There are many routes leading from Kanal to Ljubljana. You can read all about them in our blog How to Get from Ljubljana to Kanal ob Soči: Our Favorite Routes.
This time, we decided to take our two kids (aged 2 and 6) on a slightly longer, but incomparably more scenic route over the Vršič Mountain Pass. Our goal was simple: turn the drive into a wonderful full-day trip packed with nature, stunning views, and delicious local food.
Route Overview
If you are planning to take the same journey, you can choose between two options:
Option A (using the highway in the Gorenjska region):
Route: Kanal ob Soči → Tolmin → Kobarid → Bovec → Trenta → Vršič → Kranjska Gora → Jesenice → (join the A2 highway) → Kranj → Ljubljana
Drive time: approx. 3,5 hours | Distance: approx. 180 km
Note: You will need a Slovenian e-vignette for the highway section.
Option B (entire route on regional roads / no vignette required):
Route: Kanal ob Soči → Tolmin → Kobarid → Bovec → Trenta → Vršič → Kranjska Gora → Jesenice → Radovljica → Kranj → Medvode → Ljubljana
Drive time: approx. 3 hours 20 mins – 3 hours 50 mins | Distance: approx. 165–175 km
Note: The entire journey follows local and regional roads, so no vignette is needed.
Morning Refreshment and a Scenic Drive Through the Soča Valley
We kicked off our morning with a refreshing dip in the Soča River at the beach closest to our accommodation Soca Guesthouse. Recharged and ready, we set off toward our first stop – Farm and Camp Jelinčič in the small village of Soča, nestled in the heart of the pristine Triglav National Park (about 64 km from Kanal).
The drive itself is breathtaking, tracing the Soča Valley and offering constant views of the emerald river and surrounding peaks. Near Kobarid, we took a detour along a side road passing the picturesque Napoleon Bridge and Camp Lazar (where you can stop for their famous, delicious pancakes!). Since we already had lunch planned, we drove past, enjoying the river views and the relaxed vibe of hikers, cyclists, and swimmers.
🌸 Fun fact along the way: If you keep an eye out for the blooming oleanders along the road, you'll notice that Kanal is the last place where the warm Mediterranean climate still allows these plants to be planted directly in the ground. In the village of Trnovo, you'll see many oleanders planted in pots along the road – locals fondly recall that there used to be even more, earning the stretch the nickname "the Oleander Road."
Culinary Stop at Jelinčič Farm
Along the drive, we admired the mighty Boka Waterfall and passed through Bovec before parking at Farm and Camp Jelinčič.
Their house specialty is trout served with sheep's milk cheese, though they prepare trout in several other delicious ways too. For anyone who loves traditional dishes, we highly recommend čompe (jacket potatoes) with salted cottage cheese (skuta) – it completely won us over again, and you can even buy some cheese to take home, which we definitely did! They also serve traditional Soča frika, lamb roulades, daily specials, and offer plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans.
The farm features a lovely lawn garden, a children's playground, and even a natural spring of fresh drinking water. After lunch, we took a short walk along the Soča River and refreshed ourselves once more. The water here is ice-cold (even at the peak of a summer heatwave!), but the air right by the river is so crisp and pleasant that you won't feel the heat at all.
The Ascent Over Vršič: Hairpin Turn After Hairpin Turn
We continued toward Trenta, where the ascent begins up one of Slovenia's most spectacular mountain roads – the road over the Vršič Pass (1,611 m). The road climbs steeply through a series of numbered hairpin turns (serpentines), rewarding you at every bend with magnificent views of the Julian Alps.
At the top, a breathtaking panorama unfolds. Parking at the summit is quite limited, so if you plan a longer stay during the peak summer months, we recommend arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The area also carries deep historical significance, as it intersects with the famous Walk of Peace (Pot miru), preserving the memory of the Isonzo Front. As you begin descending toward Kranjska Gora, don't miss a stop at the fairytale-like wooden Russian Chapel, built in memory of the Russian prisoners of war who constructed this impressive mountain road during World War I.
Afternoon Break by Lake Jasna
Before wrapping up our drive, we stopped in Kranjska Gora by the stunning Lake Jasna. The air here was several degrees cooler than in the valley, making a break on a blanket by the lake more than welcome.
We relaxed and watched swimmers and paddleboarders enjoying the water. Since we had packed a few light snacks, we enjoyed a lovely outdoor dinner right on the grass, took a short stroll around the lake, and then headed back to Ljubljana filled with wonderful memories.
Looking for more trip ideas and hidden gems around our guesthouse? Feel free to browse through the rest of our blog posts! If you have any questions regarding your booking or your route, we are always happy to help via message or email.