Best things to see in Kobarid – local advice

What do you think of first when you hear Kobarid? I first think of the Isonzo Front and the War Museum, the Soča river, and the Krn mountain, in that order. Often Kobarid was just a point we crossed on the way to Bovec. I really don’t know why, but I practically didn’t stay in this beautiful place, which is full of both natural and cultural beauties. A few years ago, when we first visited Nadiža river and started exploring the surroundings of Kobarid, the big question was, which are the best things to see in Kobarid?

In Kobarid, most tourists visit the Kozjek waterfall, Napoleon’s bridge on the Soča river, Italian Charnel House from the First World War, and the War Museum of the First World War. At the same time, Kobarid has many wonderful excursion points, which in my opinion are even more worth visiting than the ones mentioned above. It is true, that it will take a little more effort to see them.

In the continuation of the blog, I will walk you through suggestions that will be quite difficult to process in a single day, depending on how fast you are, but if you are not in a hurry, you can easily stretch them to a 2 or even 3-day trip.

Where to go in Kobarid:

• Brinta and Gregorčič waterfalls
• War Museum in Kobarid
• Italian Charnel House
• Tonovcov grad
• Napoleon’s bridge on the Soča
• Kozjek Waterfall
• Krampež and Sopot waterfall
• Koseče gorge and Stopnik waterfalls
• Svino waterfall
• Swiming under the Napoleon Bridge on Nadiža river
• Robidišče

I would first visit the waterfalls in the gorges below Krn, then refresh myself in the Soča, go over the Napoleon Bridge to Kobarid to visit the war museum, if I have some strength and will left, I would visit the Kozjek waterfall on the first day. But considering how stunning Gregorčič and Brinta waterfall are, Kozjek would rather save for the 2nd day and combine it into a circular route from Charnel House through Tonovec Castle, to Kozjek waterfall, then jump to Nadiža and swim under Napoleon’s bridge, and lunch or dinner in the westernmost village on the sunny side of the Alps.

For even more ideas for trips and hikes near the Soča River, see blogs about Baška grapa natural sights, Tolmin and Trenta sights, Log pod Mangartom, Top attractions in Bovec and What to see in Idrija, Bovec sights, Goriška brda trip and ascent to Matajur, and Krn and its lakes.

Brinta and Gregorčič waterfall

I often say to myself when visiting some uneven beauties, but this was some of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. And even when visiting Brinta and Gregorčič waterfall, I said exactly that. You just have to look at them. As far as I’m concerned, these are the highlights of a trip around Kobarid (things I know).

As a starting point, we drive to the village of Selce, which is the first of the villages, on the road that takes us towards the mountains below the Krn Mountains. Selce is a typical example of a village in this part of Slovenia. Stone houses, narrow streets, and beautiful views of the Soča Valley. I hope the people here are aware of how grateful they can be for what they have.

Brinta Waterfall

• Walking time: 20 minutes
• Difficulty of the route: easy
• Starting point: Selce (46.2185, 13.65)
• Recommended footwear: sports hiking shoes
• Suitable for dog: Yes

In the middle of the village, you will find a parking lot with space for a few vehicles. Wooden signs quickly guide you from the parking lot to the cart track that crosses the pastures, and in a few minutes take you to the edge of the forest. There is a sign that directs you to the Brinta waterfall, and next to it there is a warning sign that says that the path is not suitable for the elderly and children.

My opinion is that the path to the Brinta waterfall is nicely arranged for all of you who are at least a little used to walking on forest and mountain trails.

After you get to the forest, you will already be able to hear the roar of water somewhere in the distance. If you look to the right, you will already be able to see Gregorčič waterfall among the treetops. But first you will have to descend along a beautifully landscaped forest path to the stream that forms the first of the two waterfalls. The trail is equipped with quite a few stairs and a part of the trail with a steel cable, so access to the gorge is even easier and safer.

We will reach the stream from the edge of the forest in about 10 minutes. You will skip it in two steps and then head a few 10 meters to the left, where you will soon see a mighty rocky wall above which the Malenšček stream descends 104 meters and forms one of the highest waterfalls in Slovenia.

The waterfall is never very watery, but it has more water in the spring, when the snow melts in the Krn Mountains. In the dry season, the waterfall is more reminiscent of water spray or. shower, especially if it’s a little windier.

