Travel Report Slovenia: Part 4
Wine region, Koper & Piran
My next stop was the wine-growing region a bit further into the southwest of Slovenia. In the small village of Marezige, I had rented a cozy holiday cottage right in the middle of the vineyards. That alone made the trip worthwhile. But the area is also wonderful for walking, enjoying the regional cuisine, and drinking good wine. What's more, the beautiful coastal towns of Koper and Piran are easily reachable from there by car. I made an extensive day trip to both towns to stroll through the small alleys and soak up the Mediterranean flair.
With its colorful facades, its worth-seeing old town, and its idyllic harbor, Piran particularly won me over. In the narrow alleys, which reminded me quite a bit of Italy, you'll find many lovely boutiques, cozy cafés, and atmospheric bars. And the best part: if you want to cool off a bit in the high temperatures, you can jump straight into the sea from the waterfront promenade.
Wonderful nature in the Soča Valley
Tolmin & Kobarid in the southern Soča Valley
After my stay in the wine-growing region, it was time to head back up north. More precisely, to the Soča Valley, which owes its name to the river of the same name that flows through it. And how does the saying go? Save the best for last! In my case, this was absolutely true, because the Soča Valley is simply dreamlike and quickly became my favorite destination in Slovenia.
But one thing at a time! First, I'd like to recommend the pretty village of Kanal. It lies right along the way up north and is perfect for a short break during the drive. Anyone who stops here and takes a moment to soak in the beautiful historic scenery will understand why Kanal is a real insider tip. I can only say: the stop is worth it!
After the short break, I continued on to the town of Tolmin. I used my time here for long walks in the region and some refreshing dips in the cold Soča River. From here, I also took a day trip to the nearby town of Kobarid, where you definitely shouldn't miss the "Il sacrario militare di Caporetto": this elevated memorial not only offers a fantastic view but also impresses with its striking architecture. Also worth recommending: the massive Napoleon Bridge over the Soča River and the mighty Kozjak Waterfall, just a short walk away.
Northern Soča around Bovec
After thoroughly exploring the southern part of the Soča Valley, I continued a bit further north and closer to the foothills of the Alps. Near the town of Bovec, I rented a small cabin at a campsite and treated myself to a few days of pure nature – surrounded by forest and the babbling of the river.
The northern Soča Valley is wonderful for hiking along the river: around Bovec, it stands out with especially vivid colors and beautiful rocks that line its course. In one spot or another, you can also enjoy a swim in the gentle current, at least if you're fairly hardy. The river originates quite nearby and is incredibly icy around Bovec. The perfect way to cool off!
Time for canyoning and hiking tours
And now I have one more tip for anyone who likes things a bit more action-packed: in the area around Bovec, "canyoning" is a particularly popular activity. "Canyoning" means fighting your way through canyons equipped with a wetsuit, helmet, ropes, carabiners, and other gear: sometimes you jump from one canyon pool to the next, sometimes you rappel down beneath a large waterfall, and other times you simply slide down the rock face. If you're up for it, you'll find many providers in Bovec where you can book a tour. Fun and an adrenaline rush guaranteed!
Less action-packed, but at least as impressive, are the many hiking trails around Bovec that lead high up into the Slovenian foothills of the Alps. My personal highlight here was the hike to Lake Krn, the country's largest high-mountain lake. To get there, you can first drive from Bovec to the mountain hut Dom Dr. Klementa Juga in Lepena. From there, you follow the well-marked hiking trail on foot, which leads up to an altitude of 1391 meters. The start of the hike is quite wooded, but from a certain height onward, it leads through a stunning mountain landscape, past grazing cows and small mountain huts, until you finally reach the crystal-clear mountain lake.
