My next stop was the wine-growing area a bit further southwest in Slovenia. In the small village of Marezige, I rented a cozy holiday cabin right in the middle of the vineyards. That alone made the trip worthwhile. The area is also great for walking, enjoying the local cuisine, and, of course, drinking good wine. Moreover, the beautiful coastal towns of Koper and Piran can be easily reached by car from there. I took a day trip to both places to stroll through the small streets and soak up the Mediterranean flair.
With its colorful facades, picturesque old town, and idyllic harbor, Piran particularly captivated me. In the narrow alleys, which reminded me of Italy, you’ll find many lovely boutiques, cozy cafes, and atmospheric bars. And the best part: If you want to cool off in the high temperatures, you can jump straight into the sea from the waterfront promenade.
After staying in the wine region, I headed back north. More specifically: to the Soča Valley, which is named after the river of the same name. And as the saying goes, "The best comes last!" For me, this was absolutely true in this case because the Soča Valley is simply stunning and quickly became my favorite destination in Slovenia.
But first things first! I would like to recommend the charming village of Kanal to you. It lies directly on the way north and is perfect for a short break during the drive. Those who stop here and briefly take in the historically beautiful 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 to the village of Tolmin. I spent my time here taking long walks in the region and cooling off in the cold Soča River. I also made a day trip from here to the nearby town of Kobarid, where you definitely shouldn't miss “Il sacrario militare di Caporetto”: This elevated monument not only offers a great view but also impresses with its striking architecture. Also recommended: the massive Napoleon Bridge over the Soča River and the mighty Kozjak Waterfall, which is just a short walk away.
After extensively exploring the southern part of the Soča Valley, I traveled a little 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 great for hiking along the river: Around Bovec, it boasts particularly rich colors and beautiful rocks that decorate its course. At some points, you can also enjoy swimming in the gentle current – at least if you’re fairly hardy. The river springs nearby and is incredibly icy around Bovec. The perfect refreshment!
And now, I have a tip for all those who like a bit more action: In the area around Bovec, “Canyoning” is a particularly popular leisure activity. “Canyoning” means that, equipped with a wetsuit, helmet, ropes, carabiners, and other gear, you make your way through canyons: Sometimes you jump from one canyon pool to the next, sometimes you rappel down under a large waterfall, and other times you simply slide down the rock face. If that sounds fun, you’ll find many providers in Bovec where you can book a tour. Fun and adrenaline rush guaranteed!
Less action-packed but just as impressive are the many hiking trails around Bovec that lead high into the Slovenian Alpine foothills. My highlight was the hike to Lake Krn, the largest high-altitude 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 then follow the well-marked hiking trail that takes you up to 1,391 meters. The beginning of the hike is very wooded, but at a certain height, you’ll move through a beautiful mountain landscape, past grazing cows and small mountain huts, until you finally reach the crystal-clear mountain lake.
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