This Turquoise Slot Canyon in Slovenia Will Have You Wondering Why It’s a Hidden Gem
The gorgeous, emerald-green Soča River winds for 137 km through the Soča River Valley, passing by and through a large number of towns (Soča, Bovec, Kobarid, Kanal ob Soči, and many, many others). It’s one of the most gorgeous spots in Slovenia, a country packed with incredible landscapes.
Between the Source of the Soča and the town of Bovec runs the 25 km Soča River Trail, a hiking path right along the river, with spectacular mountain and water views.
While there are many great spots along the Soča River Trail, the section just outside of the town of Soča is truly special. Here, the river narrows into a tight slot canyon, known as the Great Soča Gorge, or Velika Korita Soče in Slovenian.
The gorge is only 750 meters long, but it packs a punch with high, curving, undulating walls, a couple of small waterfalls, areas of rapids, and areas of calm, undisturbed dark green water. There are several bridges over the 10-15 meters high gorge and many, many viewpoints to admire the enchanting canyon views.
Where Exactly is the Great Soča Gorge?
The Velika Korita Soce is located in Triglav National Park, on an isolated area of Highway 206, between the towns of Bovec and Trenta.
What the Great Soča Gorge is Like
Three bridges span the gorge—one at the beginning, middle, and end—while a dirt path runs alongside it, offering plenty of scenic lookout points along the way.
The Eastern Edge
If you park at the eastern parking lot just off of 206, you’ll cross a bridge over the river and then hit a dirt path running parallel to the river. If you turn left here and walk for about 5 minutes, you’ll see where the river widens, and the gorge begins. The water right at the beginning of the Great Soča Gorge is very agitated and has vigorous rapids.
If you start following the main dirt trail back down and along the Great Soča Gorge, you’ll see little dirt paths leading off the main trail down to the river – there are dozens of these little offshoots.
These paths are only 10-30 seconds long and take you to picturesque overlooks of the river. You’ll be high above the canyon, looking down at the turquoise water, rapids, and curving canyon walls.
Be very careful on these little overlooks, as they are small, often have uneven surfaces and roots in the path, no railings, and a wrong step or a slip will plunge you down into the water below.
Still, these little paths and viewpoints are the best part of visiting the Great Soča Gorge!
If you’re heading west on the trail, about 4-5 minutes after the main bridge by the parking lot is another, smaller bridge where you can admire the river.
Right after this second bridge is an offshoot to a fairly large viewing area that drops down much closer to the river. Here, you’ll get an absolutely incredible look up the gorge, with relatively calm, deep turquoise water surrounded by dark canyon walls.
You can walk all the way down to the end of the Soča River Gorge on this path (it’s only a 1.5 km hike round trip), or you can drive between the eastern and western ends.
I loved this eastern section of the gorge, but I also just adored the western edge. Even if you aren’t hiking the entire path, I think both sides are worth driving to and visiting.
The Western Edge
The western edge of the Great Soča Gorge is where the gorge ends and the river opens back up. This is a beautiful area, with a lot of areas to scramble and explore the rocks at the mouth of the gorge, and views directly into the canyon.
The water here is calm and deep, and is a great spot for swimming. (Although be warned that the Soča is extremely cold, but we still saw several people jumping in the water!)
At the mouth of the gorge, the water is the most gorgeous blue-green turquoise, with pine trees along the shore and mountain peaks in the distance. We spent a while just taking in the view here – it was so peaceful and just absolutely breathtaking.
There are a lot of spots right along the mouth of the gorge to walk along the cliffs, admire the views, take pictures, and relax for a while.
There were a few other groups around, hanging out, having a picnic, jumping into the deeper river pools, and enjoying a leisurely summer evening. I really wish we would’ve done what I saw a few other groups doing – enjoying a picnic of takeout pizza along the rocks!
Things to Do Nearby
The area around the Great Soča Gorge is full of incredible things to see and do. Here are a few things that definitely should be on your Slovenia itinerary:
Source of the Soča: A short but super adventurous and exciting climb up to the cave and waterfall where the Soča River starts.
Bovec and White Water Rafting: You can’t come to Bovec and not go white water rafting on the Soča! This white water rafting tour is SO fun and scenic (and you get to slide from the rafts to the water, and get free pictures)
Boka, Globoski, and Virje Waterfalls Near Bovec: Some of the most incredible waterfalls in Slovenia are located near Bovec. Definitely don’t miss the mighty Boka Waterfall or the emerald Virje Falls.
Lake Krn Hike: Hike 8 miles (12 km) up into the mountains to reach a gorgeous alpine lake. Both the hike itself and the views at the end are stunning.
Vrsič Pass: Drive up 25 tight switchbacks taking you 1000 meters up to the top of a mountain pass, to enjoy beautiful views and a series of hiking options. The views along the pass are insane.
The Wrap Up
The Soča is easily one of the most beautiful rivers I have ever seen, and the Great Soča Gorge is an enchanting slot canyon on the river. The water is clear and deep turquoise and the nature around it is pristine, and it’s legitimately one of the most stunning places I’ve ever seen.