The walls around the waterfall work pretty solid and I myself walked practically completely under the waterfall. The view upwards offers us a truly unique perspective and the grandeur of the precipices and the Brinta waterfall.

Gregorčič waterfall

• Walking time: 60 minutes
• Difficulty of the route: difficult, for some also very demanding route
• Altitude difference along the route: 250 meters
• Starting point: Selce (46.2185, 13.65)
• Recommended footwear: sports hiking shoes
• Suitable for a dog: Depending on the size and skills of the dog (my pug went with some help)

When you enjoy the beauty of Brinta waterfall and curiosity drives you forward, you will walk to the place where you crossed the stream, and from there the signpost will direct you along a well-trodden forest path in the direction of Gregorčič waterfall. The path is quite similar to the one that led us to the stream (in my opinion, the path is comparable to the path in the Pekel gorge (above the 3rd waterfall)). It is narrow, but it seems to be regularly maintained. Given that the slopes we cross are quite steep, caution when walking is highly desirable.

After about 10 minutes, we will get around the “bend” and we will hear a much different sound of water than at Brinta waterfall, where the noise is quite gentle. But a little more power is heard here. Soon we will have a beautiful view on the right towards the waterfall, which is still a good 20 minutes walk from us.

The trail moves to the southern slope and crosses 2 scree, where it must be very hot in the summer heat, so I advise you to set off early enough. Between the scree, we have a beautiful view of the valley and the opposite Kolovrat. But soon we move to the forest again, where the path begins to descend quite steeply towards the gorge of the Volar stream. Somewhere in the middle of this descent, the path branches off to the left, but on the way down it is quite difficult to see, so I suggest you first descend to the stream, where you can admire Gregorčič’s younger brother, who is about 20 meters tall.

During the descent, you will cross the part where you will have to descend over the rock about 2 meters lower, there will also help you rope, so there should be no major problems … However, if this part is too demanding for you, I suggest you turn around and go back.

As you ascend from the smaller waterfall, you will easily notice the path that branches off to the right and will take us towards Gregorčič waterfall. The path is quite steep and also exposed, and in some places you will be helped by a rope that is quite well maintained, but still not entrust all your weight to it alone. Let it only help you.

If you find the route too difficult, turn around, the waterfall will be waiting for you until next time. But I was accompanied by my sister Emma, who is not very at home with walking on exposed terrain, and my mother, who is 64 years old … and they went with some help …

Gregorčič Waterfall is a magnificent waterfall one of the most magnificent waterfalls I have ever seen. A rather watery and very loud waterfall falls over mighty walls 86 meters deep into a rather large and deep pool. This one invites you to refresh yourself in it, especially on hot summer days. The water is very refreshing and crystal clear. Brinta waterfall is exceptional, but it is a waterfall under which we are now something else. Incredible scenery, as if you were in a movie, where the main actor gets lost in the wilderness and comes to this fairytale place … Probably our poet Simon Gregorčič often wandered around here looking for inspiration for exceptional works. Gregorčič’s birthplace lies above the waterfall.

The added value of the already exceptional scenery awaits us when we turn our gaze 180 ° and look towards Kolovrat. I recommend that you take the time to see these two waterfalls and not to be in a hurry, as it would be a shame not to relax and enjoy …

War Museum in Kobarid

• Location: in the centre of Kobarid (46.2466, 13.5809)

The valleys and peaks along the Soča were not as idyllic in the past as they are today. Strategic points and crossings between Venice and Carinthia were extremely important here. It is therefore not surprising that the rulers of that time built the first fortress under Rombon as early as the 12th century, thus trying to stop the incursions of the Turkish army.

Nevertheless, the biggest mark on this part of Slovenia was left by the First World War and one of the largest and bloodiest battle lines in this sea. The Isonzo Front began in 1915 and ended two and a half years later with a “miracle” at Kobarid. Of course, this two and a half year rampage in the mountains around Bovec, Kobarid and Tolmin left many traces. And the museum in Kobarid is dedicated to all this.

