Visit four of Slovenia's most underrated destinations - Most Na Soci, Tolmin Gorge, Kobarid and Slap Kozjak. Read on to find out more!

Slovenia is still a relatively underrated destination in the grand scheme of things, especially given how gorgeous the country is. Only covering 20,273 square kilometres (7,827 square miles) and with a modest population of 2.07 million people, Slovenia is considered a small country. But what the country lacks in size, it makes up for in sheer beauty. 

Alpine scenery, imposing mountains, alluring rivers, windswept coastlines, fairytale castles and intricate architecture...Slovenia has it all, packed into one tiny country. 

You’ve probably heard of Lake Bled, and maybe the Postojna Caves, Predjama Castle and Lake Bohinj. But, beyond these spectacular attractions, there is still so, so much more to see in Slovenia.  

If you’re looking for a day trip that’s a little bit different and off-the-beaten track, then read on to learn about our visit to four of Slovenia’s underrated attractions: Most Na Soci, Tolmin Gorge, Kobarid and Slap Kozjak.

How do I get around?

While it is possible to take the bus to these attractions, I would highly recommend renting a car and driving instead to make the most of your time. We recommend using Europcar - they have offices at Ljlubljana Airport, the downtown area near Ljubljana train station area and also in Nova Gorica.

Consider going on a guided tour

Alternatively, you can join a guided tour and visit some of these sites, as well as other worthy sights around Slovenia. The ones we recommend are:

• Full Day exploring Triglav National Park - includes Bled, Tolmin, Napoleon Bridge, Vrsic pass, Slap Kozjak, Lake Jasna and more

• Soca Valley Tour - includes Vrsic Pass, Trenta Valley and Tolmin Gorge

• Emerald River and Kozjak Day Trip Tour - includes Soca Valley, Slap Kozjak and Kobarid

Driving is the best way to go

We definitely recommend driving to complete this day trip due to the lack of pubic transport.

From Ljubljana, Most Na Soci is about a 2-2.5 hour drive. While Google Maps will tell you it takes much less (closer to 1.5 hours), the ride will probably take longer because you’ll be driving on winding and narrow roads, where there will only be space for one car to pass.

From Most Na Soci, Tolmin Gorge is about a 15-minute drive.

From Tolmin Gorge, Kobarid is about a 25-30 minute drive.

From Kobarid, Slap Kozjak is about a 10 minute drive to the trailhead.

Finally, from Slap Kozjak, Ljubljana is about a 2-2.5 hour drive.

Use these times to plan effectively – as you can see, some of the drives are quite long, so you should get going early to maximise your time. However, this day trip is completely doable.

On our day trip, we didn’t feel rushed at all.

… Now, let’s begin our day trip shall we?

1) Most Na Soci

Most na Soči is a quaint, small town in the Municipality of Tolmin. With a population of 236 people, you’ll want to visit this picturesque town to witness the Soca and Indrija rivers intertwining with each other. Although Most Na Soci’s lake is artificial, the water is a beautiful emerald green, just like other parts of the Soca river. The tranquil lake lays elegantly while mountains tower over it in the background.

If you want a unique spot along the Soca River to go rafting, kayaking or swimming, Most Na Soci could be a good spot for you to do this.

2) Tolmin Gorge

Tolmin Gorge is an absolutely gorge-eous (I couldn’t resist, I’m sorry) 1-km long gorge, situated in Triglav National Park. This gorge was created by both the Tolminka and Zadlascica Rivers.

The best way to visit Tolmin Gorge is to follow the main trail. Ask for a map at the admissions counter, and follow all the signs that point towards the little attractions within the area. Prices for adults are about 5-8 Euro, but it depends on the season. The trail is easy and suitable for all levels of physical fitness if you take it relatively slowly. A round trip of the walk takes about one hour.

You’ll find detailed information about the attractions around Tolmin Gorge in the pamphlet you receive when you enter, but some spots to visit are: 

• The Confluence of the Tolminka and Zadlascica Rivers

• Narrow Gorge of Tolminka River

• Suspension Bridge

• Bear’s Head

• Devil’s Bridge

• Dante’s Cave

Confluence

This is the point where the Tolminka and Zadlascica Rivers intertwine. It’s the first stop you’ll see on your walk around Tolmin Gorge. When we visited, some locals were swimming in the water as well – if this is something you were keen on doing, make sure to bring your swim gear and water shoes.

Narrow Gorge of Tolminka River

The Narrow Gorge is probably the most picturesque part of Tolmin Gorge. The emerald waters of the gorge are especially green here.

Suspension Bridge

The Suspension Bridge is a nice little detour before you head back to the main trail, as it provides more great views of the gorge’s clear green water.

Bear’s Head

Bear’s Head is a rock wedged in between two limestone formations. The rock looks like a bear’s head, hence why it’s been named Bear’s Head. It’s a cool, quick photo stop before moving on to the next attraction.

Dante’s Cave

Dante’s Cave is basically a large hole in the limestone formation that presents itself as a ‘cave’. It’s a nice little spot to see as part of your visit.

Devil’s Bridge

Devil’s Bridge is the highest bridge in Tolmin Gorge, and provides the best aerial panoramas of the Gorge. We thought it was especially neat because we were dying to get a drone shot in somehow, and then we found Devil’s Bridge – and figured we didn’t even need to take the drone out to get a shot from above!

After you’re done visiting Tolmin Gorge, it’s time for your next stop of the day - Kobarid.

3) Kobarid and Napolean Bridge

Kobarid is a settlement with a small population of 1,090, and is known for the 1917 Battle of Caporetto during World War I. Today, Kobarid is a growing tourist destination offering visitors a chance to experience the emerald green waters of the Soča (Isonzo) Valley.

Travellers can go kayaking, canyoneering or cliff diving in the Soča Valley. The dramatic Napoleon Bridge serves as a stunning viewpoint of the valley. Nearby waterfalls Kozjak, Boka and Virje all make the trip even more worth it. A visit to the acclaimed Kobarid Museum will also provide knowledgeable insight into the history of the municipality.

Parking for the magnificent Napolean Bridge is found nearby – you do have to pay, but you won’t have to stay for long as it’s not hard to take photos of the bridge. 

Once you’re done exploring Kobarid, it’s time check out one of Slovenia’s coolest waterfalls - Slap Kozjak!

4) Slap Kozjak

To get to Slap Kozjak, you’ll need to find a big parking lot near Napolean Bridge just in front of Camp Koren. From the parking lot, walk down about 100 metres towards the village of Dreznica until you see signage for Slap Kozjak.

Slap Kozjak is a beautiful, mysterious-looking waterfall that sits at about 15m high. To see Slap Kozjak’s striking green water, you’ll have to embark on a 20-30-minute walk. Coming back to the parking lot might take longer, as it will be an ascending walk, so allow for at least 1 hour and 20 minutes overall to be safe. The walk is easy, and you just have to follow the path. If you see a suspension bridge, don’t cross it – while pretty, you want to keep following the path to Slap Kozjak.

Once you reach the viewing platform, you’ll have the opportunity to walk inside the Karst cave to witness these enchanting falls!

We hope you enjoyed our itinerary visiting these underrated attractions in Slovenia!

Visited, or planning to visit Slovenia? Let us know in the comments below!