Climb up to the source of Soča river (A/B) and then follow the river to the Mlinarica gorge
The tour starts at the parking of the Soča trail (GPS: 46.408237,13.729112) and first follows the road upwards (northwest) to the hut from where the hiking trail towards the source of the Soča river starts. The trail follows the river upwards and becomes steeper towards the end. The access to the cave with the source of Soča is only accessible via an easy but exposed via ferrata (A/B) and only suitable for experienced hikers with a sure foot and not being afraid of heights. After reaching the source, the tour follows the same route (Via Ferrata) back to the parking and then follows the Soča trail southeastwards. The tour then follows the street upwards for a few meters before again following the hiking trail passing by the Julius Kugy monument. After reaching again the river, the tour follows the hiking trail on the left towards the second highlight: the Mlinarica gorge. The tour then follows the same route back to the parking whereas optionally it can be shortened by just following the street instead of the hiking trail on the way back.
Tour Description
| 00:00 | Start at the parking lot of the Soča trail (GPS: 46.408237,13.729112) and follow the road northwest (up) towards the hut. |
| 00:10 | Pass by the Koča pri izviru Soče hut, cross the bridge and immediately turn right into the trail towards the source of Soča. Follow the trail upwards along the river. |
| 00:15 | At the crossing, keep left (recommended) and follow the promising trail along the river. |
| 00:24 | Traverse eastwards to the crossing with the visible (red) signpost that indicate the start of the via ferrata. |
| 00:25 | Follow the trail up to the source (see singpost: Izvir Soče) which becomes a via ferrata after a few meters. |
| 00:30 | Climb into the cave and enjoy the amazing source of the Soča river. Best enjoyed with a self-brought refreshment (). |
| 00:40 | Follow the same trail / via ferrata back to the parking. |
| 01:10 | Put in unnecessary equipment (via ferrata set, helmet) in the car and now turn southwards into the Soča trail. |
| 01:25 | At the crossing, turn right for a detour and follow the trail downwards to the road. Turn right into the road and enjoy the view on the river from the bridge. Turn around and hike back to the crossing and this time follow the Soča trail upwards. |
| 01:30 | Turn right and follow the small street back to the bigger street (206). |
| 01:31 | Turn left and follow the bigger street upwards (first U-turn and then eastwards). |
| 01:35 | At the street’s U-turn, keep straight and turn into the Soča trail. Follow the trail which passes by the Dr. Julius Kugy monument and continue following the trail downwards. |
| 01:45 | At the crossing, do not cross the hanging bridge but turn left and follow the hiking trail towards the Mlinarica gorge. |
| 01:50 | Enjoy the view from the platform of Mlinarica gorge. Watch out for rock falls though! |
| 01:55 | Hike back the same route back to the parking. |
| 02:25 | Back at the parking, end of the tour. |
| Area: | Julian Alps, Slovenia | |
| Distance: | 6km | |
| Ascent: | 351m (0h 55min) | |
| Descent: | 351m (0h 55min) | |
| Highest Pt: | 980m | |
| Lowest Pt: | 752m | |
| Duration: | 2h 10min (without breaks) 2h 25min (with breaks) |
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| Stop/Rest: | Koča pri izviru Soče (886m) | |
| Equipment: | Optional: Via ferrata set incl. helmet Hiking shoes with good grip (on rock) Backpack with standard hiking equipment Snacks and plenty of water 1x “Gipfelbier” () Sun & Weather protection Camera |
| Download GPX | ||
| O | Tour at outdooractive.com |
At a glance
| Level | easy-moderate |
| – Via Ferrata Category | A/B |
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