How to Visit Triglav National Park, Slovenia

Triglav National Park (Triglavski Narodni Park) is Slovenia’s largest protected area and only national park, covering a surface area of 840 square kilometers.

Located in northwestern Slovenia, the park encompasses most of the eastern Julian Alps, a rugged mountain range that forms part of the Southern Limestone Alps (like the Italian Dolomites).

As you explore the park, you’ll encounter crystal-clear rivers, glacier-carved valleys, alpine lakes, high-altitude pastures, roaming ibex, stunning peaks, and hidden gorges like Vintgar, Mlinarica, and Mostnica.

The focal point of this protected area is no doubt Mount Triglav (2864 m), Slovenia’s highest mountain. 

Triglav National Park is a highlight of any trip to Slovenia. In our guide, we’ll share our tips for visiting the park with a car as well as without one.

You’ll learn about when to go, where to stay, where to hike, rules for visiting, various transit options, and recommended gear.

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Triglav National Park Map

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9 Best Places to Visit in Triglav National Park

1. Mount Triglav

Mount Triglav (2863 m) is the highest mountain in Slovenia. Adorning the Slovenian flag, Triglav is more than just a mountain. It’s the reigning symbol of the Slovene nation. 

Hiking to the summit of Triglav is a thrill. There are various ascent routes, ranging from difficult to very challenging.

We’ve outlined the easiest ascent route from Pokljuka Plateau in our Climbing Triglav Guide. 

Other ascent routes include the Prag Route from Vrata valley, the Tominšek Route from Vrata Valley, the Bamberg from Luknja Pass (experts only), and Krma Valley. These routes are described in detail in The Julian Alps of Slovenia: Mountain Walks and Short Treks.

No matter which route you take, you need two days to complete this hike, with an overnight in a mountain hut. 

To reach Triglav, you have to climb a via ferrata route. This is only suitable for hikers who have experience hiking along secured routes in the mountains. 

If you’ve never hiked a via ferrata route, but are keen on climbing Triglav, definitely hire a certified hiking guide.

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Hiking Triglav with a IFMGA Licensed Mountain Guide

We recommend booking this 3-day guided Best of the Julian Alps Hut-to-Hut with Slotrips, a local and trustworthy hiking tour operator. During the booking process, make sure to add the Triglav summit climb (optional add-on). 

During this trek, an IFMGA-licensed guide will lead you up to the summit and provide all necessary via ferrata equipment. 

Additional benefits of booking this trek include pick-ups and drop-offs from Ljubljana, Bled, and Bohinj, guaranteed departure dates on Mondays between July and September, and a more interesting circular route which includes Seven Lakes Valley.

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2. Seven Lakes Valley

Triglav Lakes Valley, also called Seven Lakes Valley, is a wildly enchanting destination in the Julian Alps. As the name suggests, this glacial valley is defined by a string of seven lakes.

There are several different approaches to Triglav Lakes Valley, including the route starting at Koča pri Savici, accessible from Ukanc, and the one starting at Planina Blato, high above Stara Fužina. 

We recommend hiking to Triglav Lakes Valley from Planina Blato. It’s easier and you’ll amble across some of the loveliest alpine pastures above Lake Bohinj, including Planina pri Jezeru, Planina Viševnik, and Planina Ovčarija. 

If you’re an experienced hiker with no fear of heights, we recommend hiking this adventurous 2-day Triglav Lakes Valley route: Veliko Špičje Ridge Trail.

Those that want to experience Seven Lakes Valley on a longer self-guided hiking tour should take a close look at Crossing the Julian Alps, Mountains and Lakes Hut-to-Hut, and Triglav National Park Adventure.

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3. Lake Bohinj

Lake Bohinj is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia.

Kati and I have a summer tradition of hiking in the Julian Alps during the day and then retreating to the shores of Bohinj in the late afternoon. Dipping into crystal-clear Bohinj after a long hike in the mountains is summer at its very best. 

Lake Bohinj is a great place for swimming because the use of motor-driven vessels is prohibited.

However, you can also kayak, SUP, or row in the lake. Consult bohinj.si to learn more about boating regulations in Lake Bohinj.

