Hiking the Alpe Adria Trail: Triglav and Soca Valley

Begin your adventure in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia — a world-famous skiing resort located right in the heart of the Julian Alps, where Slovenia meets Austria and Italy. Kranjska Gora is an attractive mountain town full of life, with many options for outdoor enthusiasts. Relax and recharge your batteries in this charming town before setting out on the trail.

The first day will take you from Kranjska Gora to the Jasna Lakes: two mirror-like lakes of crystal-clear water nestled in a breathtaking mountain pass. As you walk through Alpine pastures and forests, you’ll reach two of the route’s most magical attractions: the small Russian Chapel at Vrsic – a famous work of art constructed out of wood in 1917 by Russian prisoners of war – and a famous viewpoint from which you can see the legendary “face of the Heathen Maiden” in the mountains. Enjoy spectacular views over the northern faces of the highest peaks from the highest mountain pass and reach the source of the Soca river. You’ll spend the night in the small village of Trenta.

Today’s stage takes you to the exciting Soca Trail and the most secret hidden corners of the Trenta Valley. Enjoy the walk through one of the most beautiful places in the whole of Triglav National Park! Cross a number of adrenaline-inducing hanging bridges, waterfalls, cascades, rapids and narrow rocky gorges. You’ll reach the spectacular 750m long Great Soca Gorge filled with deep emerald-green pools. The path will take you into Bovec, a small town surrounded by the peaks of the Julian Alps where you’ll spend the night.

Continue your hike along the Soca river and pass by the romantic Virje waterfall and the magical Bovec valley — the setting for part of Disney’s “The Chronicles of Narnia”! Further along the path, you’ll reach the imposing vertical rock walls of the Boka waterfall, the most breathtaking waterfall in Slovenia and among the most majestic in Europe. You’ll spend your evening in the delightful mountain village of Dreznica, the endpoint of today’s walk.

You’ll spend your fifth day in an area rich with history, encompassing memories of the First World War as well as the traditional way of life in this region. You can spot interesting traces of traditional life in the valley, particularly in the quiet Alpine villages of Krn and Vrsno. Along the trail, you will pass by grassy hillsides scattered with huts, which are a good place for you to take a break. The trail for the day finishes in Tolmin, the largest population centre in the Soca Valley.

As you leave the Soca Valley behind, you’ll come out on top of Mt Kolovrat, before descending towards the hills of the Natisone Valleys. Ascend Mt Kolovorat, which was the scene of bloody battles during the First World War, and today marks the border between Italy and Slovenia. The view from the top is widely regarded as the most beautiful view of the whole Alpe Adria Trail overlooking the Julian Alps and Friulian plain all the way to the Adriatic Sea. Once you enter Italian territory, begin to descend into the Natisone Valleys. As you walk through sleepy rural villages, you will reach the town of Tribil di Sopra, the finishing point for today.

The final day of the hike winds its way through the meadows and chestnut forests of the spectacular Natisone Valleys and the Judrio Valleys. Reach the historic Marian Sanctuary of Castelmonte that was fortified and extended over the course of the centuries. This small village remains a pilgrimage destination for many to this day. The final stage of your walk is the spectacular city of Cividale del Friuli, regarded as one of the most beautiful places in all of Friuli.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and, before heading home, explore the historic centre of Cividale. The city’s historical treasures received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2011. As you enjoy the atmosphere of the charming city, take a few last photos, and get ready to say goodbye to this beautiful area.