Best things to do in Soča Valley

See a different side of Slovenia's Alps on a river rafting or tubing trip. Float down an emerald-green river past the karst landscape of limestone rocks and green woods with professional, informative, and friendly guides who will make you feel safe throughout the experience. In addition to rafting and tubing, you can go kayaking, canyoneering, and ziplining in the biggest adventure park in Slovenia. Tours usually take 3-4 hours and can be customized to your age and experience level.

Trek around Tolmin Gorge to discover its many natural features, including the Bear's Head, a fallen moss-covered rock stuck between its walls like a bridge. The gorge is the lowest entry point into Triglav National Park. Devil's Bridge, a steel bridge that replaced an older wooden one from 1907, shelters a small cave with a thermal spring. At the entrance, get a map and inquire where to go. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water and food. The scenery along the gorge features many wet, dark tunnels, crossings, rapids, and waterfalls. Notice the green-blue color of the crystal clear water, the result of its mineral content.

The Kozjak Brook cascades over many slopes, forming the six picturesque Kozjak Waterfall along its way. Walk from Kobarid through a lush forest along the river to reach Great Kozjak, one of the two accessible falls. On your way there you can make a short detour and see the remains of the World War I bunkers on the right. Cross a swing bridge and walk over a slippery limestone path to reach the wooden observation deck. Plunging from a height of 15 m (50 ft), the waterfall carves a dim underground chamber that looks like a rocky amphitheater. The chamber's increasingly narrow walls resemble karst caves and the vast turquoise pool covers its bottom.

At Kobarid Museum learn about one of the bloodiest battles of World War I, which Ernest Hemingway vividly described in his novel "A Farewell to Arms." Unlike most of the battles, which were fought in the trenches, this one took place on hilly terrain. A very modern two-building complex houses graphic exhibits documenting the course of the fighting and the lives of soldiers. See photographs, uniforms, weapons, personal items, maps, and large landscape models. Most of the text is in English and you can also watch a 10-minute film in several languages to get the big picture.

See the area from above with some parasailing or paragliding tours in Bovec. Tours last between just a couple of hours to half the day, so you'll easily choose an experience that fits into your schedule. If you're totally new to these activities, look for operators running tandem paragliding adventures, which offer an exciting yet safe way to see the landscape from a bird's-eye view and work well for beginners. Some companies may even offer various packages, allowing travelers to join flights with other land-based activities around the region.

Located in the west part of Slovenia, Boka Waterfall starts as a karst spring and features two stages. Below the cascade, one of the shortest creeks in the country flows over a valley and empties into the Soca River. You will be able to see the waterfall from the road, but if you wish to gain a better perspective, follow the gravel path uphill.