Soča: River Trail, Gorges and Local History

The Soča Trail in Triglav National Park follows the Soča from its source to Bovec. It reaches the village of Soča along the left bank of the river. The Soča Trail is 25 kilometres long in total. Hikers can adapt the direction and length of the route covered on the Soča Trail to the time available and the purpose of their visit. The different details regarding trail length and route selection can be considered separately when planning the scope of a day.

Hiking

The Soča Trail combines the course of the river with a hiking route described over a longer distance. Depending on whether you follow a particular direction or cover only part of the route, planning remains guided by the options mentioned. Different route lengths provide a clear basis for comparison without requiring a uniform daily itinerary for all visitors.

Nature

The Great Soča Gorge lies below the village of Soča; it is 750 metres long and 10 to 15 metres deep. The riverbed of the Soča has carved out the Great and Small Soča Gorges, as well as the gorge at Kršovec. The Great Soča Gorge can be viewed in sections on foot along a marked forest path on the left bank; it is not fully accessible.

The Small Soča Gorges are 100 metres long and 6 metres deep. They can be viewed from a bridge below the Turistična kmetija Jelinčič. Dimensions, the path layout and the respective form of viewing described each provide different points of reference for planning the day.

Water

The starting point for navigating the Soča is at the end of the Great Soča Gorge. Navigating through the gorge is not permitted for safety reasons. The information about navigating can be considered independently of the route distance for your own planning.

Culture and History

The Austro-Hungarian military cemetery in Soča was expanded from an Austro-Hungarian military hospital cemetery dating from the wartime period. Today, more than 1,400 soldiers and prisoners of war are buried there. The cemetery is located behind St Joseph’s Church and the civilian cemetery in the village. A visit is stated to take 20 minutes. The village of Soča can be reached from Bovec or via the Vršič Pass.

A church in Soča contains characteristic murals by the Slovenian painter, sculptor and graphic artist Tone Kralj on its walls and ceilings. The wall and ceiling paintings depict Slovenian and Slavic saints; one of the depicted heads bears the facial features of the fascist dictator Mussolini.

Local Food

A tasting and a visit to the cheese dairy are possible at the Turistična kmetija Jelinčič. The Turistična kmetija Jelinčič offers local food and homemade sheep’s cheese. If your travel group has several different interests, you can plan the route distance, duration of the visit, nature viewing, memorial site, church art, navigating and local food as different types of activities alongside one another.

When searching for a hotel in Soča, you can first compare the travel dates on the offer pages, followed by the room category and then the cancellation conditions. These three details provide an objective framework for your choice before you book accommodation.

More destinations

Logje, Most Na Soči, Bovec, Trenta, Trnovo ob Soči, Čiginj, Volče, Dolenja Trebuša

To the higher-level travel overview: Tolmin.