The Soča Valley – active experience along the emerald Soča

If you are a lover of views of mighty Alpine peaks and if water gives you energy, then it is worth visiting the Soča Valley. The Soča River is considered to be one of the cleanest Alpine rivers in Europe and is always enthralling with its unique emerald colour, while the entire valley is intertwined with numerous remains from different historical periods, mostly from the period of the First World War and its Soča front. Your towns of interest in the valley are: Bovec, Kobarid and Tolmin. Feel the past and find adventure along and above the river.


Dominated by Alpine peaks and situated at the outskirts of the famous Triglav National Park, the valley is a blend of distinctive cultural heritage and boasts a wide spectrum of protected natural resources.

The Soča Valley is Slovenia’s first European Destination of Excellence, which − blending the past with the present, the natural with intangible heritage − lives hand in hand with principles of sustainable development. You will feel peaceful from head to toe to heart. We have gathered some ideas…

Stories of water, air and land. Live them:

- The Soča Valley, with its natural splendours, has long been a favourite among seekers of active experiences in Europe. The valley of staggering waterfalls and playful cascades, pools and ravines offers unforgettable, expert-guided kayaking and rafting tours, canyoning down mysterious tributaries, and other thrilling water adventures. The valley is also known as a destination for air sports. You can select a water-connected experience in Bovec, Kobarid or Tolmin according to your own measures.
- There are many tended pathways along lakes and rivers, as well as tended access to waterfalls and gorges. A visit to any site can be combined with a walking, trekking or cycling tour. Visitors can ramble through forests and gorges, or climb higher to mountain villages situated above the valleys; more demanding trekkers may set out on more demanding tours.
- All over the mountains are many huts providing refreshment and refuge in case of unfavourable weather.
- Slovenia’s highest-altitude ski resort at Kanin affords stunning vistas all the way to the sea!
- The Soča Valley is part of the Alpe Adria Trail – you can head from the Veliki klek along the Soča Valley all the way to the sea. See where the path runs and what experience it offers.
- You should also check out the cycling and hiking offer in Bovec, Kobarid and Tolmin.

Soča River Stories. Feel the past:

- The area is a lasting memorial to the cruelties of war, which left its distinctive mark on this natural paradise. Soča River Stories vividly portrays the war, cultural, ethnological and natural heritage of the valley, which holds surprises at every step: with outdoor museums, mule trails running across mountain slopes to front-line positions, and historical remains linked by the Walks of Peace.
- Feel the past on the Walks of Peace with a guide who will make you feel like you are being escorted by a World War I soldier. Enjoy the stories of World War I and you will begin to hear the thunder of battle and open your heart to peace.
- Visit Kobarid, with one of the leading European museums, which features unique war stories of soldiers and civilians.

Čompe, frika, Soča trout. Taste the Soča Valley!

- The valley’s true flavour lies in its cuisine! Sheep and cows grazing on pastures above the valley give milk for genuine Bovec and Tolmin cheeses.
- Native Soča River fish, including the Soča trout draw fishermen to the river and pleasure-seekers to local restaurants.
- The local čompe is unlike any potatoes you have ever had.
- Bovec krafi and Kobarid štruklji make sure your experiences in the Soča Valley leave you with sweet memories.
- Kobarid and its surroundings is considered to have the highest density of top-level restaurants in Slovenia. You should head to the Kobarid gastronomic circle, which will lead you from a starter to desert in five top-level restaurants. More information about this unique culinary trip is available here.

Top tip:

- The hiking festival in the Soča Valley (Bovec, Kobarid, Tolmin): in September and October, the most beautiful months for hiking, the Soča Valley annually organises a hiking festival. It incorporates organised hikes that are suitable for families and more demanding lovers of the mountains. During the festival, you may also visit various exhibitions, museums, lectures and entertainment events. The festival happens between 22 September and 7 October 2012. You can also expect a 10-percent discount in case of accommodation of 3 nights or more.

Where to stay?

- The Soča Valley offers numerous smaller but friendly accommodation facilities: tourist farms, apartments, private rooms, camps and smaller hotels. In 2012, several new features are available. Check out the offer in Bovec, Kobarid and Tolmin.


The Soča Valley has shown the emerald Soča River, stories of the Soča front and other diverse experiences of discovery and active vacationing in the new, attractive promotional film ‘The Soča Valley – The Walk of Peace’. To see the film, click here.

To see the promotional film about the Soča Valley as an EDEN destination (STORIES OF THE SOČA ALONG THE PATH OF PEACE) click here.

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