Slap Kozjak

Q: How much does it cost to enter the site, and is the hike difficult?

The entrance fee is 5 euros, which is collected at a station along the trail. The hike itself is accessible and covers about 3.5 kilometers round trip, featuring a gentle elevation gain that makes it suitable for most visitors.

Q: What are the operating hours for visiting the waterfall?

The site is open to visitors from early April through the end of October. During the summer months, the operating hours are extended, so it is best to check specific times closer to your visit.

Q: Is swimming allowed in the pool beneath the waterfall?

No, swimming is not permitted in the pool beneath the waterfall. However, visitors can still enjoy the refreshing cool mist and the shaded beauty of the gorge area.

Q: How do I access the trail to Slap Kozjak?

The trail is accessible and well-marked, starting near locations such as Kamp Koren or Kamp Lazar. The route leads along the turquoise Soča River, passing through lush forest and across wooden bridges on the way to the waterfall.

Q: What is the best way to pay for the entrance fee?

The entrance fee of 5 euros is collected at a station along the trail. It is recommended to have cash on hand, as cash is preferred for payment.

15m waterfall in a limestone gorge, Triglav NP

#2 of 5 in Kobarid

Where: Kobarid, Bled & Bohinj
Directions: Directions

Slap Kozjak is a waterfall of about fifteen metres that drops into a hidden limestone chamber on a small stream just outside Kobarid. The water falls through a gap in a rock wall into a deep, round pool whose colour ranges from emerald to dark green, and the walls close in on three sides so that the waterfall seems to appear from inside the rock. It is one of the most photographed spots in the Soča Valley, and the combination of the narrow gorge, the sound of the water and the green light makes it feel far wilder than the short walk would suggest.

The approach is part of the experience. The path starts at the edge of Kobarid, near the campsites on the bank of the Soča, and follows the river upstream before turning into the side gorge. Along the way it crosses several wooden bridges and footbridges, passes through shady forest and offers views of the river's pale turquoise water, which is typical of the Soča. The walk is easy for most people, takes roughly an hour for the return trip including time at the waterfall, and is suitable for children who can manage uneven ground. After the final section, where the stream is crossed on a bridge, the trail ends at a viewing platform in front of the pool.

Because the gorge is narrow and shaded, it is cool even on hot days, and the rock can be slippery near the end. Sturdy shoes are a good idea, and visitors should keep to the paths and platforms, as the pool is deep and cold. The waterfall is fed by a stream draining the slopes above, so after heavy rain or in spring it flows with more force, and in a dry summer it is more modest but still pretty. The route is normally open during the warmer part of the year, and a small charge is usually collected at a station on the path, so it is worth checking the conditions in Kobarid before going.

Kozjak combines easily with other sights around the town. The Kobarid Museum tells the story of the First World War in the valley, the Napoleon Bridge crosses the Soča gorge a short way upstream, and the Koseč Gorge and the Church of St. Just add to a day of walking. In the afternoon, Kobarid's cafes are a pleasant place to stop and relax after the hike.