Road trip through Slovenia - Part 4

Wine region, Koper & Piran

My next stop was the wine-growing region a little further to the southwest of Slovenia. In the small village of Marezige I had rented a charming holiday cabin right in the middle of the vineyards. That alone made the trip worthwhile. But the area is also wonderful for walks, enjoying the regional cuisine and drinking good wine. In addition, the beautiful coastal towns of Koper and Piran can be easily reached from there by car. I made an extensive day trip to both towns to stroll through the narrow lanes and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere.

With its colourful facades, its remarkable old town and its idyllic harbour, Piran won me over completely. In the narrow alleyways, which reminded me strongly of Italy, there are many lovely boutiques, cosy cafés and atmospheric bars. And the best part: anyone who wants to cool off in the high temperatures can jump straight into the sea from the promenade.

Stunning 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 north. More specifically: to the Soča Valley, which owes its name to the river of the same name running through it. And as they say: The best comes last! In my case that is absolutely true, because the Soča Valley is simply breathtaking and quickly became my favourite travel destination in Slovenia.

But one thing at a time! First I'd like to recommend the charming village of Kanal. It lies directly on the route north and is perfect for a short break during the drive. Anyone who stops here and takes in the historically beautiful scenery for a moment will understand why Kanal is a true insider tip. All I can say is: the stop is worth it!

After the short break, I continued to the town of Tolmin. I used my time there for leisurely walks in the area and for a few refreshing dips in the cold Soča River. I also made a day trip from here to the nearby town of Kobarid, where you should on no account miss the "Il sacrario militare di Caporetto": the elevated memorial not only offers a great view but also impresses with its striking architecture. Also worth a visit: the massive Napoleon Bridge over the Soča River and the impressive Kozjak Waterfall, which is just a short walk away.

Northern Soča around Bovec

After exploring the southern part of the Soča Valley thoroughly, I headed a little further north and closer to the Alpine foothills. Near the town of Bovec I rented a small cabin on a campsite and treated myself to a few days of pure nature – surrounded by forest and the sound of the river.

The northern Soča Valley is wonderful for hiking along the river: around Bovec it impresses with particularly vivid colours and beautiful rocks that line its course. In one place or another you can also swim in the gentle current, at least if you are reasonably thick-skinned. The river has its source close by and is incredibly icy around Bovec. The perfect way to cool down!

Time for canyoning and hiking tours

And now I have a tip for everyone who likes things a bit more action-packed: in the area around Bovec, "canyoning" is a particularly popular leisure activity. "Canyoning" means making 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 abseil down under a large waterfall, and other times you simply slide down the rock face. If that sounds appealing, you'll find many providers in Bovec where you can book a tour. Fun and an adrenaline rush guaranteed!

Less action, but just as impressive, are the many hiking trails around Bovec that lead high up into the Slovenian Alpine foothills. My highlight here was the hike to Lake Krn, the largest alpine lake in the country. 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-signposted hiking trail on foot, which takes you up to 1,391 metres. The beginning of the hike is very wooded, but above a certain altitude you pass through a beautiful mountain landscape, past grazing cows and small mountain huts, until you finally reach the crystal-clear mountain lake.