Travel Report Slovenia: Part 4
Wine Region, Koper & Piran
My next stop was the wine-growing region a little further into the southwest of Slovenia. In the small town of Marezige, I had rented a cozy holiday cottage right in the middle of the vineyards. The journey was worth it just for that alone. But the area is also wonderful for going on walks, enjoying the regional cuisine, and drinking good wine. Additionally, the beautiful coastal towns of Koper and Piran are easily reachable from there by car. I made an extensive day trip to both places to stroll through the small alleys and soak up the Mediterranean flair.
With its colorful facades, the beautiful old town, and the idyllic harbor, Piran particularly captivated me. In the narrow alleys, which almost reminded me 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 runs through it. And as the saying goes: the best is saved for last! In my case, this was absolutely true, because the Soča Valley is simply stunning 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 to you. It lies directly on the way up north and is perfect for a short break during the drive. Anyone who stops here and briefly takes in the historically beautiful scenery will understand why Kanal is a true hidden gem. All I can say is: the stop is worth it!
After the short break, I continued on to the town of Tolmin. I used my time here for extensive walks in the region and a few refreshing dips in the cold Soča River. I also took a day trip from here to the nearby town of Kobarid, where you definitely shouldn't miss the "Il sacrario militare di Caporetto": the elevated monument not only offers a fantastic view but also impresses with its striking architecture. Also highly recommended: the massive Napoleon Bridge over the Soča River and the powerful Kozjak Waterfall, which is just a short walk away.
Northern Soča Around Bovec
After extensively exploring the southern part of the Soča Valley, I ventured a bit further north, 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 sound of the flowing river.
The northern Soča Valley is wonderful for hiking along the river: around Bovec, it captivates with particularly vivid colors and beautiful rocks that adorn its course. In a few spots, you can also bathe wonderfully in the gentle current, at least if you're somewhat hardy. The river originates quite close by and is incredibly icy around Bovec. The perfect way to cool off!
Time for Canyoning and Hiking Tours
And now I have a tip for anyone who likes things a bit more action-packed: in the area around Bovec, "canyoning" is a particularly popular activity. "Canyoning" means that, equipped with a wetsuit, helmet, ropes, carabiners, and other gear, you make your way through canyons: sometimes jumping from one canyon pool to the next, sometimes rappelling down under a large waterfall, and at other times simply sliding 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 equally impressive are the many hiking trails around Bovec, which 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 then follow the well-marked hiking trail on foot, which takes you up to 1391 meters in altitude. The beginning of the hike is quite forested, but from a certain height onward, you pass through a beautiful mountain landscape, past grazing cows and small mountain huts, until you finally reach the crystal-clear mountain lake.
You can find all the important information about the toll in Slovenia in our guide.
