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/Isonzo. 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
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN BOVEC
Bovec, the capital of the Soča Valley, is a haven for hiking enthusiasts. With the majestic Julian Alps gracing the horizon, the tranquil Soča River below, and the encompassing Triglav National Park, one could easily spend a week exploring this unspoiled countryside without retracing their steps. It's a land of exceptional beauty, and Bovec serves as a charming hub for various outdoor adventures and activities.
TOUR A: (car transfer) BOVEC – MOŽNICA CANYON – KLUŽE FORTRESS – BOVEC (intermediate, 3 hrs, ↔ 9.3 km, ↑ 100 m, ↓ 200 m)
A morning car transfer brings you to the starting point of your walk – entrance to the Moznica river canyon. The landscape and the encircling mountains, which you will traverse, were once witness to numerous WW1 battles. This area saw several fierce confrontations between the Austrian Empire and the Italians. Make a stop at the Kluze Fortress, constructed over a century ago to obstruct access to Southern Austria. Remarkably, it has endured all subsequent conflicts and now stands as a formidable anti-war museum. Along the trail, you'll encounter the remnants of once-mighty fortifications, offering poignant insights into history.
TOUR B: BOVEC – VIRJE WATERFALL – BOVEC (easy, 3 hrs, ↔ 10.9 km, ↑↓ 210 m)
A relaxing stroll brings you to the western town of Bovec, where the theme here is pure water. Here, you'll encounter a little stream with a name that might seem impossibly pronounced, Gljun. Its waters are sourced from the extensive underground labyrinth of the Kanin limestone range. Depending on the weather and season, these waters cascade down a 30-foot waterfall before merging with the Soca River. The return journey to Bovec leads you through expansive meadows adorned with vibrant summer wildflowers, all set against the backdrop of the majestic "Slovene Matterhorn," Mt. Svinjak.
TOUR C: BOVEC - LEPENA VALLEY (intermediate, 4 hrs, ↔ 14 km, ↑ 150 m, ↓ 410 m)
After a short car transfer the day's walk takes you to the "Queen of the Alpine Waters" – the turquoise-coloured River Soca/Isonzo and Trenta Valley. Its stunning colors have captivated walkers and water enthusiasts for centuries. Follow the trail along the river, peer into the limestone canyon, and perhaps take a refreshing dip in one of the many shallow pools.
TOUR D: BOVEC – KANIN – BOVEC (medium, 6 hrs, ↔ 13 km, ↑ ↓ 770 m)
The day begins with a gentle ascent along the sunny slope of Kanin. You climb up beneath the former cable car to the still active mountain pasture, where you will encounter shepherds and sample their delights. From the mountain pasture, you'll be treated to a breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the Bovec region, the encompassing Slovene and Italian mountain ranges, and the picturesque Soča River Valley. As you commence your walk, you'll traverse mountain pastures adorned with a vibrant array of wildflowers, occasionally passing by charming sheep farms.
TOUR E: BOVEC – SRPENICA – ČEZSOČA – BOVEC (easy, 4 hrs, ↔ 15 km, ↑ 280 m, ↓ 190 m)
Car transfer to Srpenica. Starting from this picturesque village, you'll embark on a final river walk, crossing the charming 63-meter-long "Bridge of Lovers". Following the right bank of the Soča, you'll make your way back to Bovec. This river bend also offers the prime vantage point to witness the magnificent Boka waterfall. The cascade is supplied by waters originating from subterranean caves within the depths of the Kanin range, and water levels can reach a staggering height of 100 meters. Afterward, savor a delightful lunch at one of the popular local pubs in Čezsoča before making your way back to Bovec.
One day is free, so you can spend it relaxing or use the time to enjoy one of many other sporting activities: white water rafting, canyoning, paragliding, zip-lining...
Day 8: DEPARTURE
After breakfast or extension of your stay.
Price
Price per person based on two people sharing:
Low season: April 22 to May 4 and September 29 to October 14, 2024: 945 EUR
High season: May 5 to September 28, 2024: 980 EUR
(Currency converter)
Price includes:
• seven nights accommodation in 3* or 4* hotel, in a two-bed room with WC and shower, on a bed & breakfast basis
• transfers on tours A, C and E
• tour description and maps in GUIBO application electronic form
• welcome meeting
• local tourist and other taxes
• backup service (hotline) during the walk
Supplements:
• single travelers 190 EUR - applies when a person travels alone
• single room 170 EUR low season, 210 EUR high season - applies when a person travels with a group
• printed information package including route notes and corresponding maps delivered upon arrival - 30 EUR
Not included: entrance fees, lunches, drinks with meals, saunas and massages in hotels
Transfers:
Venice Marco Polo Airport to Bovec
1–3 persons: 240 EUR
4–8 persons: 290 EUR
Trieste Airport to Bovec
1–3 persons: 140 EUR
4–8 persons: 170 EUR
Ljubljana Airport to Bovec
1–3 persons: 150 EUR
4–8 persons: 175 EUR
Ljubljana City to Bovec
1–3 persons: 160 EUR
4–8 persons: 185 EUR
All prices per transfer, one way. No pooling permitted.
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.
Day 1-7: 3* / 4* Hotel
Travel options
Starting point of this trip is Bovec in NW Slovenia.
Getting there...
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 ask us for the transfer price.
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.
... and away
Use above mentioned connections in reverse.