Kobarid Historical Trail: Walking Through Slovenia’s History

Where is Kobarid Historical Trail

I was staying in the Soca Valley near the town of Tolmin at Pri Kafalou, a wonderful farm stay.

The Soca Valley is stunning with the aquamarine color of the Soca River and the Julian Alps surrounding you.

Kobarid is 16km from Tolmin and 21km from Bovec which is a popular town for visiting Triglav National Park.

The trail actually starts in the town.

In fact, it’s highly recommended to visit the Kobarid Museum first before you head out on the trail.

And Tomaz, my host at Pri Kafalou, told me this.

But, since I’m me, I just wanted to get out on that damn trail…so off I went without visiting the museum first.

I wish I had spent time in the museum so I would have had a wee bit more information.

However, I still felt as though I understood the sites along the trail thanks to the literature.

But do visit the museum to get a better perspective.

The history

There’s a lot of WWI history in the area and it’s all very intriguing.

Approximately three lines of defense were built by the Italians in the area.

So you see quite a few trenches and leftover stones and walls around as this one — that you see on this trail — was built on both banks of the Soca River.

There was very heavy fighting in the Soca Valley and many lives were lost here.

I can’t imagine what life was like for the soldiers living in these conditions.

It can be a somber walk at times as you look upon these trenches.

The other historical site is an old settlement called Tonocov Grad.

It’s thought that there have been people living here for centuries but it was probably at its height between the 4th and 6th centuries AD.

So it’s not all military history.

The last part of the trail takes you across the Soca River on Napoleon Bridge.

Now, the original bridge built in 1750 and so named when Napoleon’s troops tromped across it, was blown up on the day after WWI was declared — by the Austrians.

The Italians rebuilt it using iron later in the war.

So yes, more military history.

But the bridge is incredible especially with the surreal waters of the Soca River running beneath it.

The landscape

And if you’re not into history you certainly won’t be bored.

Because this path is also a walk through nature.

A lot of the Kobarid Historical Trail is through the forest.

One thing little Slovenia has a lot of is trees.

Seriously.

Loads and loads of trees.

One of my favorite things about Slovenia!

Anyway…

It’s really a beautiful walk through the forest.

Every now and again you’ll come to a clearing where you get a view to the mountains or to the Soca River.

The fun part — at least for me — is actually crossing the river on a wonderful bridge.

There is a waterfall you can made a side trip to and the last part of the trail takes along the gorgeous Soca River.

But if you love trees, then you’ll thoroughly enjoy the Kobarid Historical Trail.

The actual trail

The trail itself is well-maintained and fairly well marked.

It’s a 7km loop that gains and loses a bit of elevation.

There are a couple of spots that might climb a wee bit, but it’s not for long and not too steep.

At times you’ll be walking in or near the old military trenches.

And there’s a wooden foot bridge you take to cross the Soca River.

If you’re not fond of heights and bridges that have a bit of “swing” to them, you may not like this.

It’s one of my favorite parts as the views of the Soca River Gorge are fab!

Be sure to pick up the Kobarid Historical Trail brochure as it has a basic map of the trail and marks where the varying sites are along the way.

This should be all you need in the way of maps.

There are spur trails you can take that lead you to viewpoints or other towns in the area.

So you can make this a longer trek if you want.

For this, I’d suggest picking up a topo map.

What you need to walk Kobarid Historical Trail

It had been very rainy when I walked the trail, so be prepared for this with waterproof boots or hiking shoes.

Even if it hasn’t rained much, there are times along the path where you’ll be near a creek or waterfall so be prepared.

Water and snacks are a must to stay hydrated and fueled.

Be prepared for weather changes as you are in a mountain valley which means it can turn quickly.

Layers are always a good idea as is rain gear.

You aren’t far from the town of Kobarid, but it’s still a good idea to have a few basic first aid items as well.

And, don’t forget your camera — or smartphone if you are using that as your camera.

Final thoughts on this walk through history

As many of you know I love being in nature.

I also happen to love history.

So — for me — the Kobarid Historical Trail is the perfect blend of being in the natural world, but with a bit of history tossed in.

While many Americans don’t get into WWI history because it didn’t affect Americans as much, I have such an appreciation of the Great War because of my travels in Europe.

It greatly affected this continent.

WWI was the rise of nationalism.

It wiped out a generation of young men.

And the Great War ultimately lead to WWII.

For me, the time in the Soca Valley taught me a bit more about WWI.

And I’m always up for learning more about the world I live in.

So…

If you’re looking for things to do in the Soca Valley in Slovenia, be sure to at least stop by the town of Kobarid.

Visit the museum.

And if you’re up for it — and the weather cooperates — get out on the Kobarid Historical Trail.

Even if you’re not a history buff, I promise you’ll love it.