Lake Bohinj is also the starting point for many hikes in Triglav National Park, including Rodica, Mount Vogel, Komna Plateau, Savica Waterfall, Seven Lakes Valley, and Mostnica Gorge.

Learn More: Lake Bohinj Travel Guide

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4. Bohinj Alpine Pastures

High above Bohinj Valley, evidence of alpine dairy farming is still present. In fact, some dairy farms are still active, producing homemade cheese and other dairy products. 

The Bohinj alpine pastures dotted with rustic herdsmen huts make for a great hiking destination. When you stumble upon a planina, it feels like you’ve uncovered a secret fairy tale world. 

We recommend driving (toll fee applies), or taking the bus up to Planina Blato from Stara Fužina, Lake Bohinj.

From here, hike the forest trail to Planina v. Lazu (1560 m) and then continue to the Pri Jezeru pasture and the Koča na Planini pri Jezeru mountain hut (1453 m).

You can grab a bite to eat here, before returning to Blato, or descending to Stara Fužina via Kosijev dom na Vogarju (1054 m). This 9.3 km circuit takes about 4 hours. 

If you want to learn more about alpine farming, you can visit the Alpine Dairy Farming Museum in Stara Fužina.

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5. Pokljuka Plateau

Pokljuka is an alpine plateau in Triglav National Park, located high above Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled. Blissfully rural and tucked away from Slovenia’s tourist attractions, Pokljuka is a perfect destination for slow travel.

Traditional alpine pastures dot the plateau in storybook fashion. 

When visiting Pokljuka, we recommend biking to Planina Zajamniki, a truly enchanting mountain pasture defined by a string of rustic wooden huts. Read our Pokljuka travel guide to find out how to get here.

Pokljuka is also a great place to start a number of Julian Alps hikes. From the Rudno Polje trailhead, we hiked to Viševnik and Mount Triglav.

From the Medvedova konta car park, only accessible by car, you can hike to Debela Pec.

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6. Vršič Pass

The Vršič Pass (1611 meters) is the highest paved mountain pass in Slovenia. The serpentine mountain pass road connects Kranjska Gora with the Trenta Valley.

There are 50 total hairpin turns, with 24 on the Kranjska Gora side and 26 on the Trenta side.

The high-mountain road across Vršič Pass is known as the Russian Road because it was originally built by Russian prisoners of war during WWI who were used as laborers in the road’s construction.

The road was designed by the Austria-Hungarians to better supply the Isonzo Front.

Today, Vršič Pass is a fantastic place to start hikes to surrounding peaks. We started our multi-day trek across Triglav National Park at Vršič Pass.

The pass is only open in summer. If you’re visiting during the shoulder seasons (Spring and Fall), check the Promet website to see if the road is open.

If you’re visiting without a car, there’s a summer bus line to the pass: Kranjska Gora – Vršič Pass – Bovec. Consult kranjka-gora.si for the timetable.

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7. Soča Valley

The Soča is a 138 km long alpine river that stretches from Triglav National Park to Nova Gorica in western Slovenia.

Renowned for its turquoise color, the Soča river invites visitors to partake in a number of adventurous pursuits including rafting, kayaking, and canyoning.

Additionally, the famous Alpe-Adria long-distance hiking trail runs along the Soca Valley. Check out these expertly-crafted hike and bike routes Alpe Adria Trail Adventure, Best of Alpe-Adria and Juliana Trail, and Mountains to Sea.

You may recognize the Soča Valley from the first episode of Wheel of Time (Season 1). 

The main towns in the Soča Valley are Bovec and Kobarid, where you find the widest selection of restaurants and accommodations. 

Tours from Bovec | Rafting on Soča River, Kayaking on the Soča River, and Half-Day Canyoning Tour in Soča Valley

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8. Krnsko Jezero Lake

Krnsko jezero lake (Lake Krn) is the largest high mountain lake in Slovenia, with a surface elevation of 1391 m. The romantic scenery and the beautiful mountain backdrop makes Lake Krn undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in the Julian Alps. 

The hike to the lake starts in Lepena Valley, at Dom dr. Klementa Juga v Lepeni, where you can park your car. The tedious trail leads up through the forest on a wide, marked path.