In the museum you can get a closer look at what the boys in the front lines had to endure. All the methods used on both sides to destroy (kill) the enemy and break through the enemy’s battle line, thus bringing him to his knees, are presented. The museum shows the Isonzo Front from different angles. It also touches on the little man, who for the most part wonders about the meaning of all this hatred. The 12th Battle of the Isonzo, which marked the beginning of the end of the Isonzo Front, is presented in particular detail.

The museum also received the European Museum of the Year award in 1993. Extremely interesting book or. The diary on the Isonzo, Eastern and Western fronts, written by my great-grandfather Filip Jurkovič, was published on the 100th anniversary of the end of this war. The book is entitled Goodbye Heroes. In it, Filip described in an extraordinary way many events that took place during his defense of his homeland before the Slovenian lands by the hungry Lahi.

Italian Charnel House

• Location: above Kobarid (46.247, 13.5832)

Kobarid has quite a few extremely well-kept walking paths. Among other things, the increasingly popular Juliana trail passes through Kobarid, which takes us along the Soča towards Bovec or Tolmin, depending on which side you took. Probably the most beautiful promenade in Kobarid itself is the promenade that takes us from Kostnica, through the forest, to Tonoc Castle, Soča and on to the Kozjek waterfall and over the Napoleon Bridge back to Kobarid.

This whole walk will take you about 3 hours of very moderate walking, and include stops, which can be quite long with such magnificent views, natural and cultural beauties. The path is relatively easy, only the ascent to Kostnica and the descent from Tonovc Castle towards the Soča may be a little more strenuous for some, but if you are at least in approximately normal walking condition, then it will be a cat’s cough for you.

The ossuary is the last resting place of the 7014th soldiers of the Italian army who fought on the Isonzo Front. This is the only Italian ossuary in Slovenia. It was opened in 1938 by the then President of Fascist Italy, Mussolini. It is built around the church of St. Anthony, which has stood here since the 17th century.

The ossuary is built in three levels, in the shape of an octagon, each subsequent level is narrower and at the top, in the middle of the meadow, stands a church. The ossuary looks quite impressive, especially when we look at it from afar, but when we are next to it, the most impressive view is of Kobarid and the Soča Valley, and the Nadiža, which open under our feet. In the summer heat, walking on concrete plateaus around the ossuary is quite uncomfortable, so I advise you to take a quick look at the ossuary and jump into the beautiful cold forest for a walk towards Tonovc Castle and Kozjek waterfall.

Tonovcov grad

• Walking time: 20 minutes
• Difficulty of the route: easy
• Altitude difference along the route: 150 meters
• Starting point: parking by the road (46.2579, 13.5839)
• Recommended footwear: sports hiking shoes
• Suitable for a dog: yes

Tonovc Castle is an archeological site located on a plateau above the Soča Valley, about 2 kilometers from Kobarid. The plateau is at an altitude of about 410 meters above sea level. This hard-to-reach place is said to have been settled for the first time in the Stone and Iron Ages. Later, the place served mainly for the retreat of the natives after the collapse of the Roman Empire, when new tribes, peoples invaded these territories …

Remains of different periods can be seen in Tonovc Castle, as this place was also used in both World Wars. Thus, the stairs leading to the main road Kobarid – Bovec date back to the First World War, and in the Second World War, the Germans built a bunker on the hill.

You will be able to read more details about this interesting point, which has a beautiful view of Matajur, Kolovrat, the Soča Valley, and on the left also the Krn and Krn Mountains, on the rich descriptions on the boards next to the archeological remains.

Kozjek Waterfall and Napoleon’s Bridge on the Soča

• Walking time: 25 minutes
• Difficulty of the route: easy
• Altitude difference along the route: 30 meters
• Starting point: Kozjak parking (46.2507, 13.588)
• Recommended footwear: sports hiking shoes
• Suitable for a dog: yes

If you go to the Kozjek waterfall along the proposed route, then you will descend from Tonovc Castle along the steep stairs built by the Italians during the First World War for the needs of the army. Arriving on the main road, you will turn left for a few meters and descend into the forest again.

The whole route is extremely nice, in this part it will take you through the old defensive trenches, which have been here since the madness more than 100 years ago. Lower, when we reach almost the Soča, we will walk past the car camp and come to the old road towards Bovec. We will head for a few 10 meters in the direction of the Soča and cross one of the beautiful suspension bridges, which will take us to the left bank of the Emerald River and near the most visited waterfall in the vicinity of Kobarid. Crossing the Soča will also provide a beautiful view of the last narrowest part of the river, which is an extremely popular polygon for kayaking.

