Valleys of Inspiration
On the sunny side of the Alps lies Bovec, a true green jewel of Europe that you must visit to truly experience the essence of Slovenia! Putting aside memorable official slogans for a moment, this leading Slovenian destination for summer and winter sports offers an abundance of opportunities. Bovec is situated in the majestic Upper Soča Valley in northwest Slovenia, allowing you to explore all the natural beauties of the Triglav National Park.
It serves as an excellent base for active summer holidays, offering hiking, mountain biking, paragliding from nearby Alpine peaks, canyoning, rafting, and kayaking on the truly stunning turquoise waters of the Soča River. These places are also highly popular during the winter skiing season.
Boka Waterfall and Virje Waterfall
Boka is considered one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Slovenia, cascading like a colossal water curtain from Mount Kanin. It is best visited in late spring when the thick snow cover begins to melt. More than 100 tons of water per second first freefall 106 meters, and then continue for another 30 meters on a slope.
The waterfall is visible from the bridge on the road between Kobarid and Bovec (near Žaga). A relatively demanding hiking trail leads from the road to the source of the waterfall, which can be reached after about an hour and a half of walking.
Just five kilometers from Boka lies the smaller Virje waterfall. Although it may not be as spectacular as some of Slovenia’s other waterfalls, it is much easier to reach, with only a five-minute walk from the parking area. This accessibility makes it more suitable for those with younger or older legs. The fact that it is not as well-known also has its advantages, as there are often fewer visitors, allowing you to get closer and fully enjoy the view.
TIC Bovec, +386 (0)5 30 29 647, [email protected], www.soca-valley.com.
Kluže Fortress
When it comes to fortresses on hills, Kluže is undoubtedly one of the most impressive in Slovenia. The fortress is located in the narrowest part of the Koritnica River Valley, with the mighty Julian Alps rising behind it. In addition to its exceptional natural value, the fortress increasingly serves as a center for social, artistic, and entertaining events in the region. In memory of World War I, a small exhibition on the topic of the Soča Front and other local battles can be found inside the fortress. Kluže can be visited on the main road between Bovec and Log pod Mangartom, near the Predel Pass (1,156 m), close to Italy.
+386 (0)5 38 86 758, [email protected], www.kluze.net.
Ravelnik Open-Air Museum
Just a few kilometers from Kluže Fortress and less than a kilometer from the center of Bovec, you’ll find the Ravelnik Open-Air Museum. A short walk through the forest will lead you to tunnels and shelters that witnessed horrifying scenes during World War I, where many lives were lost. The area is well-preserved and partially restored, providing visitors with a fascinating glimpse into trench life.
Mangart Road
Mangart Road is the highest road in Slovenia, making you feel like you’re on top of the world when you reach its summit and enjoy the panoramic views of Austria and Italy. The landscape is almost unimaginably beautiful, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas, compensating for the slightly stressful sharp turns, tunnels, and cyclists you’ll have to navigate while ascending on narrow roads. The best advice we can give you is to drive slowly and keep your eyes on the road until you reach one of the lookout points—just make sure to check in advance if the road is open, as snow can still be present even during warmer months.
