Soča

The Soča Valley (Posočje) is a river landscape in north-western Slovenia around Bovec. Lonely Planet describes the region as stretching from Triglav National Park to Nova Gorica, with Bovec and Kobarid as the hubs for outdoor activities. The Soča itself is called “magically aquamarine”, while the Rough Guide speaks of “brilliantly turquoise” water. Rafting and kayaking in spring and summer, hiking and, in winter, skiing are the main draws. According to the Rough Guide, Bovec has more accommodation and tour operators than Kobarid and a livelier feel.

In the First World War the front line between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies ran through here, and millions of troops fought in the mountains; between the wars the valley came under Italian jurisdiction. The Kobarid Museum tells the story of the 29 months of fighting. The Kobarid Historical Trail, a steep loop of about 5 km, leads to the Kozjak Waterfall, which impresses less for its height than for the cavern-like space where the water drops through a narrow rock cleft into a green pool. Other sights named are the Boka Waterfall, the Tolmin Gorges, Kluže Fortress and the Kanin cable car near Bovec.

Kobarid is also the heart of the region’s growing culinary scene. Check cable car times and museum opening hours before you go.