Soča Valley located in the western part of Slovenia pays for great place for people that like to stay active during their holiday. Surroundings of the Soča river nicknamed as The Emerald Beauty due to its emerald-green water provides great locations for outdoor activities.There is so much o adventure out there:  hiking, rating, paragliding and longest ZipLine in the country.

There also numerous historical sights around Soča. During the WWI, valley was part of the Isonzo Front, where approximately 1.7 million soldiers died. There is special trail to commemorate the WWI’s history:   Walk of Peace (Pot Miru in Slovenian) covers some of the major sites of WWI and the natural highlights of the Soča Valley. It is 90km long and it’s divided into five one-day sections.

HOW TO GET TO SOČA VALLEY

Soča Valley is 1,5 – 2 hours drive from Ljubljana. As the alternative way through Italy is currently closed sue to landslide, you will have to travel over the Vršič mountain range. Get ready for lots of amazing views but also lots of curves!

These are 5 places you shouldn’t miss when chasing the history of Isonzo Front.

01 | Log pod Mangartom

It’s settlement surrounded by mountain peaks. Outdoor museum and Štoln Tunnel mark the beginning of the Walk of peace. The tunnel was used as railway during the WWI.

02 | Kluže Fortress

The fortress stands at the top of a narrow canyon and it was built as control post at the river crossing. The history of the fortress goes back to 15^th century (at that time, it was wooden). The fortress in the current shape is was re-built by Austrians in 1882. Inside, there is tourism office and a museum (only open during the summer).

03 | Ravelnik outdoor museum

There is path along the onetime Austro-Hungarian first line of defence. You can go inside the connection tunnels and caves. I recommend to visit the spot with local guide who can tell you more about the soldier’s life.

04 | Italian Charnel House

The Charnel House is located on Gradič hill in city of Kobarid.  It was built around the already existing Church of St. Anthony (constructed in 1696) The Charnel House was opened by Benito Mussolini.

There is Mortal remains of 7,014 known and unknown Italian soldiers who had been killed on the Soča Front.  It’s part of 5km-long Kobarid Historical Walk.

05 | Kobarid museum

The museum covers two and a half years of static fighting and in its focused especially on the 12th Isonzo battle, also known as the Caporetto breakthrough. There are lots of photographs and items documenting the battles in the valley. There is also 20-minute multimedia presentation.

WHERE TO STAY IN IN SOČA VALLEY?

I stayed at Hotel Mangart in Bovec, which has good location when visiting the historical sights. It’s modern and comfortable hotel with OK prices. I got to taste some of the traditional Slovenian food in the hotel restaurant (so tasty!). My room had balcony with view of Julian Alps. The scenery was just perfect!

Would you like to try Slovenia’s longest Zipline? Read my other artcile Learning to fly: Zipline in Bovec, Slovenia

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Disclaimer: My trip to Slovenia was possible thanks to Slovenija center Praha.

Veronika Tomanova

Blogger at Veronika's Adventure

Veronika Tomanova is the founder of award-winning solo female travel blog Veronika’s Adventure, featuring travel tips, guides and stories from around the world. She is from Czech Republic and has been to 30+ countries.