Soča River in Slovenia: Pure Beauty

Soča (pronounced as "socha") River, also known as the Isonzo, is one of the most picturesque watercourses flowing through Slovenia. Its length is about 138 kilometers and it originates on the slope of the Julian Alps. Soča is known for the unique landscapes of the Alpine valleys, crystal clear water and many natural and man-made attractions located along its course.

Valley of Soča

The source of Soča is a karst spring in the lower part of the slope of the Velika Dnina, several tens of meters above the bottom of the Zadnja Trenta valley, at an altitude of 990 m. In spring and summer, the uppermost part of Soča is a beautiful alpine stream that flows past Kochi at the source of Soča through small waterfalls to the valley floor where it is first joined by a tributary of the Zadnja Trenta.

Napoleon's bridge on Soča

In ancient times, Soča was known by different names: Ezontius, Zontius, Ezontio, but most often under the name Izontius. It is possible that its original Slavic name was Sotya and came from the Latin name Sontiy, which probably comes from the Indo-European word "heis" - to move quickly, to rush. Another possible explanation is that the name comes from the pre-Roman word "aĭs" - water, river.

Soča gorge

At the same time, it is known as "Isonzo" in Italian, and this name is associated with historical and ethnic aspects. After World War I, the border between Italy and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes followed the river, leading to the double name.

Between 1915 and 1917, the Soča Front ran along the Soča Valley and its surrounding mountains, claiming the lives of over 300,000 Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers. Many of them were Slovenes and representatives of other Slavic peoples. The front ran all the way from Rombone to the Gulf of Trieste, and left behind many war cemeteries, fortified positions and other remains along which the memorial Peace Trail from the Alps to the Adriatic runs. The Kobari Museum in Kobarid is also dedicated to the war. As a result of the war, the local population also suffered greatly, since all residents from the vicinity of the front were resettled to other places, but when they returned, their houses were mostly destroyed.

Small waterfalls in Soča gorge

There are many attractions along the shores of Soča. Magnificent mountain views, picturesque villages and ancient castles make this region attractive to tourists. Perhaps the most famous site is the town of Kobarid, home to the First World War Museum, which tells the history of the region and the events of that time.

Soča canyon

Tourists can also enjoy an active holiday by rafting or kayaking on the Soča River. Its fast currents and beautiful scenery make this region a great destination for adventure and nature lovers.

The most exciting spots along Soca river

Starting from the source Soca is stunning. And if you are active, fit and have enough time you cn take the Soca hiking trail,starting from the source and hike down to the town of Bovec and further. When if you are limited with time it's better just to do a number of stops on the way down the valley.

The source of Soca is located on the way from Vrsic mountain pass down to Bovec and is not too crowded throughout the year. Other spots one shouldnt miss are gorges of Soca: Big and Small ones. When small gorge offer nice views from the banks and a bridge, big gorges of Soca is a small hike along and a few spots for swimming in the river.

Further down the road we find a small town of Bovec, famous for river activities they offer here: perfect destination if you want to try rafting, canyoning or kayaking in Slovenia.

When you follow the river further to the south, there is a number of unique locations and landmarks. Such as Boka waterfall, Napoleon's bridge, Kozjak waterfall, Kobarid (with St. Anthony church and famous WWI museum). Further down the river and a little aside you can also find one of the most beautiful gorges of Slovenia: Tolmin gorge.

Activities on Soca river

This area of Slovenia is known not only for natural beauty and emerald waters of the river, but also for a wide variety of activities, offered here. Small town of Bovec with less than 1500 of inhabitants is a kind of a local capital of rafting and kayaking. There is a number of small tour companies, offering their services here. For instance you can check: Soca Rider, Soca Rafting doo or Aqua Tours Bovec. Also one can go paragliding with Bovec Guide 360 or Tandem Paragliding Bovec.

Where to stay to explore Soca river

The best option would be Bovec or it's area. In this case you have Soca gorges close by, all the river activities are widely proposed and it's not too far to Kobarid/Kozjak waterfall. Decent hotels in Bovec would be Dobra Vila Bovec, hotel Soca, hotel Sanje ob Soci (Dreams by Soca)