Great Soca Gorge

The Great Soča Gorge, in Slovene Velika korita Soče, is a narrow chasm in the upper Soča valley, a short distance from Bovec, where the river squeezes through a slot in the limestone. Over thousands of years, the water has carved a channel around 750 metres long, with polished walls that rise in places to about fifteen metres above the river, and in the narrowest parts the walls are only a few metres apart. The Soča is famous for its colour, a vivid emerald or turquoise that comes from the very clear water running over pale limestone, and in the gorge the colour is at its most intense, with the water changing from pale green to deep blue as the depth increases.

The gorge is easy to visit. A short path from the road leads to wooden bridges and platforms that cross the narrowest sections, giving views down into the chasm and across to the far wall, and the sound of the water echoing between the rocks is part of the experience. The path is short and suitable for most visitors, and it takes less than an hour to see everything at a relaxed pace. Shoes with a good grip are helpful on the damp stone, and railings protect the edges, but children should be supervised. The water is very cold throughout the year, since it comes from snowmelt and springs in the mountains above, and swimming in the gorge itself is not advised, because of strong currents and cold temperature.

The gorge belongs to a wider landscape of great interest. The Soča Valley is a centre for outdoor activities, with rafting, kayaking and canyoning offered by operators in Bovec, and the river's changing character, from calm green pools to white rapids, is the basis of its appeal. Many people also visit to see the traces of the First World War, which was fought here along the Isonzo Front, leaving trenches, tunnels and memorials in the mountains. The surrounding region lies at the edge of Triglav National Park, and the roads that lead up the valley offer some of the best scenery in the Julian Alps.

The gorge is only one of many sights in the Bovec area. Boka Waterfall, Slap Virje, Sušec, Canyon Učja and the Remnants From World War I all lie within a short drive, and the White-water Rafting on Soča River, Kayaking on Soča River and Canyoning With Blažka are all arranged from the town. The gorge is open at all times, free to visit, and best in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun lights the water and crowds are thinner.