From here to the waterfall is another 10 minutes pleasant walk. This trail is quite crowded and you will meet everything from serious hikers in real hiking gear, to families in flip-flops and with prams (although the trail is not exactly suitable for prams). While crossing the Kozjek stream, you can see a slightly smaller but still beautiful waterfall, and above it is a pleasant place where those who are most warmed up can also cool off in a pleasantly cool pool.

About 2 minutes higher, you will find an entry point to see the Kozjek waterfall, where you will have to pay a few € to see this beauty. The waterfall is hidden between dark overhanging walls, between which the sun’s rays find it difficult to find their way. Beneath the 15-meter-high waterfall, we are enchanted by a beautiful pool with emerald green color. An exceptional corner prepared for us by nature.

On the way back to the Kobarid Gate, you will walk across the Napoleon Bridge, which is one of the bridges with the most beautiful view of one of the most beautiful rivers in the world. Here, the Soča narrows for the last time into a picturesque gorge before spilling over into the Kobarid field. The first bridge in this place was made of wood more than 400 years ago. Due to its strategic importance, it was demolished several times, and today’s bridge was built by the Italians during the First World War.

Krampež and Sopot waterfall

• Ascent time: 20 min + 15 min for Small Rocks view point
• Difficulty of the route: easy
• Starting point: Drežnica (46.2548, 13.62)
• Recommended footwear: sports hiking shoes
• Suitable for dogs: Yes

For the next two subtitles, we will go to a beautiful village, which is about 6 kilometers from Kobarid. Drežnica and the other villages (Drežniške Ravne, Magozd, Jezerca and Koseč) lie on the plateau of the western Krnsk slope. A true fairytale land of vast, sun-drenched meadows and exceptional views.

The plateau is surrounded on all sides by steep slopes from which streams flow towards the valley, forming numerous waterfalls, troughs, pools and other incredible natural phenomena in their flow. Before the Soča valley, the streams merge into two larger streams, the first is Kozjak, and the second is Račica.

Kozjak and its tributaries do not form major attractions in its upper part (with the exception of the Curk-70m waterfall, which is about a 2-hour ascent from Drežnica), while Račica and its tributaries amaze us practically at every turn.

Already in the upper part of the Račica stream, it forms several waterfalls before it descends via the Sopot waterfall to the river bed, where it joins the Sušec stream, which is also a very lively stream and conjures up several successive waterfalls before descending to the river bed. Only the last waterfall, the Krampež waterfall, is clearly visible. Both Krampež and Sopot are over 20 meters high and are a must stop during a visit to Drežnica.

If we take another 15 minutes, we can climb up to the wonderful viewpoint of the Little Rock, from which we can observe the fairytale Drežniški plateau with Drežnica and the mighty church in the main frame in peace and quiet.

All the destinations described above are easily accessible and suitable for the whole family.

Koseče gorge and Stopnik waterfalls

• Round trip time: approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Difficulty of the route: partly difficult in places, otherwise easy
• Starting point: Koseče (46.2507, 13.6217)
• Recommended footwear: sports hiking shoes
• Suitable for dogs: Yes

The Račica stream soon “descends” below the village into a deep and difficult-to-access gorge into which the Brusnik and Stopnik streams also flow, the first forming the extraordinary Koseč gotge, and on the other we can admire 4 very special waterfalls, all between 25 and 50 meters high.

We will drive to the last village on the Drežniška plateau to visit the Stopnik waterfalls and Koseče gorge. In the Koseče Village, signs will direct us to the circular route, where we will first walk past one of the oldest churches in the vicinity of Kobarid. At the very start, we will be able to direct our gaze for a few moments to the up to 60 meter deep gorge, but the route will move away from them for a while, and we will move to the Stopnik stream, where we will be able to see 4 very interesting waterfalls.

The last one, which is also the highest one, is otherwise not well visible, as we are standing directly above it, and its water slides down a precipice about 50 meters deep into the Račica gorge.

To continue the journey, we return to the intersection, where the signposts invite us to visit the Koseče gorge. The entire gorge must be truly exceptional, and we can see a little bit of the beauty that the Brusnik stream has prepared for us along the path protected by a wooden fence.

