The valley of the Emerald Soča River

In the western part of Slovenia, between the Alps and the Mediterranean sea, a unique world is laid out out where life is lived in vivid colours and according to the rhythms of nature. A lot of good and sound energy and unparalleled experiences can be gathered here. These experiences begin with the spectacular Karst spring of the Alpine Soča River, which brings to the surface its emerald-coloured river flow. Everybody who experiences the Soča River remembers for ever the colour and the energy of one of the most beautiful rivers of Europe. A lively mountain flow rushes to the large emerald-coloured playing field of the most popular pools and rapids, going down river from Bovec to Kobarid and Tolmin. This is where rafting, kayaking, canyoning, cycling and hiking are at home, and together with them, the sports heart of the Soča Valley. The Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic twists and turns between the Alps and the sea, and among the ruins of the Soča Front of World War I, offering beautiful vistas and panoramas. It seems that all of the charms of nature are reflected in the emerald-green colour. Welcome to this hospitable Emerald Country where life runs in vivid colours.

The Soča River emerges in the Julian Alps, coming to the surface in a magnificent spring and continuing its way towards the Mediterranean. At the beginning of its flow, the river is vivid and heaven-on-earth for lovers of adrenalin on wild rivers. Let your heart jump at rafting, canyoning or hydrospeed. During summer months, the water temperature rarely exceeds 20 degrees which is why swimming in the river is a real refreshment. Use the wind in your wings to rise to the height of the birds and glide with them on a paraglider or a hang-glider. Take a panoramic flight from the sports airport in Bovec to the highest Slovenian mountain Triglav and admire the beauty of the emerald-coloured Soča River and its surroundings.

The summer on the Soča River is flavoured with festivals in Tolmin in particular. Visit the Soča Outdoor festival and experience an interlacing of adrenalin experiences of mountain running, biking and water-sports competitions; full of team spirit and entertainment. The city embankment of the Soča River is known for musically coloured festivals. The festival; Metaldays, takes place at the end of June, hosting international legends of metal music. Relaxing reggae music can be listened to in August at the Overjam Reggae festival. In autumn, between September and October, join organized groups and experienced guides on Hiking Festival in Soča Valley.

To make the experience even more unforgettable, spend a night in the Camp which is like a hotel with endless stars. You can refresh yourself in the crystal clear river early in the morning, coming straight from a tent, trailer or a camper. Take a stroll to the nearby bakery along the valley in the pleasant shade of the surrounding mountain peaks. A fresh start to the day and the vicinity of local sights are an excellent starting point for biking and hiking trips in the area. The tops of the Julian Alps will provide you with awe-inspiring views. There are picturesque gorges hiding among the mountains, which have been formed by smaller tributaries of the Soča River. The Tolmin Gorges are magnificent, representing the lowest entry point to the Triglav National Park and the Veliki Kozjak, the most picturesque Slovenian waterfall.

The activities along the Soča River are accompanied by fishing, with the season starting every year on 1 April. Due to its tributaries and nearby natural resources, the Soča River is a popular and elite destination for fly-fishing. A real river jewel is the Soča trout, or the marble trout, an indigenous fish species in the Northern Mediterranean which just recently used to be one of the most endangered freshwater fishes of this area.

The Soča River Valley was awarded the title of the European Destination of Excellence - EDEN with its stories of the past. Visit the Stories of the Soča event taking place at the end of April, talking of World War I and its consequences for life in the Soča river valley.

Have a look at the interactive exhibition of the Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic, dedicated to the soldiers who fought on the Soča Front. Their battles outside in the trenches and inside in their hearts were described in the grand novel, "Farewell to Arms" by Ernst Hemingway. Experience Kolovrat, with panoramic views of the Tolmin region and the Friuli. This is where the First World War Outdoor Museum was created in cooperation with Italian societies, showing its visitors observation points, trenches, machine gun posts and gun positions. Kolovrat is one of the posts on the Walk of Peace which today unites the memories and the nations. Fell the shelter before the hectic every-day. Visit the First World War Museum in Kobarid. The Kobarid Museum was awarded the Council of Europe Museum Prize for its presentation of the Soča Front heritage. Learn about 12 turbulent battles at the Soča front form 1915 to 1917. The most vengeful fighting of man on the high mountain range ended up with the Miracle at Kobarid.

Today, the Soča River Valley is a marvellous example of integration, peace and handy terrain for an active break. The great Slovenian poets used to write about the beauties of the river, among others, Simon Gregorčič who named it "the splendid, limpid daughter of the heights". Release yourself to the emerald-coloured flow and learn about its secret corners!

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