The 10th edition of The Slovenia Book is coming out soon, having already sold over 25,000 copies to date. It will delight everyone interested in learning fascinating facts about Slovenia, discovering the very best this country has to offer, and getting fresh ideas for trips and sightseeing.
Among other things, the book features lists of typical Slovenian dishes, top restaurants and wineries, the most exciting events taking place across Slovenia, major landmarks, and more. This latest edition, filled with stunning photographs, presents 100 destinations and places. One of them is Kobarid, which we introduce in this article.
Experience the Beauty of the Soča Valley
Kobarid is a small clustered settlement located along the emerald Soča River, not far from the towns of Tolmin and Bovec. This area is known for its many natural wonders. One of the most visited attractions is the 15-meter-high Kozjak Waterfall. Kobarid is also a place deeply marked by the First World War, as the infamous Isonzo Front ran through this region.
The award-winning Kobarid Museum tells the story of the bloody battles fought here—battles that also inspired Ernest Hemingway’s novel A Farewell to Arms, based on his own wartime experiences. The Italian and German names for the town (Caporetto and Karfreit) date back to times of forced assimilation and annexation. By the end of World War I, Kobarid was almost completely destroyed. During the interwar period, control of the town changed hands several times until, after World War II, it came under temporary military administration. Eventually, Kobarid was returned to Slovenia, which at the time was still part of Yugoslavia.
The natural attractions of the Soča Valley are often called its jewels—and the town of Kobarid is fast earning that title as well. In this cozy and charming place, visitors can indulge in top-notch cuisine or enjoy an active holiday. It also offers a chance to learn about one of the most significant periods in modern history: World War I.
TIC Kobarid, +386 (0)5 38 00 490, [email protected], www.soca-valley.com
KOBARID MUSEUM
Thanks to the richness of information and its impressive audio-visual presentation of events along the Soča Front during World War I, the museum collection was awarded the title of Best European Museum in 1993. With great sensitivity, the exhibition tells the entire tragic story of two and a half years of fierce fighting and one of the greatest mountain battles in history—the Miracle of Kobarid (the 12th Battle of the Isonzo).
The bloody Soča Front is perhaps best known thanks to Ernest Hemingway, who captured his wartime experiences on this battlefield in the novel A Farewell to Arms. The museum is located in the old town center of Kobarid. Guided tours of the battlefield itself are also available by prior arrangement.
Gregorčičeva 10, +386 (0)5 389 00 00, [email protected], www.kobariski-muzej.si.
HIŠA FRANKO
It’s not uncommon for visitors to travel to Slovenia solely for a meal at Hiša Franko—especially guests from neighboring Italy, where fine dining is highly revered. The restaurant is run by a husband-and-wife team: Ana leads the kitchen, while Valter’s expertise in Slovenian wines and cheeses is unmatched.
In 2017, Ana Roš was named World’s Best Female Chef, and in 2018, Hiša Franko made its debut on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list at number 38. In 2024, it ranked 48th. When the first Slovenian edition of the Michelin Guide was published in June 2020, Hiša Franko was awarded two Michelin stars and a Green Star for sustainability. Since September 2023, it proudly holds three Michelin stars along with the Green Star.
The restaurant is located in a countryside villa on the outskirts of Kobarid, in the far west of Slovenia. A meal at Hiša Franko is an unforgettable experience—and rooms are available for overnight stays.
Staro Selo 1, Kobarid, +386 (0)5 389 41 20, info@ hisafranko.com, www.hisafranko.com.
NAPOLEON BRIDGE
Just a stone’s throw from the center of Kobarid lies the small but storied Napoleon Bridge. While it may not be as grand or imposing as some of Slovenia’s other bridges, it is steeped in history. The original stone bridge was built in 1750 to replace a wooden one that previously connected the left and right banks of the river. It earned its name when Napoleon’s troops crossed it on their way to the Predel Pass.
The bridge became a casualty of World War I, destroyed by Austrian soldiers. A new bridge was later constructed on the same site and played a key role in World War II, when partisans gathered here to defend the short-lived Kobarid Republic. Two memorials near the bridge commemorate these historic events.
The bridge is also a great photo spot, offering picturesque views of the Soča River flowing beneath it. If you’re lucky, you might even capture kayakers bouncing along the turquoise rapids. This is also a perfect starting point for a short hike to the Kozjak Waterfalls—just about a 30-minute walk on a flat trail.
In the latest edition of the The Slovenia Book, you can discover 99 more Slovenian towns and destinations that will captivate you with their attractions. Planning your trips has never been easier—or more exciting!
