Turquoise River Walks
Walk through the tunnels of a WWI fortress.
Listen to the thunder of the mighty Boka Waterfall.
Visit WW1 fortifications at the Isonzo front.
Dip your feet in the coolness of the river Soca.
Cross wide meadows full of Alpine flowers. First Hand Experience
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Departure
Daily from May 16 to October 3, 2026
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Starting Point
Bovec
Total Distance
58 km
Activity Level
Walking
Follow the hiking trails of breathtaking Soča valley
A self-guided walking holiday based in the town of Bovec, which takes you on a series of hikes along the turquoise river Soča. Our specially designed trails will take you beside historic monuments, across alpine pastures covered with wildflowers and under cascading waterfalls. Enjoy moments of respite with dips in the invigoratingly cool springs, or observe rainbow trout gracefully moving through the crystalline waters of the glacial Soča River. All of this is set against the backdrop of the majestic alpine landscape of the western Julian Alps.
Suitable for hikers of very average fitness and highly recommended for photography enthusiasts.
Itinerary
Your self-guided walking tour Slovenia begins in the heart of the Soča Valley, the town of Bovec. Nestled between the towering peaks of the Julian Alps and the turquoise waters of the Soča River, Bovec is a perfect base for exploring the surrounding wilderness. Here, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will find countless trails, from riverside walks to more challenging alpine climbs.
Bovec itself is a charming town with plenty of amenities, offering cozy cafés, local restaurants, and outdoor equipment shops. Staying in a comfortable 4-star hotel such as Hotel Mangart ensures you start your Bovec hiking adventure well-rested and ready for the days ahead. Take the afternoon to stroll through the town, explore the riverbanks, and soak in the Alpine atmosphere. The combination of fresh air, picturesque scenery, and the vibrant energy of Bovec sets the tone for your self-guided walking tour Slovenia.
After breakfast, a short car transfer brings you to the starting point of your walk at Možnica Canyon. The canyon, carved by glacial waters, offers dramatic scenery and the chance to enjoy a moderate introduction to Bovec hiking. This area also has historical significance, as it was the backdrop for many battles during World War I between the Austrian Empire and Italy.
Your trail continues past the Kluže Fortress, built more than a century ago to block access to Southern Austria. Today, the fortress serves as an anti-war museum, and exploring it allows you to combine cultural and historical insight with your Soča valley walking tour. Along the trail, you will encounter remnants of fortifications that tell the story of the turbulent history of the region.
The hike circles back to Bovec, allowing time to enjoy lunch in town or relax at your hotel. This first full day of Bovec hiking provides a balanced mix of history, scenery, and moderate physical activity, ideal for easing into your self-guided walking tour Slovenia.
Today’s Bovec hiking stage focuses on water features, beginning with a leisurely walk to the Virje Waterfall in the western part of Bovec. The waterfall is fed by the Gljun stream, originating from the vast underground network of the Kanin limestone range. Depending on seasonal conditions, the water cascades dramatically over a 30-foot drop before joining the Soča River.
The return route takes you through lush meadows dotted with colorful wildflowers, offering an idyllic setting for photography and a close connection to nature. Towering above you is Mt. Svinjak, often called the “Slovene Matterhorn,” providing a striking alpine backdrop to your self-guided walking tour Slovenia. This easy day is perfect for relaxation, enjoying the serene landscapes, and immersing yourself in the unspoilt beauty of the Soča Valley.
After a short car transfer, today’s Soča valley walking tour takes you along one of Slovenia’s most famous rivers, the turquoise Soča River, known as the “Queen of the Alpine Waters.” Learn about famous people who lived here. The trail passes through dramatic limestone canyons and shallow pools, ideal for cooling off or taking photographs.
The day’s walk highlights the pristine nature and vibrant color of the Soča, providing plenty of opportunities to appreciate the region’s natural beauty. Along the way, you’ll see lush vegetation, rocky riverbanks, and the occasional glimpse of local wildlife. This stage combines both Bovec hiking adventure and the tranquil experience of following one of Slovenia’s most scenic rivers on your self-guided walking tour Slovenia.
Return to Bovec in the evening for a hearty meal and a relaxing night’s rest, preparing for the more challenging climbs of the coming days.
Day five is a free day to rest, explore the town, or try one of the many adrenaline-fueled activities for which Bovec is famous. Options include:
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White-water rafting on the Soča River
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Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding
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Mountain biking through the surrounding valleys
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Canyoning and paragliding
This day allows you to tailor your self-guided walking tour Slovenia experience to your interests while enjoying the vibrant outdoor culture of Bovec. For those who prefer gentle exploration, a short riverside walk or a visit to local cafés provides relaxation and immersion in local life.
Today’s Bovec hiking adventure begins with a gentle ascent along the sunny slopes of Kanin, one of the most iconic peaks in the Julian Alps. The trail passes beneath the former cable car and continues to a still-active mountain pasture, where shepherds welcome visitors and offer tastings of local cheeses and dairy products.
