virtual excursion
The Soča River originates in northwestern Slovenia from a karst spring at the foot of Travnik in the Mangrt–Jalovec mountain range in the Julian Alps. The river is 139 kilometers long and flows south of Trieste into the Gulf of Trieste. The Soča runs for 96 kilometers through the territory of the Republic of Slovenia and 43 kilometers through the territory of the Republic of Italy.
The source of the Soča River lies at an elevation of approximately 990 meters, at the foot of Travnik in the Mangrt–Jalovec massif, within Triglav National Park. It is a karst spring, where waters collected from the area of Jalovec, Šite, Travnik, and Mojstrovka converge in an underground pool and then emerge through a narrow gorge.
The water that surfaces is exceptionally pure and turquoise-blue, giving the Soča its distinctive emerald appearance. Shortly after the source, the river descends over steep rapids and a small waterfall, creating a dynamic flow typical of alpine rivers.
Access to the source is possible via a marked trail from the Koča pri izviru Soče mountain hut, which requires some agility and appropriate footwear. Due to its difficulty, the visit is not recommended for young children or elderly visitors.
The Small Soča Gorge
The Small Soča Gorge (Mala korita Soče) is located in the upper part of the Trenta Valley. It is an exceptionally picturesque natural phenomenon where the Soča has carved a narrow, deep channel into the limestone bedrock. The gorge is approximately 100 meters long, only one meter wide at its narrowest point, and up to six meters deep.
The Great Soča Gorge
Near the village of Soča, the river forms the Great Soča Gorge (Velika korita Soče). This 750-meter-long and up to 15-meter-deep channel is an outstanding example of fluvial erosion in an alpine karst environment.
From Bovec to Kobarids
From Bovec to Žaga, the Soča River winds through a narrow valley. This part of the river is a hub for adrenaline-pumping water sports like rafting and kayaking. In the summer of 2007, this area became a filming location for The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
Near Kobarid, the Soča narrows into a tight gorge under the Napoleon Bridge. The original stone bridge was built in 1750, and French troops marched over it during Napoleon’s campaigns.
Most na Soči and Solkan Bridge
Most na Soči lies at the confluence of the Soča and Idrijca rivers, where the Soča expands into an artificial lake. Further downstream near Gorizia stands the Solkan Railway Bridge, featuring the largest stone railway arch in the world (85 meters).
The Estuary and Nature Reserve
The Foce dell’Isonzo Nature Reserve (Soča River Estuary) near Grado covers 2,400 hectares. It is a vital wetland for migratory birds and home to free-grazing Camargue horses.
Boštjan Burger, March 1998 (Digitalization: 2026)
Sources: Slapovi TNP (1998), Tabula Peutingeriana, P. Skoberne: Sto naravnih znamenitosti Slovenije.