About 15 minutes before you reach the lake, you’ll pass the managed Planinski dom pri Krnskih jezerih mountain hut and shortly thereafter the Planina Duplje alpine pasture hut.

This 11.5 km out-and-back hike takes 5 hours and involves 875 meters of elevation gain/loss.

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9. Peričnik Waterfall

Peričnik Waterfall (Slap Peričnik in Slovenian) is a waterfall in Vrata Valley in the north of Triglav National Park.

Slap Peričnik is formed by the water that flows over a conglomerate cliff in two steep drops, creating an upper 16-meter-high waterfall and a lower 52-meter-high waterfall.

Starting at Koča pri Peričniku in Vrata Valley, it takes 15 minutes to hike up a steep forest trail to the Lower Peričnik Waterfall.

The trail leads behind the plunging waterfall through a natural gallery to the other side.

The circuit path continues to a signed junction. Here, you can detour to the Upper Peričnik Waterfall, following a well-maintained and secured path (highly recommended!). 

After hiking up to the upper waterfall, return to the signed junction and complete the circuit back down to the road. 

This 1.1 km circuit trail takes 1 hour to complete.

Opening Times | summer and fall. The Peričnik Waterfall route is officially closed in winter because of the ice.

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Hiking Trails

Easy Day Hikes

• Vintgar Gorge*
• Slap Savica*
• The Soča Trail*
• Triglavska Bistrica Trail*
• Planica to Tamar mountain hut  (learn more: Best Hikes in Slovenia)
• Slemenova Špica* (learn more: Kranjska Gora guide)
• Viševnik*
• Peričnik Waterfall*

Moderate Day Hikes

• Martuljek Waterfalls*
• Seven Lakes Valley*
• Debela Pec
• Lake Bohinj Alpine Pastures* (learn more: Best Hikes in the Julian Alps)
• Mount Vogel*

2-Day Hikes

• Mount Triglav Summit Hike*
• Veliko Špičje Ridge Trail*

Multi-day treks

• Triglav National Park Traverse: Vršič Pass to Lake Bohinj*

*accessible with public transit in high season. 

Recommended Hiking Guide: The Julian Alps of Slovenia: Mountain Walks and Short Treks

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Triglav National Park will vary based on what you want to do.

For example, if you want to hike hut to hut, then it’s best to visit in end of June, July, August, or early September, when the mountain huts are open.

If you want to summit Mt. Triglav, we recommend visiting in July, August, and/or September. 

For casual day hiking and visiting popular attractions (gorges, waterfalls, etc…), you can visit Triglav National Park from June until October. 

If you visit in May and early June, your hiking options will be limited, due to lingering snow. However, you can still enjoy the park’s many valleys, gorges, and waterfalls. 

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Entrance Fee

There is no fee to enter Triglav National Park. However, there are some natural attractions within the park that have fees. These fees often vary throughout the season, with reduced ticket prices offered during shoulder seasons. Discount tickets are available for children (ages 6-15), ctudents (up to age 26), and seniors (over 65) usually

Tolmin Gorge | The Tolmin Gorge is situated at the southernmost tip of Triglav National Park. An easy circular trail leads through the gorge and takes about 1:30 hours to complete. The cost of entry varies depending on the month. See current pricing.

Vintgar Gorge | Vintgar Gorge is a 1.6 kilometer-long gorge in the eastern part of Triglav National Park, near Lake Bled. The gorge is generally open from May until October. It’s always closed in winter. The exact dates vary each year based on weather conditions. See current pricing.

Slap Savica | Slap Savica is a waterfall and the source of the Sava Bohinjka river. The waterfall is easily accessible from Ukanc, the small settlement on the western shores of Lake Bohinj. From Ukanc, you can either hike up to Slap Savica, take the bus (summer only), or drive to Koča pri Savici hut (parking fee applies). From the Koča pri Savici hut it’s a 20-minute walk along a stone pathway to the waterfall. Julian Alps Bohinj card holders can visit Slap Savica free of charge. See current pricing.

Mostnica Gorge | Mostnica Gorge is a 2-km-long gorge in Voje Valley, accessible from Stara Fužina, near Lake Bohinj. Between mid-March and end of October, there’s a fee to enter the gorge. See current pricing.

