as I know, this one is not accessible to dogs, but it might be worth asking.
DO I NEED SPECIAL GEAR? No.
The road to Trenta village.
Soča Gorges
It’s time for a dip! The Soča River is a bit too chilly for a leisurely swim, but the brave can at least take a quick plunge.
The Great Soča Gorges are one of the most beautiful places to stop on your Soča Valley road trip. The Soča River carved a 750-meter-long gorge with emerald natural pools, perfect for a scenic photoshoot, a leisurely walk, or a summer refreshment.
The Great Soča Gorges are located near the bridge where you turn towards the Lepena Valley on the Vršič-Bovec road. But if you stop a bit before (at the confluence of the Soča River and Vrsnica River), you can also explore and walk along the Small Soča Gorges, some of which are only about a meter wide – less majestic but equally beautiful.
ENTRANCE FEE: none
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SCHEDULE? 1–2 hours (I recommend chilling out by the Great Soča Gorges)
WALKING / HIKING TIME: It depends! It can be none, or you can take a walk along the gorges.
ELEVATION GAIN: mostly flat
CAN I BRING MY DOG? Yep!
DO I NEED SPECIAL GEAR? Not really. I mean, yes – swimsuits, perhaps, if you’re road-tripping during the summer! ????
Sunik Water Grove Trail
If you visit the Great Soča Gorge, I recommend driving along the Lepena road for another 10 minutes because that’s where you’ll find a true hidden gem of the Soča Valley – the Sunik Water Grove (Šunikov vodni gaj).
The Lepenjica stream has carved a small, charming gorge where an easy hiking route takes you along small waterfalls and natural pools.
This area is supposed to have energetic healing properties as well – I dunno about that, but the peaceful and dreamy surroundings of the Sunik Water Grove will undoubtedly do miracles for your mental health.
It’s one of my favorite places in the Soča Valley!
ENTRANCE FEE: none
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SCHEDULE? 30min – 1h (with photo stops)
WALKING / HIKING TIME: 30min total (700m one way)
ELEVATION GAIN: 50m
CAN I BRING MY DOG? Yep!
DO I NEED SPECIAL GEAR? Low hiking shoes will be enough.
The next place you’ll reach on your road trip is the small town of Bovec, known as the adventure capital of Slovenia. Bovec is a perfect place to spend the night or base yourself if you want to explore the Soča Valley at a slower pace. I mean, there are at least 30 fun things you can do in Bovec!
If you’re camping or traveling with a camper van, you’ll be happy to know there are quite a few options in Bovec:
- Campsite Polovnik, which is quite close to the center of Bovec (and where you can rent a holiday cottage too)
- The campsites near the confluence of the Koritnica and Soča Rivers – Camp Vodenca, Kovač, Toni, and Liza – they’re all clustered together and have similar prices. I’ve been to all except Vodenca, and I like Campsite Liza the most, but it’s really down to personal preference; I can recommend any of them.
These campsites are particularly busy in the summer with kayakers, cyclists, and other sports enthusiasts, so the atmosphere in the evenings is really lovely. But if you want to save money – there’s a camper stop at the Kanin cable car parking lot as well.
If you’re looking for a hostel, there are really only two options – Soča Rocks and Hostel Bovec, but there are plenty of apartments to choose from in Bovec!
And if you fancy a hotel, then I think it doesn’t get better than Boutique Hotel Bovec, Hotel Soča, or Hotel Boka.
Suspension bridges near the campsites in Bovec. Pretty cool, right?
Kluže Fort & Hermann Fort
If you’d ask me why to choose a Soča Valley road trip over any other route in Slovenia, I’d certainly tell you it’s for its unparalleled natural beauty and the endless options for outdoor adventure activities.
But this part of Slovenia holds significant cultural and historical importance as well – some of the most important battles of the First World War were fought in this region, with the front mostly taking place in the mountains above the valley.
So, if you’re a history geek or just want to get a bit more familiar with the events that shaped our history, there are quite a few places you could visit along the Soča River – but I’m just gonna mention the most well-known ones in this post.
Kluže Fortress is about 4 km away from Bovec (turn onto road 203 just before you reach Bovec). It was originally built in the 15th century (presumably to protect the area against the Turks), attacked and destroyed by Napoleon’s army, rebuilt by the Austrians, and later damaged again during WWI. You’ll find a small museum and exhibition inside that are worth stopping by.
