Walking Paths Along the Isonzo Front

Hit the trails to arrive at some World War I monuments in Slovenia.

War and Peace

Even when the snow covers the mountain peaks, there will be some areas in Slovenia still graced by the mild Mediterranean climate, so you can prolong your hiking season well into late autumn. Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails across Slovenian Istria and Karst! Discover the autumnal scenery of the Vipava Valley and the Brda Hills, and enjoy the mild influence of the Mediterranean Sea penetrating deep into the Alpine landscape of the Soča Valley.

More than 100 years ago, this area was one of the main battlefields of World War I – the Isonzo Front. It extended all the way from over the two-thousand-meter high Mt Rombon to the Gulf of Trieste, with a total length of 90 km. Its traces can still be found today. Why not discover the history together with hiking pleasures in the picturesque autumn settings? Here are a few tips for visiting some of the most prominent monuments of the Isonzo Front that are interconnected into the Walk of Peace, running from the Alps to the Adriatic.

Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea

The Walk of Peace, which runs from the Alps to the Adriatic, will take you into a world of underground bunkers, firing trenches, military cemeteries, charnel houses and outdoor museums. It serves as a commemoration and a reminder of the Isonzo Front and it is also a way of getting to know the wonderful natural environment along the emerald River Soča and the Karst. Owing to its mission and homage to peace, the Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic – Heritage of the First World War is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

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A stroll around Kobarid and its surrounding area

The town of Kobarid and the Krn mountain range behind it were heavily affected by World War I as one of the main scenes where the tough and bloody battles of the Isonzo Front raged. The dimensions of this ravaging war and life during the war are well presented at the Kobarid Museum. Are you interested in exploring the history of Kobarid? A special mobile application will take you through the town's history, dating back 100 years. Hike up to the Italian ossuary, located just above Kobarid. If you need a break from the war stories, head towards the Napoleon Bridge, cross it and turn towards Drežnice, and then stroll as far as the spectacular Kozjak Waterfall.

Monuments and Museums with a View

Take advantage of sunny autumn days to climb to the mountain peaks rising above the Soča River, which tell stories dating back to the Isonzo Front and impress you with magnificent views stretching from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea.

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Kolovrat Outdoor Museum

Climb to the Kolovrat Ridge (1,115 m), which during the World War I was the defence line of the Italian Army. Today, you will find here an outdoor museum. The ascent to this ridge will reward you with spectacular views that stretch from the Kanin and Krn ranges across the Friuli lowlands to the Adriatic Sea.

Church of the Holy Spirit on Javorca Plateau

Visit the wooden memorial Church of the Holy Spirit on Javorca Plateau, the most beautiful World War I memorial in the the Republic of Slovenia, which even received the European Heritage Label. Hike to Javorca from the Polog Mountain Pasture where the famous Tolmin cheese is produced.

Sabotin – Peace Park

Head to the top of the Sabotin Hill on foot or by bike. During World War I, the hill was an important strategic point above Gorica, whereas today it is promoted as a "peace park". Explore the world of trenches and caves inside the hill. Indulge in diverse natural wealth and enjoy the view of the Julian Alps sweeping into the Brda Hills and the Vipava Valley as far as the Karst.

A soldier’s story from the Soča (Isonzo) Front

Become a guest of one of the most-visited museums in Slovenia. Explore an authentic maze of caverns and entrenchments, and feel the raw beauty of this war-time landscape, where livestock now graze and mountain cheese is made. This is an area with exceptional nature and the emerald beauty, the River Soča.

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The Walk of Peace across the Karst

The Peace Trails that crisscross the Karst Plateau will take you to the quiet corners of the Karst landscape and unveil the heritage of World War I. Climb to the top of the Cerje Hill, featuring a memorial in the form of a fortress. Stroll through the remnants of the defence positions underneath the Cerje Hill, walk the path of the former military railway and visit smaller caves that in wartime offered shelter to soldiers.

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Other attractions not to be overlooked

Following the route of the Isonzo Front in Slovenia, visit some other attractions that are well worth seeing. The trails that lead to them are well maintained and can be enjoyed on foot and some parts also by bike.

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Russian Chapel

If you take the path from Kranjska Gora towards the Vršič Mountain Pass, you will come across the Russian Chapel dedicated to Russian prisoners of war who died in an avalanche while building the road over the pass. A memorial ceremony is held at the chapel every year at the end of July.

Kluže Fortress

The Kluže Fortress overlooking the Koritnica gorge has changed its significance throughout the centuries – from the defence site against the Turkish and Napoleonic invasions to a defence fortress during World War I. Today the Kluže Fortress is also promoted as a popular wedding venue.

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Holy Mountain

The crossroad of the Vipava and Soča Valleys serves today as a major pilgrimage centre featuring the Franciscan Monastery. Just like Sabotin, the Holy Mountain was also affected by the Isonzo Front. Trenches and caverns that follow a marked trail bear witness to this fact.

Solkan Bridge

The railway bridge over the Soča River in Solkan is considered to be the bridge with the longest stone arch in the world. The bridge is on the Bohinj railway line connecting Jesenice with Nova Gorica.

Kostanjevica Monastery

On a hill above Nova Gorica, there is a Franciscan monastery, which is famous for the tomb of the Bourbons, where the last French king together with the members of his lineage was buried. The monastery will impress you with a valuable collection of very old books. Take a walk in the park known for one of the world’s largest collections of roses from the Bourbon rose collection.

Enjoy an autumn walk, embraced by the warmth of the Mediterranean.

Take advantage of warm autumn days in parts of Slovenia still influenced by the Mediterranean climate. Explore the special features of the places and local cuisine, and enjoy the myriad of wonderful experiences from the Alps towards the Adriatic Sea.

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Long-distance trails

Long-distance trails run across mountain peaks, through valleys, all the way to the sea.

The Mediterranean & the Karst in Slovenia

Enjoy the warmth of the seaside sun caressing your skin or descend to the mysterious world of underground caves.

Soča Valley

Escape on an active break in the picturesque world of the Julian Alps, the Triglav National Park and the emerald River Soča.

Karst

The world of underground wonders, stunning natural phenomena and unique tastes.

The Vipava Valley

An awakening beauty, also recommended by the Lonely Planet.

Brda

Sun-Kissed Wine Country between the Alps and the Mediterranean

The most beautiful train journeys in Slovenia

Picturesque railway routes and eventful trips experienced while travelling by train.

UNESCO World Heritage

Slovenian treasure troves of world heritage

Stories from Slovenia

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Stories from Slovenia

Walking Paths Along the Isonzo Front

War and Peace

Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea

A stroll around Kobarid and its surrounding area

Monuments and Museums with a View

A soldier’s story from the Soča (Isonzo) Front

The Walk of Peace across the Karst

Other attractions not to be overlooked

Enjoy an autumn walk, embraced by the warmth of the Mediterranean.

Stories from Slovenia

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Stories from Slovenia

Walking Paths Along the Isonzo Front

War and Peace

Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea

A stroll around Kobarid and its surrounding area

Monuments and Museums with a View

A soldier’s story from the Soča (Isonzo) Front

The Walk of Peace across the Karst

Other attractions not to be overlooked

Enjoy an autumn walk, embraced by the warmth of the Mediterranean.

Stories from Slovenia

The form contains errors

Share with friends

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