If you’re looking for a destination that combines natural beauty with opportunities for adventure to keep everyone in the family happy (yes, even teens), look no further than Slovenia’s Soča Valley.
Slovenia was named the world’s first officially ‘green’ destination in 2016 — and the Soča Valley seems to be at the very heart of the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism and protecting the environment. We were wowed by the scenery in this region, and how unspoilt it was.
Looking for a day tour to the Soča Valley from Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana?
BOOK A DAY TRIP to the Soča Valley HERE
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In the northwestern corner of Slovenia, the gatorade blue Soča River makes its way through mountain peaks, valleys, and waterfalls – and the setting looks straight out of a fantasy film. From white water rafting down crystal clear rapids to hiking in hidden gorges, exploring WWI history and sampling amazing local food – this part of Slovenia is not to be missed.
And the best bit? Although it’s becoming more popular, it’s still relatively untouched by mass tourism, which makes it feel like you’ve stumbled onto one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.
Where Is Slovenia’s Soča Valley?
The Soča Valley stretches from the Julian Alps in Triglav National Park down to Nova Gorica near the Italian border. The highlight is the Soča River, aka The Emerald River for its amazing turquoise-green colour.
The river’s colour (bright blue in some sections, jade green in others) really has to be seen to be believed – it’s caused by sunlight reflecting off limestone particles suspended in the water. When you see it in person, you’ll understand why people stop mid-drive just to stand and stare.
A fact for history and literature fans: this valley was the site of the infamous WWI Battles of the Isonzo. Ernest Hemingway was inspired by the time he spent here to write A Farewell to Arms.
Getting to the Soča Valley
- By car: Getting to and around the Soca Valley by car is the easiest way for families. From Ljubljana it’s about 2.5 hours, and it’s around 1.5 hours from Trieste in Italy. Driving over the winding and thrilling Vršič Pass (closed during the winter) is a fun adventure in itself. Driving the Vršič Pass is how we reached the Soca Valley.
BOOK YOUR RENTAL CAR FOR SLOVENIA HERE
- By public transport: In summer, hop-on hop-off buses connect towns in the valley. Otherwise, trains run as far as Most na Soči, where you can transfer on to a local bus.
Don’t have your own transport and interested in a guided day trip from Ljubljana? BOOK HERE
- Insider tip for families: If you’re planning on staying in the area, I’d strongly recommend renting a car. A car makes life much simpler — especially with kids in tow and if you’re camping or bringing hiking gear.
How to Get Around
To get around the valley, you can:
Drive between towns (Bovec, Kobarid, Tolmin) – they’re all relatively close.
Hop on summer shuttles that link the main adventure spots.
Rent bikes if you’re keen for a slower pace (there are lots of family-friendly cycle routes which follow the river).
Where to Stay in the Soča Valley
There are lots of different options when it comes to accommodation in this part of Slovenia. From camping and glamping to apartments and farmhouses, there’ll be something to suit your family.
Glamping for families: Slovenia does glamping brilliantly. We stayed in a pod at Top Rafting Center, which meant we didn’t have to travel anywhere else for our white water rafting experience. They also have an apartment, and space for you to pitch your own tent, if that’s your thing. We loved the pods, which are right next to a stream and come with their own hammock, table and chairs.
Farmhouses: In Kobarid, check out Tourist Farm Kranjc, which offers a warm, authentic Slovenian stay (and home-cooked breakfasts).
Camping: If your family loves the outdoors, riverside campsites like Camp Korita make a great base, and are great value options
Where to Eat
Hiša Polonka (Kobarid): This is foodie heaven, and was recommended to us. They don’t take reservations, so we advise you get there early (around 6.30pm if possible). There are only a few dishes on the menu but they’re all mouthwateringly good – you won’t find more authentic Slovenian fare.
Gostilna Sovdat (Bovec): Family-friendly, this place serves up huge portions of Slovenian classics.
Thirty River Brewing: A casual venue which does a good burger (and beer, of course).
Best Things to Do in the Soča Valley with Teens
1. Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
The Soča River is a dream location for adventure-seekers. Families with teens will love rafting down the Class II and III rapids. Tours are guided, and filled with just the right level of adrenaline to suit a range of ages.
We went with Top Rafting Center, as we were staying on site. Our guide was a little surly (other guides in our cohort were much friendlier) but things otherwise felt professional. And, when the sun is shining on that blue water and you’re drifting down the river, there’s nowhere else you’ll rather be.
A fun part of the experience for our kids was when they turned one of the boats upside down, attached it to a large rock and encouraged us to jump or run down the upturned boat into the water (you’ll realise you definitely need that wetsuit – the water’s cold)!
Another highly recommended company for Soča valley rafting, if you’re staying elsewhere is Soča Adventure:
BOOK RAFTING EXPERIENCE WITH SOCA ADVENTURE HERE
- Good to know: Rafting is only permitted between March 15 and Oct 31, at designated entry points (permits are required; your tour operator/ guide will handle this).