If you’re up for a bit of a climb, visit Fort Hermann as well, reachable by a path carved into the rocky cliff that leads through a stone tunnel (it takes about 30 minutes).
ENTRANCE FEE (adults): 5,00 €
OPENING TIMES: May – weekends, Jun-Sep daily from 10 AM to 5 PM
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SCHEDULE? 30min – 2h
WALKING / HIKING TIME: none or 1h total (if visiting Fort Hermann)
ELEVATION GAIN: none or 150m
CAN I BRING MY DOG? Not in the museum, but around the forts – sure.
DO I NEED SPECIAL GEAR? Low hiking shoes will be enough if you’re going up to Fort Hermann.
Virje Waterfall
Virje Waterfall is – in my humble opinion – one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Slovenia.
To make your road trip a tiny bit more active, walk there from Bovec (or rent bikes) – but if that’s not gonna work for you, there’s also a parking lot near the waterfall.
If you plan to walk: park at the lower station of the Kanin cable car and take the gravel road towards the waterfall (about 3 km). Along the way, you’ll pass by the Plužna reservoir and the Gljun Spring. On your way back to Bovec, take the “upper route” (Plužna-Zavrzelno-Klanc Road), stop in Bovec for lunch, and then return to your car.
(Please note that the parking lot next to the waterfall is not for campervans, so in this case, you need to park at the Kanin cable car parking lot.)
The color of the natural pool created below the Virje Waterfall is simply incredible, so take your time – whether for photography or simply to admire the scenery.
ENTRANCE FEE: none
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SCHEDULE? 30 min or 3 hours (if you walk from Bovec)
WALKING / HIKING TIME: 10min or 2,5-3h
ELEVATION GAIN: 20m or 200m in total (the described circuit is approx. 8km long)
CAN I BRING MY DOG? Yep!
DO I NEED SPECIAL GEAR? Not really.
Boka Waterfall
Driving through the Soča Valley wouldn’t be complete without seeing the highest waterfall in Slovenia.
Boka Waterfall is truly fascinating, especially in spring when a massive amount of water crashes from the rocks high above (you actually can’t stand beneath it, so you don’t get a true sense of its majestic size). Note: it may appear slightly less impressive during the dry summer months due to lower water flow.
You can catch a glimpse of it as you drive by on the Bovec-Žaga road, but it’s still worth ascending to the viewpoint (an easy 15-minute hike in one direction).
There’s a small gravel parking lot on the left side of the road before the bridge that crosses the Boka stream. Cross the bridge, and the path to the viewpoint starts on the right side of the road.
If you’re up for it, you can also hike much higher to another viewpoint, which takes about an hour.
ENTRANCE FEE: none
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SCHEDULE? 30min or 2h (if you hike to the highest viewpoint)
WALKING / HIKING TIME: 2omin or 1h 45min
ELEVATION GAIN: 50m or 450m (if you hike to the highest viewpoint)
CAN I BRING MY DOG? Yep!
DO I NEED SPECIAL GEAR? If you’re planning to hike to the highest viewpoint, you’ll need hiking shoes and hiking poles (the path is quite steep).
When driving from Bovec to the next town in Soča Valley, Kobarid, keep looking left (er – if you’re not behind the wheel, that is), as the emerald beauty of the river accompanies you the entire way.
There are a few bridges crossing the Soča River in this part of the valley, too, so you can stop for a photo or watch people white-water rafting and screaming with excitement.
Napoleon Bridges
Besides these suspension bridges, there are two picture-worthy stone bridges along the Soča River – both called Napoleon’s bridges because they were built during the time of that particular French emperor’s conquests.
The Napoleon’s Bridge in Kobarid connects the Soča River’s banks, where the gorge is the narrowest, and the color of the river is so brightly turquoise that you can barely believe your own eyes.
The most convenient place to park is across the bridge in the direction of Camp Koren, where there is official parking for another Soča Valley gem – the Kozjak Waterfall.
Have more time?
Turn left in Kobarid (route 102) and continue on the road towards Robidišče (the westernmost village in Slovenia).
After a 20-minute drive, you’ll see a sign for another Napoleon’s stone bridge that crosses the Nadiža River. The Nadiža River is also perfect for cooling yourself down (or your pups) on hot summer days!
Kozjak Waterfall
Kozjak Waterfall is probably the most photographed waterfall in Soča Valley – if not in Slovenia – due to its mysterious and fairytale-like location.
