The Soča Valley stretches along the Soča River from the northwest of Slovenia to the Goriška region and is also called "The Emerald Road." The Soča River is one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe, located in the Triglav National Park, and is highly diverse. The river has an impressive length of 137 km. There are very wide and narrow sections. Sometimes the water is deep, and at other times it is shallow. In some areas, you can bathe in the calm water, while in others, the river rushes forward so relentlessly that it creates deep gorges in the Karst rock. As Slovenia is the most forested country in Europe after the Scandinavian countries, it offers great views of this intact natural beauty.
In the Soča Valley, and therefore also in the Triglav Triglav National Park, you can expect a dreamlike mountain landscape, waterfalls, gorges, suspension bridges, and many more breathtaking impressions.
In the Soča Valley, there are numerous waterfalls that will leave you in awe. With so many diverse and numerous options, it is hard to know where to start. To give you an initial overview, we have selected some waterfalls for you.
Especially the Boka Waterfall, the most impressive with its 144 meters, is fantastic to behold. However, the waterfall can only be viewed from a viewpoint at a distance. The other waterfalls are just as impressive despite its height.
Another popular waterfall is the Virje Waterfall, located near Plužna, which is 20 meters wide. This impressively wide water mass plunges 12 meters into the depths. Below the waterfall, a greenish pool catches the water. Swimming under the waterfall is prohibited, not only because the water is very cold, but also to protect nature. If you want to hike for a few hours, this waterfall is the perfect destination. You can also take beautiful photos there. Parking is also available, with a small parking fee.
An almost fantastic and magical atmosphere awaits you at the Kozjak Waterfall. Surrounded by dark, high walls, the waterfall seems isolated from the outside, like a small world of its own. You can already hear the roaring water falling 15 meters before you arrive. A hiking trail, which crosses suspension bridges along the way, takes you to the waterfall. The viewpoint at the end of the trail gives you a view of the mystical scenery. The white waterfall, which plunges into the green basin, is a rewarding sight. Especially in summer, this destination is very popular due to the pleasant, cooler temperature. However, the steep walls and shaded gorge should suffice, as swimming is also not recommended here.
The Kozjak Waterfall originates from the Kozjak Stream. It flows through several gorges, and in fact, six waterfalls branch off from it. However, only the Mali Kozjak waterfall is accessible to visitors apart from the Kozjak Waterfall.
It takes only half an hour on foot from the parking lot, so this trail is also doable for children.
Although the Beri Waterfall has a low water level, it plunges 40 meters into the depths. The large Beri is 25 meters high, and the small Beri is 15 meters. The small Beri is located above the large Beri. On the half-hour walk to the waterfall, you can see the rockslides caused by an earthquake. The trail starts at the parking lot in the village of Poljubinj. From there, simply follow the signs towards the waterfall.
The river forms a long stretch, connecting the beautiful pools with the 750-meter-long gorge (a narrow ravine between rocks through which a river or stream flows). The gorge is only a few meters wide but 15 meters deep. The pools end in deep emerald-green basins, incredibly beautiful to behold.
The Great Soča Gorges are also beautiful to visit. After periods of rain, a very special spectacle awaits you there. Meter-high water curtains sparkle in the sun and dive glittering into the emerald-green water. It is definitely worth packing your camera. At the end of the gorges, the rapids calm down, and many tourists even swim in the icy water on hot summer days. Some even jump off the cliffs into the deep pools.
Due to the rock formations and the color play of the water, beautiful motifs arise. Sometimes, the water even steams in some areas due to the warmth of the sun. Small misty swirls rise above the water, making the sight even more unique. There are even viewpoints where you can observe the water's movement closely, surrounded by rocks and near the river.
The Great Soča Gorges are not continuously visible but are only accessible at marked spots. However, the path on the left side leads from the beginning to the end of the gorge, allowing for many different impressions at the inviting places for sightseeing. Some areas can be very slippery during the cold winter months. Therefore, we advise against visiting these areas during winter.
For sport rafting, the entry point is at the end of the gorge. Regular river trips are prohibited.
The Small Soča Gorges can also be visited on foot. You can reach them via the Soča Trail and the Alpe Adria Trail. You can also catch a good view of the Small Soča Gorges from the bridge over the river.
They are also impressive due to the beautiful rock walls, gorges, and incredible color compositions of the water. The powerful water showcases the pristine nature. The Small Soča Gorges are not nearly as deep as the large ones. You can even climb down the rocks right to the river to view it up close. It is also quieter, the turquoise water is closer, and the rough rocks invite you to walk along the water's edge. Many coves offer opportunities for swimming.
The parking lot is located on the regional road Bovec-Vršič, at the junction towards Vrsnik and Vas na Skali.
We don’t want to miss showing you the southernmost and deepest point of the Triglav National Park near the Soča Valley. This is the Tolmin Gorge. This attraction is very touristy, but still worth a visit. A circular hiking trail with bridges leads through the gorge, and besides a thermal spring, there is also a cave.
The possibilities for hiking in the Soča Valley are nearly endless. However, the trails are not very well-marked, so we recommend a hiking guide or offline maps. The Soča Trail is especially popular. The trail is a 25 km long path along the river. It crosses several suspension bridges and goes through the beautiful nature. Additionally, the Soča Trail is one of the stages of the Alpe-Adria-Trail long-distance hiking path, which is said to be one of the most beautiful long-distance trails.
From the north, you can reach the Soča via the Vršič Pass or through the Karawanken Tunnel. In Austria, you need a vignette. Once in Slovenia, you can bypass the toll roads via country roads or buy a vignette digitally and easily. Once you arrive in Bovec, you can use the B2 bus during the summer season.
We definitely recommend the Vršič Pass as it is well worth the trip. If you have enough time, stop along the way and enjoy the landscape! There are huts where you can rest and discover the culinary delights. There are also hiking trails and many viewpoints. We suggest traveling the road during the week when there is less traffic, and you'll have the viewpoints mostly to yourself.
You can visit the Soča Valley in one day, but we recommend staying overnight if you want to fully enjoy the valley and experience the stunning surroundings at a different time of day. A trip to the Soča Valley is definitely worth it and will reward you with countless beautiful views.
