Why You Need to Visit the Amazing Kolovrat Slovenia

I know.

Here I am talking about another place you probably haven’t even heard of — Kolovrat, Slovenia.

I love exploring these destinations that aren’t on the main tourist track and sharing them with you.

And I hope you enjoy learning about these places.

It’s my hope that you’ll then want to visit some of these under-the-radar spots.

So let’s find out more about this beautiful, amazing, unique and history-filled part of Slovenia.

 

Where is Kolovrat Slovenia?

Kolovrat is in the Soca River Valley which puts it in the western part of Slovenia just south of Triglav National Park and west of Ljubljana.

More specifically it is 25-30km from the town of Tolmin, one of the main towns of the Soca River Valley.

Kolovrat is not a town but an open air museum up in the mountains.

And there is a mountain range called Kolovrat that technically crosses the border into Italy — because the museum sits very close to the border with the Veneto region of Italy.

The easiest way to get here is via car because of its remote location.

 

What exactly is Kolovrat?

As I mentioned Kolovrat Slovenia is not a town.

This is a historical site — an outdoor museum — from WWI.

The third defense of the Italian army was on this ridge during WWI, specifically during the Isonzo Front.

At 1115m Kolovrat Ridge provides great views to the Veneto region of Italy and the Soca Valley.

So the army had excellent lookout spots and trenches from which to fire at the enemy.

 

What will I see?

Today there are remnants of the trenches, walls and caverns that are incredibly interesting to wander around and through.

You’ll see bunkers, walk through trenches and stand atop lookout points.

It’s mind boggling to think about men fighting here, living on the edge of life.

The ruins of WWI are truly exceptional.

But you also get some fabulous views of the Soca River Valley, the Julian Alps, the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions of Italy and all the way to the Adriatic Sea.

So even if you’re not into military history, a visit to Kolovrat, Slovenia is a must for the stunning views of the landscape.

 

But there’s more

What?

There’s more to Kolovrat than the military ruins.

The Walk of Peace — also known as the Peace Trail — is a 230km long distance path that connects the heritage of WWI from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea — from Mount Rombon to Trieste.

It crosses both Slovenia and Italy and it’s a tentative UNESCO world heritage trail.

And part of this incredible long distance route goes through the Kolovrat outdoor museum.

Now I didn’t realize this special trail went through the WWI site until I arrived.

I was just looking to hike somewhere that was nearby where I was staying at Pri Kafalou in Prapetno.

I noticed trails around Kolovrat and thought it sounded cool, especially after my visit to Kobarid Historical trail.

As I was hiking along the track away from the museum, I saw the sign for the Peace Trail.

It was then that I realized I was on this significant path.

I had heard of this trail so I was so excited to be walking on it.

And the views along this track are gorgeous!

The pathway is pretty easy around this part with gentle ups and downs through fields.

It’s well-marked and easy to follow as you walk down a hill then up another to yet another spectacular view.

You will see some additional trenches and walls along the trail.

It’s a sobering reminder of the horrors of war.

 

Logistics for visiting Kolovrat Outdoor Museum and the Peace Trail

Getting there:

On the 102 — the road between Kobarid and Tolmin turn toward Idrsko and then turn to Livek village (5km). Go left towards the Livške Ravne (4km). Drive another 3km through the Kolovrat Ridge to a small parking lot. The entry point to the outdoor museum is next to the sign.

You can also reach Kolovrat by turning toward Volče village just outside of Tolmin. I took this route which is a little longer and has some switchbacks. But it’s a beautiful mountain drive.

And you can also access Kolovrat Slovenia from the Italian side.

As I said earlier, the best way to get to this site and the Peace Trail is with a car.

 

Cost:

Kolovrat is free! Yay!

There are guided tours but I’m not sure if they are offered in English.

This is the link.

 

When to go:

You can visit most anytime of year, but since Kolovrat is up in the mountains, you’ll want to check the weather, especially if you are going to hike on the Peace Trail.

 

Who can visit:

Kolovrat Outdoor Museum is suitable for most folks who are able bodied and can walk on trails, including children.

I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone who isn’t comfortable walking up steep hills, although none of the uphill is very long.

 

 

Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, many destinations and attractions found on this website will not be operating although some places are slowly opening up. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC. I do plan to continue to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about travel. This way when we can all travel again, you’ll be ready to go! For now, stay home and stay safe!

 

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