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Traveling with a Car

One of the popular drives in Triglav National Park is from Kranjska Gora to Soča Valley via the Vršič Pass. The Vršič Pass is open in summer only. 

If you’re visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), check the Promet website to see if the road is open. When we visited in mid-May, the road was still closed due to snowfall. When we visited in late October, the pass was still open.

If you’re planning on visiting Lake Bohinj, here’s some info regarding parking and park & ride options. 

Road Trip Inspiration: Here’s our 2-week road trip itinerary, which will guide you to our favorite places in Triglav National Park. 

Do you need a book a rental car? We recommend searching for and booking car rentals using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip to Slovenia.

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Getting around Triglav National Park without a Car

You definitely don’t need a car to visit Triglav National Park. The key is to pick the right base and visit at the right time. Book travel in high season (late June until early September), when summer buses are operating. That way you can visit places like Pokljuka Plateau (Visevnik and Mount Triglav trailhead), Planina Blato (Seven Lakes Valley trailhead), Vrsic Pass, Bovec, and Soča Valley without a car.

Alternatively, we suggest booking a multi-day guided, or self-guided trip with Slotrips, who will organize transfers for you.

If you’re visiting during shoulder season (May, late-September/October), take a look at these self-guided adventures: Alpe Adria Trail Adventure, Best of Alpe-Adria and Juliana Trail, and Mountains to Sea.

Read visiting Slovenia without a car for more car-free travel tips.

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Lake Bohinj Summer Transit 

Lake Bohinj has a really great free summer transit system. The promet.bohinj website outlines all the Lake Bohinj bus lines and timetables.

These summer buses start running in late June or in early July. And, they stop running in late September.

Here are some bus lines that are really helpful for hikers:

Bohinjsko Jezero to Vogar-Blato. This is a really important connection because it gets you to the Planina Blato-Vogar crossroads (marked on the map). From here, you can hike to the Planina Blato trailhead, the starting point of the Seven Lakes Valley hike as well as multiple others. By starting your hikes here, you’ll save a lot of time and energy. 

Hop-On Hop-Off Pokljuka. From the Rudno Polje trailhead on Pokljuka, you can hike to Viševnik, Vodnikov Dom, and even Mount Triglav (with an overnight in Dom Planika pod Triglavom).

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Kranjska Gora Summer Transit 

If you stay in Kranjska Gora, there’s a summer bus that connects Kranjska Gora to the Soča Valley via Vršič Pass. 

Various hikes (e.g. Slemenova Špica) and via ferrata climbs (e.g. Mt. Mala Mojstrovka and Prisank) start at Vršič Pass.

You can walk, or take a bus from Kranjska Gora to the small town of Gozd Martuljek.

From here, you can hike through the Martuljek Gorge to the Martuljek Waterfalls.

Usually, there’s also a summer shuttle from Mojstrana to the Peričnik Waterfall trailhead in Vrata Valley. For up-to-date information and timetables, consult kranjska-gora.si.

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Bovec Summer Transit

In summer, you can take the Vršič Pass bus to Bovec and other destinations in Soča Valley.

From Bovec, you can hike along the famous Soča Trail, a 25-km hiking path between Bovec and the source of the Soča river. For many, this is the most beautiful section of the Alpe Adria long-distance hiking trail. 

Bovec is a great base for anyone who wants to go river rafting and canyoning. 

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Best Base

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Lake Bohinj

We recommend staying in the villages of Stara Fužina, Ribčev Laz or Ukanc.

You can also stay in Bohinjska Bistrica, which is a bit further away, but well-connected to the lake by transit.

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Ribčev Laz

Ribčev Laz is the main hub at Lake Bohinj, with a direct bus connection to Lake Bled and onward to Ljubljana. Here, you’ll find a cluster of eateries, grocery stores, and boat rental shops.

Budget | Hostel pod Voglom is located along the southern shore of Lake Bohinj. This budget-friendly accommodation offers simple twin, single rooms, triple, and quadruple rooms. Bathrooms are either private, or shared.

From the hostel, it’s a 20 minute walk (1.8 km) to Ribčev Laz, the closest village (restaurants, shops, etc…). You can rent kayaks, SUPs, and bicycles on-site. 