From the mountain pasture, enjoy panoramic views over the Soča Valley, the surrounding Slovene and Italian mountain ranges, and the Bovec region itself. As you walk through meadows filled with wildflowers and pass traditional sheep farms, you will experience the authentic beauty of Julian Alps Hiking. This stage is a highlight of the self-guided walking tour Slovenia, combining moderate physical effort with breathtaking scenery.
Return to Bovec in the evening, reflecting on the diversity of landscapes and the cultural richness encountered during this full day of Bovec hiking.
A short car transfer takes you to the quaint village of Srpenica, the starting point for today’s Soča valley walking tour. Cross the 63-meter-long hanging “Bridge of Lovers,” a perfect vantage point for photographs and a moment to pause and take in the surroundings.
The trail follows the right bank of the Soča River back to Bovec, offering stunning views of the river bend and the towering Boka Waterfall, Slovenia’s highest waterfall at 100 meters. The waterfall is fed by waters from the underground caves of the Kanin range and provides a spectacular display, particularly during high water levels.
Stop for lunch at a popular local pub in Čezsoča, enjoying traditional Slovenian dishes while soaking in the peaceful surroundings. Return to Bovec in the afternoon, completing a memorable stage of your self-guided walking tour Slovenia and Bovec hiking.
After breakfast, your self-guided walking tour Slovenia concludes. Reflect on an unforgettable week of Soča valley walking tours, alpine trails, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints. Bovec has offered a perfect balance of activity, adventure, and relaxation, leaving you with memories of pristine rivers, wildflower meadows, and dramatic peaks. For those wishing to extend their stay, Bovec remains a hub for outdoor activities and adrenaline sports, including rafting, paragliding, and canyoning, allowing you to continue your Bovec hiking adventures or explore the region further.
Price
Price per person based on two people sharing:
Date of Day1 sets the trip's season.
(Currency converter)- Seven nights accommodation in 3* or 4* hotel in two bedded, en-suite facilities room, on basis of bed & breakfast.
- Transfers on days two, four and seven.
- Tour description and maps in GUIBO application electronic form. One dowload per adult person. Every additional access 15 EUR.
- Local tourist and other taxes.
- Personal welcome meeting upon arrival.
- Backup service (hotline) during the trip.
- Single travelers – Applies when a person travels alone. Includes single room supplement.
Season A: 395 EUR;
Season B: 445 EUR. - Single room – Applies when a person is traveling together with other persons in a party.
Season A: 345 EUR;
Season B: 395 EUR. - Printed information package in English, including route notes and detailed maps, delivered upon arrival 30 EUR.
- Children up to 12 years when sharing room with parents up to 30% discount on basic price.
- Third adult in the room 10% discount on basic price.
Lunches, dinners, entrance fees, saunas and massages in hotels.
Route Profile
2/4
Walking tour. Daily distances increase on some days and the terrain may be rugged underfoot with some hills but not too strenuous. Perfect for those with a relatively good level of fitness. The average sum of all daily ascents is between 100 m and 400 meters.
A self-guided walking holiday based in the town of Bovec, which takes you on a series of hikes along the turquoise river Soča. Our specially designed trails will take you beside historic monuments, across alpine pastures covered with wildflowers and under cascading waterfalls. Take a drip in the refreshingly cool springs, or watch rainbow trout swirl in the crystal-clear waters of the glacial Soča River. All set in the majestic alpine landscape of western Julian Alps. Suitable for families and hikers of average fitness, recommended for photography enthusiasts.
Accommodation
Helia is committed to promoting responsible travel. In our journeys, we prioritize the use of small, genuine hotels and guesthouses imbued with local character, often run by local families.
- 1-7 Hotel Sanje ob Soči, Mangart 4* or Hotel Alp 3*
Travel Options & Local Transfer
Starting point of this trip is Bovec in NW Slovenia.
Getting to Bovec and back
By plane: closest airports are Trieste (TST) in Italy, Ljubljana (LJU) and Klagenfurt (KLA) in Austria. Several airlines serve them. From all of them you need a local transfer, travel times are approximately 1h 30 min, please see here below.
By train: closest stations are Most na Soči in Slovenia and Tarvisio Boscoverde in Italy, in both cases a transfer takes 45 min, please check with us for costs of relevant transfers from these train stations to Bovec.
By bus: Flixbus stops at Tarvisio, Italy
By car: closest exit is on Italian motorway A23 Alpe-Adria Venice – Vienna. Exit Tarvisio. From here take the road over Predil Pass to Bovec, 30 kms, nice scenic road! Car can be parked for free at the hotel where you are staying for the duration of our tour.
Available Transfers
Venice Marco Polo Airport to Bovec
1–3 persons 345 EUR
4–8 persons 385 EUR
Trieste Airport to Bovec
1–3 persons 200 EUR
4–8 persons 220 EUR
Ljubljana Airport to Bovec
1–3 persons 220 EUR
4–8 persons 245 EUR
Ljubljana City to Bovec
1–3 persons 240 EUR
4–8 persons 260 EUR
All prices per transfer, one way. Price includes transport of bikes.
Rental Bikes
Helia bikes are available in different sizes and unisex frame model: