Ready for one of the most pristine natural sights of the Soča Valley? The rocky Soča Gorge is a beautiful spot to visit, but make the most of your trip and hike it while also enjoying its turquoise pools! It’s hands down the best walk in the valley and we definitely recommend adding it to your list of places to see when travelling to Slovenia. Keep reading to find out why!
What is the Great Soča Gorge?
So, what is the Great Soča Gorge? This is a very common question as it’s not easy to understand what and where the Soča Gorge actually is from a map. The Great Soča Gorge is a section of the much longer Soča River. It’s at this spot, that for about 750 metres, the river creates a stunning gorge that is up to 15 metres deep. It is also the part of the Soča River closest to its spring. This is why the turquoise-blue water is so clear and pristine.
You could just visit the Great Soča Gorge, but a much better idea would be to do the hike from the Small Soča Gorge to the Great Soča Gorge and back. The Small Soča Gorge is called Mala Korita Soče in Slovenian, while the Great Soča Gorge is referred to as Velika Korita Soče. This is also the name used on Google Maps.
The trek is mostly flat and not particularly demanding, and it follows the river for its entire way. On the way, you will find several lookout points, as well as different places to swim and do cliff jumping.
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How to get to the Great Soča Gorge?
The Great Soča Gorge – as well as the Small Soča Gorge – can be easily reached both by car and by bus.
By car:
There is only one road connecting Bovec and Trenta, following the Soča River. The Great Soča Gorge is just 10km (10 minutes) from Bovec and 35km (1h) from Kranjska Gora, via the Vršič Pass.
There are a few parking spots along the road, which are free of charge. However, parking spots are very limited so it may be wise to go early in the morning or use public transport.
By public transport:
• From Bovec: take Bus B2 < BOVEC — LEPENA HUT — SOČA SOURCE, P MLINARICA > to the source of Soča River. Get out either at the Lepena junction or at the Soča stop. Ask the driver where the bus is going to stop exactly.
Check the timetable here. The bus rides every day from 04/06 to 30/09, and it’s more frequent in July and August. The same bus can be taken from Trenta, and other locations along the way.
• From Kranjska Gora: take the Bus line across the VRŠIČ PASS to Bovec and hop off at Lepena junction. Check out the timetable here.
Detailed Guide
Hiking the Great Soča Gorge
While there are several trek options in Soča, we were recommended to do the hike from Mala Korita to Velika Korita. This is a very relaxing walk that follows the pristine Soča river, connecting two of its most beautiful gorges. Here the river cuts the rocks forming deep channels, where the water flows in a much faster and more vigorous way.
We put everything you need to know on a map so you can easily find all the spots mentioned in this detailed guide:
🗺️ HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Click the top left icon to get more info about this map. Use the star icon next to the title to save it in your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, then go to “your places“, tap on “maps” and you will see this map on your list.
From Mala Korita Soče to Velika Korita Soče
We started the trek in Mala Korita Soče, the smaller of the two gorges. There isn’t really a preferable direction in Soča, as this is one of those hikes which can be done in either direction. The hike is quite easy and mostly flat. It takes about 1h to complete if you focus on walking, but we highly recommend taking your time and spending a few hours enjoying the different spots along the Soča River. In the map above we highlighted two stunning bathing spots as well as the best cliff jumping location.
🥾 HIKE DETAILS
Length: 3.5 km one way (7 km total)
Duration: 1.5 h each way
Difficulty: easy
Elevation difference: negligible
From Mala Korita Soče we followed the trail toward the Velika Korita. Signs indicate the way and it’s very easy to follow the trail. Soon after Mala Korita Soče you will find one of the two best swimming spots along this hike. We decided to skip it early in the morning, but we made sure to stop on our way back when the temperature was higher. The water was freezing cold, but it felt so good to jump in there after the hike.
The trail follows the river for its entire way, but sometimes the thick vegetation between the trail and the water hides the true beauty of the Soča river. Make sure to take the little paths towards the river and do as many detours as you like, and spot all the hidden gems. Below you can see where the Soča river begins to create the Great Soča Gorge,
Pictures can’t really do justice to the beauty of the Great Soča Gorge. Keep walking to finally explore the heart of Velika Korita Soče. Here you will find several lookout points, a wooden bridge, and a cliff-jumping spot. The water of the Soča river is very cold, so only jump if you’re comfortable with that.