Midrange | Apartments and rooms Cerkovnik is located in Ribčev Laz, a mere 10-minute walk to the lakeshore (1 km). This sparking clean accommodation offers double and triple rooms as well as well-equipped apartments.

Breakfast is available for an additional fee. On-site parking is free. 

Luxury | The newly renovated Hotel Bohinj is located in the center of Ribčev Laz, only a few meters from Lake Bohinj. Designed to impress as much as to pay homage to the region’s cultural heritage, Hotel Bohinj is the most striking hotel in the Bohinj region.

All rooms have air-conditioning. Guests are treated to a healthy and delicious breakfast buffet. You can also enjoy dinner at the hotel and indulge in a wellness package.

Look for accommodation in Ribčev Laz. 

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Stara Fužina

If you want to combine your hikes with lakeside goodness and afternoon dips in Lake Bohinj, consider staying in Stara Fužina.

Midrange | Ideal for families, the top-rated Pr `Agotnik apartmaji sobe Bohinj offers spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped kitchens, and washing machines. 

Midrange-Luxury | Hotel Majerca is a lovely boutique hotel with an on-site restaurant in Stara Fužina. The restaurant extends onto a grassy lawn, with views of farmland backed by the Julian Alps. It’s wonderful to start and end your day here. The al fresco breakfast is phenomenal. 

Midrange-Luxury | Apartmaji Triglav is a stylish aparthotel in Stara Fužina with an on-site restaurant and bar and spa and wellness center. Rooms are clean, modern, and feature balconies, kitchenettes and seating areas. Guests particularly love the mountain views and the hotel’s proximity to hiking trails and the lake. Breakfast is included. 

Look for accommodation in Stara Fužina.

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Ukanc

Alternatively, you can also stay on the other end of the lake in Ukanc. This tiny settlement is a great base for hiking to Mount Vogel and exploring the Southern Julian Alps.

Midrange | Set in a quiet location ringed by forest, the top-rated Bohinj Apartments Goldhorn Kingdom (Apartmaji Kraljestvo Zlatoroga) is a 3-star apartment complex (1-2 bedrooms). Each unit has a fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher. Extra perk: daily housekeeping. 

Midrange | Apartments Ukanc offers clean and functional apartments in Ukanc. 

Luxury | Chalet Apartments ALPIK offers cozy 1-3 bedroom apartments with well-appointed kitchens in a fairy-tale-like location in Ukanc. 

Luxury | Villa Park B&B – ADULTS ONLY is a bed and breakfast with a large garden situated next to the Savica stream, which flows into Lake Bohinj.

Look for accommodation in Ukanc.

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Bohinjska Bistrica

Midrange | Apartments Klemenčič is a top-rated accommodation with 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments. In high season, there’s a minimum stay of 5-7 nights.

Adults-Only Luxury | Sunrose 7 – Heritage Boutique Hotel  is the finest hotel in Bohinjska Bistrica, boasting air-conditioned rooms, a spa (extra charge), fine dining restaurant, and riverside garden. A high-quality breakfast featuring local ingredients is included in the rate.  Guests can also rent bikes on-site.

Look for accommodation in Bohinjska Bistrica.

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Lake Bohinj Campsites

Camp Zlatorog

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Kranjska Gora and the Northern Julian Alps

Kranjska Gora is the best base for exploring the Northern Julian Alps. You can also stay in nearby Lake Jasna, Gozd Martuljek or Mojstrana.

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Kranjska Gora

Budget | ​​Pri Marusi is a centrally-located guesthouse in Kranjska Gora with exceedingly kind and attentive owners. Rooms are modern and immaculate. Breakfast is included. 

Midrange | Hotel Vandot is a cozy and comfortable hotel in the center of town. Breakfast is included. 

Midrange | Garni Hotel Miklič is a traditional, family-run accommodation with spotless rooms and raving reviews. Guests love the welcoming hosts, central location, and superb breakfast.

Midrange | Hotel Pino Alpino is an impressive 3-star hotel with an on-site à la carte restaurant and bar, located in Kranjska Gora’s pedestrian zone. Breakfast is included. Free private parking is located behind the hotel. 

