Hiking and Mountaineering
Just above Lepena valley Soča river has carved 750 meters long gorge. The gorge is completely narrow at some points and its depth depends a lot on the water level: in the dry period it is up to 15 m deep, but at floodings Soča can fill it up completely. It is a nice and short walk along one of Slovenia’s natural pearls. The color of Soča is truly incredible.
Vršič pass is the highest road pass in Slovenia and connects Kranjska Gora (Gorenjska region) with Bovec (Primorska region). The road, built by Russian war prisoners during the 1st world war, runs through the heart of Julian Alps and the views from the road simply call out for a stop-over. A short walk at the summit of Vršič pass is described here and is meant especially for those who wish to "stretch" their legs and have a meal in one of the mountain huts on the way. The walk offers an exceptionally good view of Mt. Prisojnik wall and other summits on both sides of the pass. Also suitable for children.
In the immediate vicinity of Bovec you will find the source of a cold karst creek named Gljun. Its waters come from the high Kanin mountain range and come to the surface in an interesting spring. After larger rainfalls the water literally bursts from beneath the moss-covered rocks, while in the summertime the bigger attraction is a wonderful Virje waterfall a little further downstream. Its emerald green pool just calls for a refreshing dip in the hot summer days.
Boka is the mightiest waterfall in Slovenia. Although it is not the highest one with its 106 altitude meters, but none other can compare with it in width or flow. During the rainy seasons and when the snow on Mt. Kanin is melting, Boka is truly magnificent and almost frightening! The jets of water are a bit thinner in the summer drought, which enables the more skillful visitors to rise through the river bed right under the waterfall wall.
Možnica Gorges Featured
In the valley of Možnica river, which has carved its way between the two 'giants' near Bovec – Mt. Rombon and Mt. Jerebica – you will find a playful stream. It is mostly known under the name Možnica, but the locals call it Nemčlja. Its spring is already quite interesting on its own. When it rains heavily the water near the spring practically erupts from underneath the rocks. Then the stream calms down a bit and in the lower part of the river it roars off and flows into Koritnica river. On the way you can see some splendid waterfalls and take a look at the gorges from a small footbridge. If you do the whole route as it is described below, take some 'adventure spirit' with you and be prepared to 'plod through the woods'.
Predelica creek flows from Predel pass towards Log Pod Mangartom and it is extremely hard to access. Without ropes and other technical gear you can only come closer at three spots - in the upper, middle and lower section. The entire area is very wild and crumbling in some places, so extra caution is needed. One of the biggest landslides in Slovenia greatly changed the middle and lower section of the stream in the year 2000. Treat yourself to canyoning for an adrenaline rush and visit all the hidden waterfalls of Predelica.
The Juliana trail is 267 km long trail around the Julian Alps. The trail leads through the valleys, passes forests, through urban areas and through wilder areas, along rivers Soča and Sava.
Mangart Featured
Mangart is Slovenia’s fourth highest mountain and is very popular during the summer months due to its convenient access. Namely, the Mangart road (Slovenia’s highest road) takes you above 2000 altitude meters just below Mangart's rocky summit pyramid. There are two routes running across it: the Slovene route is rather demanding, but the Italian is somewhat easier. This is a relatively short tour onto a majestic mountain with a magnificent view.
Svinjak is an imposing hill above Bovec, which splits the Bovec basin into Soča and Koritnica valley. Due to its pyramid shape it is also called the 'Matterhorn of Bovec'. The ascent to the summit is quite steep, especially in the upper part. Although the path is not particularly exposed, it is still not suitable for people with vertigo, because the view literally drops down to Soča river. In nice weather the view is simply stunning.
Fratarica stream, which flows into Koritnica at Log Pod Mangrtom, has created a number of wonderful waterfalls of all shapes and sizes on its way from below the mighty Loška Stena wall. Take a walk upstream and discover these wonders of nature that hide in the lovely forest below the majestic walls in the narrow gorge. Be careful – the path is very demanding in some places! For the adrenaline junkies: canyoning is possible on Fratarica stream as well!