Stretching from Triglav National Park to Nova Gorica in Slovenia, the Soca Valley is home to the outdoor adventure hotspots of Bovec and Kobarid. Bovec in particular is known as the adrenaline capital of the country, serving as a base for white water rafting, kayaking, paragliding and hiking. It is also home to a zip line that lets visitors soar at speeds up to 40 kilometers per hour more than 50 meters above the ground. Other options include mountain biking, bungee jumping, canyoning, fishing, horseback riding and, in the winter months, ice climbing.
Beyond the adventure activities, the Soca Valley is home to several historical sights, mostly relating to World War I, when millions of troops fought in the surrounding mountains. Those interested in the heritage of World War I can follow a well-marked hiking trail known as the Walk of Peace through the valley past several outdoor museums.
Practical Info
The Soca Valley is accessible from either Slovenia or Italy. Buses run between Bovec and the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana twice daily on weekdays and between Bovec and Kranjska Gora and Bled in the summer. Coming from Italy, driving is best, with the drive from Trieste taking just under two hours and the drive from Venice taking just over two hours.
Known as the Emerald Beauty thanks to its sparkling green waters, the Soca River in western Slovenia is one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. Flowing from the Trenta Valley in the Julian Alps, the river connects 12 cities as it makes it way to the Adriatic Sea. The river is best known for water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, rafting and fly-fishing. The fly-fishing season stars in April and rafting is popular April through October. The valley surrounding the Soca River offers a wealth of activities for visitors, from hiking and mountain biking to paragliding and canyoning. It is also home to the Walk of Peace, a well-marked hiking trail that follows the heritage of World War I and includes stops at several outdoor museums along the way.
One of the most popular towns along the Soca River is Bovec, which has been called the adrenaline capital of Slovenia. It is the perfect jumping off point for your active vacation in the mountains, but especially white water rafting, kayaking, paragliding and hiking.
Practical Info
Buses run from the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana to Bovec twice a day on weekdays and the journey takes about three and a half hours and costs 14 Euro one-way. Buses also run between Bovec and Nova Gorica, as well as to Kranjska Gora and Bled in the summer.