The perfectly white beam of the Kozjak stream falls down the wall of a stony chamber, and the light that shines from the small opening on the emerald pool beneath creates a pretty spectacular sight, I’ll admit that much.
I’d argue there are many beautiful waterfalls in Slovenia, but if you’re visiting the country for the first time and planning to do the Soča Valley road trip, then sure – add it to your itinerary!
Please note that swimming in the natural pool is prohibited, and you must not cross the fence protecting the area.
ENTRANCE FEE (adults): 5,00 €
OPENING TIMES: April-October, hours vary (high season 8 AM – 8 PM)
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SCHEDULE? 1,5h
WALKING / HIKING TIME: approx. 1h
ELEVATION GAIN: 50m
CAN I BRING MY DOG? Yep!
DO I NEED SPECIAL GEAR? Low hiking shoes.
I can’t, for the love of whatever, find one picture, even though I visited the waterfall a couple of times with friends from abroad. But this is what it looks like.
Kobarid Museum
I want to add another historical place to this list. If you’re more into the outdoors, then by all means, skip it, but otherwise – this is one of the most insightful museums in Slovenia that you absolutely shouldn’t miss if you are interested in military history.
I mean, no matter how much the thought of war saddens me, the Isonzo battles in WWI were said to be one of the greatest mountain battles in the history of warfare. And even though I’d prefer humans wouldn’t fight at all (I may be a dreamer, but I’m not the only one!), the numerous exhibitions and extensive photo archives kept me at the museum for hours.
ENTRANCE FEE (adults): 8,00 €
OPENING TIMES: All year long, hours vary (9 AM – 5/7 PM)
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SCHEDULE? At least 1h, would recommend a few
CAN I BRING MY DOG? Unfortunately not. ????
Want to stay in the middle of pristine nature, with beautiful views of the surroundings or the Soča Valley? Then you should check out Apartments Pri Jakobu or the incredible Nebesa Chalet above Kobarid (“nebesa” means paradise, and the place truly looks like one)!
Are you a foodie? Just letting you know… Kobarid features the only restaurant in Slovenia with 3 Michelin stars – Hiša Franko, which has also been on the list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. It is led by Ana Roš, who was also named the world’s best female chef in 2017.
Tolmin Gorge
Tolmin Gorge is one of the top natural attractions in the Soča Valley, where two gorges merge into one. A lovely circular path takes you through the gorges, and the sights when the light shines through the narrow gorge on the crystal-clear water are just amazing. I wrote an entire guide to Tolmin Gorge (and the town of Tolmin).
The best location in Tolmin has the Hotel Dvorec, where I once stayed for New Year’s Eve, and this apartment with super high rates is centrally located, too!
My favorite campsite in Tolmin is Campsite Siber, which is a pretty basic camp, but it has the charm. Labrca campsite is the nicest one, though! And there’s a camper stop in Tolmin too.
Most na Soči
After Tolmin, the Soča Valley opens up and becomes wider.
Just a bit further from Tolmin, there is another charming tiny town called Most na Soči (which translates to “The Bridge Over the River”). Sure, you’ll find THE bridge there ????
But it’s also a place where the Soča River widens into a lake. This is where you can rent a kayak or SUP and paddle on the lake without worrying about the strong current.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SCHEDULE? A couple of hours if you plan to paddleboard. An hour if you’d like to walk by the river or go up to the viewpoint in the picture.
CAN I BRING MY DOG? Yep!
DO I NEED SPECIAL GEAR? No, there are places where you can rent the equipment.
(That’s my older photo. I guess I’ve changed my editing style a LOT over the years 😀 )
Kanal ob Soči
As you approach the end of the lower Soča Valley, you’ll cross the bridge into the most picturesque tiny town next to the river called Kanal ob Soči (which translates to “The Canal Next to the River”. I know, these names are extra innovative ????).
You can stop by their tourist center and opt for a guided walking tour around the medieval center (or do a self-guided tour), but most people stop to enjoy the views in a café next to the bridge.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SCHEDULE? 1h
CAN I BRING MY DOG? Yep!
Solkan Bridge
Just before Nova Gorica, where the Soča River crosses into Italy, lies a town that marks the end of the lower Soča Valley*. And the bridge that crosses the river is impossible to miss.
