Sometimes, the best trips are the ones you plan just a few hours in advance. One weekday morning, my girlfriend and I set off to explore the upper part of the Soča Valley—all the way from Most na Soči to Bove
Our journey began at the Soča Guesthouse in Kanal ob Soči. We drove toward Most na Soči along a winding road that snakes alongside the turquoise Soča River and between green hills. The drive took about 25 minutes, and the route itself is a real experience; paragliders often soar above the valley, and the views of the surrounding peaks constantly tempt you to stop at every turn.
Cruising Soča on the Lucija Boat
In Most na Soči, we left our car in the paid parking lot by the harbor, which costs €1.50 per hour. From there, we boarded a local boat named Lucija (after a local legend), which operates daily throughout the season with varying timetables.
The adult ticket price is €12, with various discounts available depending on the visitor's age and status. Advance reservations are also possible for larger groups, and payment is cash-only.
The boat is pleasantly spacious, mostly shaded, and on board, you can enjoy cold drinks, coffee, cocktails, and a few snacks at completely reasonable prices. We treated ourselves to a non-alcoholic radler, served with a smile by a friendly lady.
The captain also ensured a great atmosphere, sharing interesting stories, legends, and historical facts about the area during the cruise. He spoke only in Slovenian since all the passengers were Slovenian, but I assume he speaks other languages too, as listed on their website. We particularly remember the view of the famous Bohinj Railway, which you can take to other nearby towns, a visit to a cave where a dragon supposedly once lived, and sailing through a narrow canal that felt almost magical.
Every passenger even had the chance to take the helm for a few moments. The entire ride lasted about an hour and ten minutes. The calm and crystal-clear water invites you for a swim, and in the summer, this part of the Soča is also very popular among kayakers and paddleboarders (SUPs).
A Walk to Kozjak Waterfall (Slap Kozjak)
After the boat ride, we got back in the car and, after about twenty minutes of driving, found ourselves in Kobarid, at the parking lot for Kozjak Waterfall. Parking is paid and costs €1.20 per hour, and the hike toward the waterfall practically starts right at the parking lot.
A well-maintained, wide, and very easy trail leads to the waterfall, taking about twenty minutes. Most of the path runs alongside the crystal-clear Soča River, where there are plenty of pleasant spots to rest and swim. There are also tables and benches along the way, so we enjoyed a small snack at one of these spots. Even though we were wearing regular city shoes, the trail didn't cause us any trouble at all.
After about fifteen minutes of walking, the path heads into the forest, where you are accompanied by a small stream and a pleasant chill. Shortly after, you arrive at a well-kept park that leads all the way to the waterfall.
Entry costs €5 per person. At first, the price seemed a bit high for visiting a natural sight, but once we reached the destination, we quickly changed our minds. The path to the waterfall is beautiful. Wooden bridges, small streams, and green vegetation create a wonderful atmosphere. At the end, a true masterpiece of nature awaits you—a turquoise lagoon hidden beneath a rocky arch, into which the Kozjak Waterfall empties.
Dogs are also allowed entry into the park. On the way back, we got caught in a sudden storm, so unfortunately, we had to abandon our plans to swim in the Soča river.
A View of the Mighty Boka Waterfall (Slap Boka)
Once the rain calmed down a bit, we headed toward our next stop. After about twenty minutes of driving, we arrived at the viewpoint for Boka Waterfall. There is parking available if you want to go to the waterfall.
The upper part of the waterfall can be clearly seen from the road, and a gentle forest trail leads closer to it. I would definitely recommend the trail to any visitor, as the environment around the waterfall itself is supposedly much more beautiful. Due to the bad weather, we decided against the hike this time, so we continued our journey toward Bovec.
A Short Walk to Virje Waterfall (Slap Virje)
From Bovec, we turned onto a smaller road leading toward one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the area—Virje Waterfall. The parking lot near the waterfall is paid and costs a hefty €4 per hour, even though it is only about a five-minute walk to the waterfall itself.
The path is short, routed through the forest, and slopes gently down toward the waterfall. After just a few minutes of walking, you are greeted by a pleasantly cool and green oasis where a gorgeous waterfall is hidden among the rocks. The surroundings are very well-maintained and incredibly refreshing, though swimming is not allowed due to the area being protected.
Our Impression
We especially liked this trip because there were no long drives between the individual destinations, and all the sights are only about a twenty-minute walk away. This way, you can see a surprising amount in just half a day.
The Soča Valley proves time and again why it is considered one of Slovenia's most beautiful regions. Every bend hides a new view, and every stop brings a new story.