So Ljubljana and Lake Bled seem to be on every itinerary for Slovenia.
And I don’t disagree with these choices as they’re definitely worthwhile.
But not everyone makes it to the Soca Valley where the river of the same name is — the Soca River.
And I say you’re missing out if you don’t travel here.
Why?
Well how do incredible natural scenery, rich history, interesting culture and charming towns sound?
That’s what I thought.
The Soca Valley near the town of Bovec which is a great place to base yourself for lots of outdoor activities.
Where is the Soca Valley?
The Soca River Valley runs from Bovec, in the northwest of Slovenia near Triglav National Park to Most na Soci southeast of Triglav National Park.
Bovec, Kobarid and Tolmin are some of the main towns that are in the Soca Valley and make a good base for exploring the area.
The valley is surrounded by some stunning mountains and tree covered hills.
There are loads of trees all throughout Slovenia and the Soca Valley is no different.
And it’s also an agricultural area with the raising of livestock and a few crops.
The Julian Alps that are part of the landscape of the Soca Valley. This was taken not far from Kolovrat WWI open air museum along the Peace Trail
WWI ruins near Kobarid. You actually walk through this as you follow the trail.
The sun sets over the Soca Valley from Pri Kafolu Farm Stay. Beautiful!
So tell me more about the river
The Soca River is 138km long and begins in the Trenta Valley in the Julian Alps in Triglav National Park.
It flows into the Adriatic Sea in northeastern Italy near the town of Monfalcone.
And this river is the most amazing color of aquamarine.
Some describe the color as emerald green but that’s not the color I would call it.
Aquamarine.
It’s seriously the most surreal and mesmerizing color I’ve ever seen in a river.
So if nothing else go to see the Soca River for its astonishing color.
This river is also home to its native trout, the Soca Trout.
And yes, fishing — fly fishing in particular — is a big deal here.
People come from all over the world to fish here.
So the Soca River is pretty special.
I can tell you that it’s the most stunning river I’ve ever seen.
The Soca River near Kobarid. Aquamarine!
The Soca Valley from near Kolovrat. You can see Tolmin and the gorgeous Soca River.
What is there to do in the Soca Valley?
A lot!
So I mentioned the fishing which is world renowned.
If you’re a fisherman or woman, then you have to travel to the Soca Valley.
There are loads of guides who can take you to the best parts of the river so you can catch a Soca trout.
Then there are quite a few trails for hiking.
From short, easy trails to longer and more difficult paths.
You can walk on paths that follow the river, take bridges across the river or hike to viewpoints where you can see mountains, hills, and yes the Soca River.
There are even some awesome waterfalls to see.
Cycling is popular too — both mountain biking and road cycling.
And with the river comes white water rafting and kayaking.
I saw quite a few kayakers.
Then there is all this WWI history.
Kobarid is actually home to a WWI museum and Kolovrat is a park that is an open air museum to WWI.
I have to admit that I need to read up more on some of the battles that were fought in this area, but my basic understanding is that there was a lot of fierce fighting going on in the Soca Valley.
So if you love history — military history in particular — then you’ll love the Soca Valley.
There are some wonderful churches to visit and a few cute towns to wander about.
Kobarid is rather nice, in my opinion.
But mostly, it’s about the outdoors — the natural world — with the WWI history coming in a close second.
This was taken not far from Kolovrat WWI open air museum along the Peace Trail. You can see the Julian Alps of Triglav National Park and the green hills and valleys.
One of the trails takes you on this cool suspension bridge that goes across the Soca River. Love this!
A scene from the town of Kobarid.
WWI ruins at Kolovrat.
A lovely path in the forest near Kobarid.
Why should I visit the Soca Valley?
Because the river is the most beautiful, pristine river — period.
Okay, maybe there is another river out there in the world that is as stunning.
But really, it’s gorgeous.
So come to simply see it.
But stay a couple of nights and enjoy the amazing scenery and learn a bit about the history of Slovenia’s part in WWI — back when they were a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The Soca Valley is definitely worth a couple of days (if not more).
You will be so happy you spent some time here.
I know I am.
My hubby and I really love this area, too. The people are super friendly and the natural environment really is stunning.
The Tolmin Gorge (just outside of Tolmin, of course) is also an incredibly beautiful and relatively easy hike in the region. Kayaking on the Soča River is an option too, although I’d recommend it only for more advanced whitewater kayakers…I speak from personal experience, as a relative novice who found herself in a bit over her head, so to speak. 😉
I saw many kayakers on the Soca River. And yes, definitely for more experienced kayakers. I think Slovenia is stunning. It’s a great place for outdoor pursuits!