Midrange-Luxury | Hiša Kosobrin offers modern apartments with fully-equipped kitchens. The property is located on the bank of the Sava Dolinka river, just outside of the town center. Guests have access to a sauna and private parking. 

Top Choice – Luxury | Boutique Hotel Skipass is a 4-star, family-run boutique hotel with a wine bar serving Slovenian wines and cold cuts. Stay here for the comfortable rooms, fresh à la carte breakfast, and kind and attentive staff. Parking is available on-site (extra charge).

More budget options: Vitranc Apartments, Gostilna Pri Martinu, and  B&B Brezov Gaj. 

More midrange options: Apartma Peček Kranjska Gora and Vila Mojca – Apartmaji Lena.

Look for accommodation in Kranjska Gora.

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Lake Jasna

Budget | Rooms Barovc is rustic, but nonetheless clean accommodation located at Lake Jasna, a walkable 1.2 km south of Kranjka Gora. Stay here for the easy lake access. 

Lakefront Aparthotel | Jasna Chalet Resort occupies the most enviable location along the north shore of Lake Jasna, facing Prisank and Razor. Most units have 2-3 bedrooms, which is ideal for families. We really enjoyed the alpine setting, the fully-equipped kitchen, and the convenient private parking.

Luxury | Milka Boutique Hotel is a responsibly-created alpine hotel with six rooms overlooking Lake Jasna and the Northern Julian Alps. The architectural design is an ode to the hotel’s pristine surroundings. Stay here for the fine dining restaurant (open for lunch and dinner), stunning mountain vistas, and a plentiful, mouthwatering breakfast

Look for accommodation at Lake Jasna.

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Soča Valley

We recommend staying in Bovec, or Kobarid when visiting the Soča Valley.

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Kobarid

Midrange | Apartments Pri nas is located in the main town of Kobarid and is the perfect place to relax after a full day of outdoor activities. It features fully-equipped kitchens as well as an outdoor hot tub.

Midrange | We recommend staying in Koseč at Tourist Farm Kranjc. Koseč is a small hamlet above Drežnica in the municipality of Kobarid. We’re partial to staying on farms, and Tourist Farm Kranjc is an exemplary example of what a farm stay is all about. The family is extremely welcoming. The home-cooked dinner and the breakfast buffet were exceptional.

Adults-Only Chalets | Perched high above Kobarid and Soča Valley, the one-of-a-kind Nebesa Chalets are four modern 1-bedroom chalets with floor-to-ceiling windows, kitchenettes, and private bathrooms. The room rate includes breakfast and use of the spa facilities (Finnish, Aromatherapy, and Chromotherapy saunas) and fitness room. Extra perks: free bike rental, meal delivery from partner restaurant Hiša Polonka (when possible), and a friendly resident Bernese mountain dog. 

More accommodations in Kobarid: Premium Hostel Kobarid (budget) and ecoHouse FURLAN – Apartment PINJA (midrange)

Look for accommodation in Kobarid.

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Bovec

Budget | Hostel Soča Rocks offers lodging in a 6-bedroom mixed dormitory. Guests have access to an on-site bar, shared common kitchen, BBQ facilities, and terrace. 

Midrange-Luxury | Hotel Sanje ob Soči is a 3-star aparthotel in Bovec with a range of 1-4 bedroom apartments. Guests can enjoy the wellness and spa area and breakfast for an extra charge. There’s a minimum stay requirement of 3 nights. 

Luxury | Hotel Soča is a modern 4-star hotel with air-conditioned rooms, a seasonal outdoor pool, fitness room, and bar. Breakfast is available (extra charge). 

Luxury | Hotel Dobra Vila Bovec is a charming 4-star hotel, housed in a historic telephone central office and surrounded by gardens. Rooms are soundproofed and air-conditioned. Breakfast is included.

Look for accommodation in Bovec.

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More Slovenia Travel Guides

Travel:

• Where to Stay in Slovenia: Best Towns
• Lake Bled

Kamnik-Savinja Alps:

• 5 Day Slovenia Road Trip
• Logar Valley

Hiking:

• Best Hikes in Slovenia
• Hut-to-Hut Hiking in Slovenia

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