Wine Region, Koper & Piran
My next stop was the wine-growing region a bit 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 for that alone. The area is also wonderful for walking, enjoying regional cuisine and drinking good wine. In addition, the beautiful coastal towns of Koper and Piran can easily be reached from there by car. I took a full day trip to both towns to stroll through the narrow lanes and soak up the Mediterranean flair.
With its colourful façades, the picturesque old town and the idyllic harbour, Piran won me over completely. In the narrow alleys, which really reminded me of Italy, you'll find many lovely boutiques, cosy cafés 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.
Stunning Nature in the Soča Valley
Tolmin & Kobarid in the Southern Soča Valley
After my stay in the wine-growing region, it was back up north again. More precisely: to the Soča Valley, which owes its name to the river of the same name running through it. And as the saying goes: the best is saved for last! In my case, that's absolutely true, because the Soča Valley is simply dreamlike and quickly became my favourite destination in Slovenia.
But one thing at a time! First, I'd like to recommend the pretty village of Kanal. It lies right 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 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 a few dips to cool off in the cold Soča River. From there, I also took a day trip to the nearby town of Kobarid, where you absolutely 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 powerful Kozjak Waterfall, which lies just a short walk away.
Northern Soča Around Bovec
After spending plenty of time in the southern part of the Soča Valley, I headed 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 perfect for hiking along the river: around Bovec, it stands out with particularly vivid colours and beautiful rocks that line its course. In one spot or another, you can also bathe wonderfully in the gentle current, at least if you're reasonably hardy. The river originates nearby 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 leisure 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 abseil down beneath 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-packed but just as impressive are the many hiking trails around Bovec, which lead high up into the Slovenian foothills of the Alps. My 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-signposted hiking trail on foot, which takes you up to an altitude of 1,391 metres. The start of the hike is very wooded, but from a certain altitude onward, you pass through a stunning 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.
About the author
Michelle Albrecht