At the end of the gorge, the path leads us to a pleasant area where benches await us, and the area is also dotted with strong energy activity.

The last part of the route, which takes us back to the starting point, is done along a beautiful and well-maintained path. The path is mostly easy, only inside the troughs it may be a bit more challenging, but nothing serious…

Svino waterfall

• Location of the waterfall: On the way to the Svino village (46.2411, 13.57)
• Starting point: It will be best if you go to the waterfall on foot from Kobarid

The Svino waterfall is the closest to Kobarid of all the waterfalls I mention in this article. From the center of this town, it will only take you about 10 minutes to reach the waterfall, or in other words, the waterfall is a good kilometer away from the center of Kobarid, in the direction of the Svino village, which lies below Matajur.

The waterfall is about 10 meters high, and the path to it is beautiful and well-maintained. If you are up for a slightly longer walk, you can go on the approximately 1-hour circular Gams path, which is well marked and takes us, among other things, past the Svino waterfall.

Swiming area under the Napoleon Bridge on the Nadiža

• Location: (46.2298, 13.4408)

If the Soča is a classic cold Alpine river, the Nadiža is the warmest Alpine river in Slovenia. In its upper part, the Nadiža is a classic Alpine river, while in the lower part it calms down and is more reminiscent of the pre-Alpine river. Due to its calmness and pleasant temperature, it is extremely popular among swimmers. In addition, it is also one of the cleanest Slovenian rivers.

The Nadiža originates in scattered watercourses below the slope of the longest ridge in the Julian Alps, below the Kobarid Stol ridge. The entire ridge is about 34 kilometers long and extends from Kobarid, across the Breginjski kot, deep into Italy. After the confluence of Črni and Beli stream, the Nadiža flows through Breginjski kot and turns into a narrow and deep valley between Matajur and Mija, and at the Robič border crossing it flows into Venetian Slovenia.

The bathing area under the Napoleon Bridge is probably the most popular bathing area on the Nadiža. The beautiful stone bridge in the narrow part of the Nadiža gorge was built in Roman-ancient times when an important connecting route between Venice and Carinthia was supposed to lead past. Since the Nadiža is quite a torrential river, they already knew in those days that the bridge had to be built in a suitably elevated place, so they probably placed it in a narrow canyon, where today it is also a popular bathing place.

The bridge was named after the Emperor of France, whose army destroyed and caused gray hair around the Habsburg lords in the early 19th century.

Robidišče

• Location: (46.2163, 13.4153)

You have probably not been to Robidišče yet, but if you have been there, you can be a fan of mountain biking or arranged trail cycle paths. Robidišče is otherwise best known for being the westernmost settlement in Slovenia. It lies practically above the Napoleon Bridge, about 300 meters higher on a plateau hill. There are some traditional stone houses in the village, a small hotel that has brought a lot of liveliness to the village and a restaurant.

During my visit to Robidišče (46.2162, 13.415) there were extremely lively in and around the hotel, an incredible number of mountain bikers, who descended into the valley along many well-maintained forests trails. The van drove them back to the starting point.

Given that it was a long day behind us, we decided to fill our stomachs in the westernmost restaurant in Slovenia. And with the choice, we hit zero! Mr. Igor, who owns the bar, kindly received us, served us very tasty food and in general, it was great to feel the energy. The whole menu we chose was great, and to top it all off was a dessert, namely walnut strudel. Really fantastically delicious, now that I’m writing, saliva is accumulating in my mouth. 🙂 If for no other reason, it’s worth driving to Robidišče because of them! 🙂 In addition to the exceptional kindness, in the end, we were very pleasantly surprised by the price of our reception. Over the thumb, I would say that we deducted about half less than we would have deducted for a similar meal in Kobarid.

Conclusion

Kobarid and its surroundings are an exceptional destination for everyone who enjoys a variety of outdoor activities. Especially hiking, cycling, water sports, fishing, and many other activities are a trademark of this part of Slovenia. I hope that with this article I have convinced you to set out on a journey of getting to know Kobarid and its surroundings, these places hide many more beautiful places.

For excursions nearby, see the ideas around Bovec, Tolmin, and the ascent to Lake Krn

I wish you a wonderful day and go to Nature!