2. Ziplining in Bovec
Bovec has one of Europe’s longest zipline parks. A guaranteed adrenaline junkie’s dream, you’ll whizz above the valley at up to 60 km/h. Trust me, teens will brag about this one for months.
Many of the rafting companies offer other activities, including zip lining and canyoning. This ziplining experience offered by Soca Rafting is a popular one:
BOOK ZIPLINING EXPERIENCE WITH SOCA RAFTING HERE
3. Hike Tolmin Gorge
Tolmin Gorge is a relatively easy 2km family hike with definite wow factor: turquoise pools, Devil’s Bridge, Bear Head rock, and spots to dip your feet into the water. If your kids or teens aren’t usually excited about hiking, they’ll probably enjoy this hike – and love how dramatic it feels. It’s one of the easiest (and most beautiful) Soča valley hikes.
4. Slap Boka Waterfall
At 136m, this is Slovenia’s tallest waterfall. A short hike takes you to the viewpoint. Slap Boka was very close to where we were staying, so we could walk there. You can also park in the Hotel Boka car park (opposite). If you don’t have time for the walk, you can get a pretty good view of the waterfall from the roadside.
5. Canyoning
We didn’t try this, but if your teens (or you!) are up for it, canyoning is a thrilling experience and a popular option in Bovec. Canyoning is pretty physical and can include abseiling, swimming, jumping and sliding down a river canyon, so you need to have a reasonable level of fitness and strength.
BOOK CANYONING EXPERIENCE WITH SOCA ADVENTURE HERE
6. WWI History in Kobarid
Follow the Kobarid Historical Trail: Napoleon Bridge, WWI bunkers, and the award-winning Kobarid Museum. The stories are moving, and older kids, and those who are fascinated by history may find the museum interesting.
7. Swim & Chill by the Soča
Though the water is more than a little chilly, there are calm spots near Bovec and Kobarid where you can go for a dip. Best kept for very hot days.
Why the Soča Valley makes a great family holiday
This isn’t a sit-by-the-pool kind of holiday. It’s a place to get muddy, get wet, get outside — and disconnect from screens. With activities ranging from rafting and canyoning to zip-lining, this is a destination for those who love adventure.
This is perfect for older kids and teens who need to be kept busy. And it’ll be the kind of family trip that sticks with you for years to come.
3 Day Family Itinerary for the Soča Valley, Slovenia
Day 1: Arrival & Easy Explorations
Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in the Soča Valley (via the Vršič Pass if open — the winding drive with 50 hairpin bends is an adventure in itself). Stop for photos at bright green Lake Jasna near Kranjska Gora if you’re coming that way.
Check-in: Base yourself in Bovec or Kobarid depending on where you’ll spend most of your time.
Afternoon: Stretch your legs with a short hike to Slap Boka waterfall’s viewpoint.
Dinner: Refuel with dinner at Gostilna Sovdat (Bovec) or pizza in town.
Day 2: Whitewater Fun & Canyons
Morning: Go whitewater rafting on the Soča River. Tours are guided, last 2–3 hours and include all the gear you’ll need.
Lunch: Pick up food to have a picnic by the river or grab sandwiches in Bovec.
Afternoon: Explore Tolmin Gorge – a relatively easy hike with dramatic scenery and Instagram-worthy spots such as Devil’s Bridge and Bear’s Head rock.
Dinner: Try Thirsty River Brewing for a yummy burger.
Day 3: Adrenaline & History
Morning: Head to Bovec Zipline Park for one of Europe’s longest ziplines – up to 200m above the canyon floor.
Lunch: Grab a sandwich or something quick to eat in Bovec.
Afternoon: Drive to Kobarid and walk the Kobarid Historical Trail. Highlights include the WWI bunkers, Napoleon Bridge, and the Kozjak Waterfall (hidden in a mossy cave-like gorge).
Dinner: Treat yourselves to a an authentic Slovenian dinner at Hiša Polonka in Kobarid — go early!
Insider Tips for Families
Pack layers: Even in summer, the river water is cold and the weather in the mountains changes quickly. We enjoyed mostly sunshine while there in July, but we did have one rainy afternoon that was pretty chilly.
Adventure tours: Book rafting, canyoning, and zipline tours in advance during July/August. They’re popular!
Shoes: Sturdy hiking shoes or water shoes are a must for gorges and riverbanks, if you plan to do lots of hiking.
Rest stops: With all the adrenaline, you’ll need some downtime – choose accommodation where you can chill out in a peaceful outdoor setting (such as a campsite by the river, or a farmhouse – as suggested above).
Where Else to Visit in Slovenia
Combine your stay in the Soča Valley with a couple of days in Lake Bled and at least a day in Ljubljana (Slovenia’s beautiful capital city).