The Solkan Bridge is the world’s longest stone arch railroad bridge, and when the sun sets over this masterpiece, it’s really one heck of a sight.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you’ll be pleased to know that you can bungee jump from “the other” Solkan bridge close to the stone one. I love to feel the adrenaline rush, but this one is a bit much for me! ????
Stop for a few photos or have dinner at Ošterija Žogica by the river for a different POV of the bridge. Alternatively, you can drive up to Sveta Gora above the Solkan and enjoy the views over Solkan. Or you can be like us – huffing and puffing all the way up with our regular mountain bikes because there are also MTB trails from Sveta Gora to the Soča River.
*Technically, the Solkan Bridge “belongs” to the Vipava Valley, but it makes sense to include it in this Soča Valley road trip post as it is the perfect place to end your adventure.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SOČA VALLEY ROAD TRIP
When is the best time for a road trip through the Soča River Valley?
If you’d like to visit all the places along the Soča River, then the best time for this road trip would be between May and September. During this time, the weather is also the sunniest and warmest. However, summer afternoon storms are expected (as they are anywhere in Slovenia).
If the weather is warm, October is also a lovely time to visit the Soča Valley. Many sights that are closed during the winter (due to slippery surfaces or dangerous access) might still be open. Besides, autumn colors make the scenery amazing, and if you’re planning a fall road trip through the Soča Valley, you’ll want to make a detour and drive the panoramic road to Mangartsko Sedlo (Mangart Pass) for breathtaking scenery.
November is the wettest month in the Soča Valley, so if you’re visiting Slovenia during that time, keep that in mind.
Can I visit the Soča Valley in the winter?
Absolutely! We’ve spent many New Year’s Eve in Bovec or Tolmin (one reason being “BOFF, the annual Bovec Outdoor Film Festival” that takes place in the days before NYE).
While you won’t be able to visit all the places in the Soča Valley if you visit during the winter, there are plenty of things to do to keep you busy during the winter months. January is usually the driest month, so you don’t need to worry about the rain.
How to reach the Soča Valley?
As I mentioned in the post, I think the most scenic route is via Kranjska Gora and the Vršič Pass. However, here are a few more ways to reach the Soča Valley:
Via Nova Gorica: If you’re coming from the coast or from Italy, you can drive through Nova Gorica. This route is less mountainous and might be easier to navigate, especially if you’re not used to mountain roads. From Nova Gorica, follow the signs to Bovec.
Via Most na Soči: Another option is to take the road from Bohinj through Podbrdo. This route takes you through some beautiful scenery and brings you directly into the heart of the Soča Valley. Another unique and scenic option is to take the car train from Bohinjska Bistrica (Bohinj) under the mountains to Most na Soči. This train ride is a fun and convenient way to bypass some of the mountain driving. Once you arrive at Most na Soči, you’re already in the Soča Valley and can continue your journey from there in any direction you want.
Via Udine (Italy): If you’re traveling from the western side of Europe, you can take the route through Udine, Italy. From Udine, head towards Tarvisio, cross the border into Slovenia at the Predil Pass, and follow the road to Bovec. This is also a good alternative if the Vršič Pass is closed (you cross the border to Italy in Rateče, Slovenia, and follow the signs for Tarvisio and Predil Pass).
How many days do we need for this Soča Valley road trip?
As many as you can spare, I’d say! ???? No, but seriously – the Soča Valley area might not look huge on the map, but with all the places to see and activities to do, you could easily spend a week or two around here.
I know that many people try to squeeze in a day road trip through the valley in their 1-week Slovenia itinerary, but in this case, it’s basically just driving with quick stops to snap a few pictures from afar. If that’s your plan, I’d rather suggest you spend a day or two in Bohinj or Bled.
I’d suggest a minimum of 2-3 days for this entire road trip.
Are there any Soča Valley activities we should do on our road trip?
Sure! This blog post is focused on popular natural and historical attractions in the Soča Valley, but this area is famous for all kinds of outdoor and adrenaline activities!
Most tourists try at least white water rafting on the Soča River, and the Soča Valley is well-known for kayaking and canyoning. You literally have a zillion options for hiking in the Soča Valley; Bovec has one of the largest zipline parks in Central Europe, and paragliding over the Soča River grants you incredible views. You can rent paddleboards around Tolmin or Most na Soči, too – and have I mentioned mountain biking??
I hope this guide inspires you to hit the road and experience the magic of the Soča Valley for yourself. Happy vagabonding!
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