Soča Valley - Bovec, Kobarid, Tolmin

Under the high Julian Alps, on the edge Under the high Julian Alps, on the edge of Triglav National Park, lies a picturesque valley, and winding through it is the emerald River Soča.

Nature, which is virtually unspoiled here, is richly adorned and harbours an abundance of treasures: Alpine peaks and green hills, crystal clear rivers, enchanting waterfalls, pools and gorges, therapeutic springs and mysterious caves. There are countless points along the way that stop you in your tracks and fill you with wonder. The valley offers all kinds of outdoor activities, and it is especially simple and fun to explore this semi-hidden world by bike, while the more difficult terrain offers plenty of challenge for well trained bikers. Mountain bikers can sweat and sunbathe on the steep slopes of the Julian Alps high above Bovec, Kobarid and Tolmin, enjoy the views from Kolovrat and explore the lovely Šentvid plateau, the remote villages above Baška grapa or the picturesque borderland area of Slavia Friulana. Road bikers should not miss the climb over Vršič (1,611 m), the highest road pass in Slovenia, while an even bigger challenge might be the climb up the highest road in Slovenia, which leads to the Mangart saddle (2,040 m). If you feel like an easier time on the pedals, try the routes along the Soča, Koritnica, Nadiža, Tolminka, Idrijca and Bača river valleys. Combine cycling with discovering and learning about the rich cultural and natural heritage of these areas, and the local remnants of the First World War offer a real trip into the rich history of the valley and its surroundings. We invite you to visit the source of the River Soča, Kozjak and Boka waterfalls, the Tolmin gorges and the big gorges ofthe Soča, Kluže fortress, Kobarid Museum and the Memorial Church of the Holy Spirit at Javorca. Along the way you should treat yourself to some famous Bovec cheese, a frika omelette with native Tolminc cheese and sweeten up with some Bovec krafi dumplings and sweet Kobarid dumplings.

Cycling tours and trails

Total length 2,666 km

Number of all tours 90

Marked trails 18

Lowest and highest points 167–2,040 m above sea level