The trail ends on a paved road, which reconnects with the main road a few meters after. Here you will see the Lepena junction bus stop, from which you can take a bus to your next spot.
A good idea, however, is to keep walking and reach “swimming spot #2”. It is an astonishing spot to bathe and relax. You can find the exact location on our map. To reach it, turn left instead of taking the bridge to Lepena junction, and you will find this beautiful spot on your right after a hundred meters.
Plan Your Trip
Best time to visit the Great Soča Gorge
The Great Soča Gorge is one of those places that can be visited year-round, and that changes a lot with the different seasons. Summer (June-August) is the best time to visit. Tourists flock to the shores of the Soča and enjoy the fresh air of the Julian Alps. Winter makes everything charming with its snow, and it gives the gorge a completely different look.
Spring is the time of the year when the gorge has the most water, as the winter snow melts on the nearby Alpine summits. Autumn is also a great time to visit, with its beautiful tones and magical vibes.
| Temperature | Precipitation (mm) | |
| January | -2°C / 3°C | 58 |
| February | -2°C / 5°C | 103 |
| March | 1°C / 9°C | 67 |
| April | 7°C / 14°C | 57 |
| May | 12°C / 18°C | 91 |
| June | 16°C / 23°C | 90 |
| July | 18°C / 25°C | 75 |
| August | 18°C / 26°C | 70 |
| September | 12°C / 20°C | 87 |
| October | 7°C / 15°C | 112 |
| November | 4°C / 9°C | 113 |
| December | -1°C / 5°C | 58 |
Entrance fee
Surprise! There is NO entrance fee to visit the Great Soča Gorge. On top of that, even the parking spots along the road are free of charge.
Can you swim at the Great Soča Gorge
Yes! Not only is it allowed to swim in the Soča river, but you can even swim at the Great Soča Gorge! Unlike other places in Slovenia like the Vintgar Gorge, the Tolmin Gorge, and the Mostnica Gorge, where swimming is prohibited and you need to pay a fee to visit, the Great Soča Gorge keeps its wild charm by allowing visitors to merge with nature. It’s no surprise why many travellers love the Great Soča Gorge!
What to bring
Depending on the time of the year of your visit, you’ll want to pack different things.
IN SUMMER (Jul-Sep): Bring a towel, a swimming suit, some dry clothes, extra socks and water shoes if you plan on swimming. Wear something warm if you go early in the morning, as even the summer months have very chill morning hours. Trekking shoes are recommended but you can easily do it in sneakers too.
IN WINTER (Dec-Feb): Dress up according to the weather conditions. During winter months temperatures go often below zero, and the trail will most likely be covered in snow. Make sure to have proper hiking shoes, wear warm clothes and invest in a good rainproof and windproof jacket.
Best tips for visiting the Great Soča Gorge
You don’t have time to do the entire hike? Stop on the road at the height of Velika Korita Soče. There is a bridge which allows you to cross the gorge and visit just the main highlight of it.
The best swimming spots are located near the beginning and the end point of the trail. This is great news, as you can swim just before leaving the place, no matter where you start the hike.
Consider spending around half a day at the Great Soča Gorge, as you take your time to explore the different spots along the river. You can also stay longer, extending your walk either before or after the hike we mentioned.
Expect the best water colours during summer, and more rapids and waterfalls during the wettest months.
Top attractions in the Soča Valley
The Great Soča Gorge is just one of the many stunning places you can visit in the Soča Valley. These are some other places you may want to visit during your trip to Slovenia’s most pristine alpine valley.
Virje Waterfall
The Virje Waterfall (or Slap Virje) is located a few km away from Bovec.
It’s an outstanding waterfall with an emerald lake which can be visited in a couple of hours. It can be reached both by car and public transport, and there is a short 10-minute hike to get there
Tolmin Gorges
The Tolmin Gorges is a 1 km long gorge located on the southern end of Triglav National Park. They are created by the Tolminka river, and merge with the Soča river right after, near the town of Tolmin. This gorge is stunning and it’s a must-visit place if you are in the area.
Vršič Pass
The Vršič Pass is the highest mountain pass in Slovenia and it’s located near the birthplace of the Soča river. The road to reach it is gorgeous, and there are plenty of hiking options up there.
Kozjak Waterfall
Between Bovec and Tolmin you can find Slap Kozjak, a 15-meter waterfall with a turquoise pool. This cascade is enclosed in a moss-covered limestone chamber, creating a unique environment.