Places of Interest - Slovenia

"kobarid"

introduction

If you do not want to stay in a tourist-resort like "Bovec", "Kobarid" is a good alternative. The village is less than 10 km from the Italian border which is tangible in the mentality, architecture and everywhere. Nature, on the other hand, is somewhat less rugged than in the nearby "Bovec" which lies a bit deeper in the "Julius" Alps. But in addition, the village has a number of unique sights that you can not see elsewhere in the country. One of them is the very interesting war museum, which gives a good picture of what happened here in WWI. Finally, you can make numerous hikes in the mountains and valley around the city "Kobarid"; alongside trenches dating from the 1916 and 1917 war years, there is an almost perfect waterfall, ruins of an ancient Roman settlement and a very impressive Italian memorial. And do not forget the beautiful azure river "Soca" that is almost visible and audible from any point in the village.

highlights

"The historic walk":

This walk is about 5 to 6 km long and is a very diverse 2 to 3 hour "hike" through beautiful low "Alps" nature around "Kobarid". For example, you can start at the beautifully located "Napoleon" bridge; unfortunately a replica of the bridge that was built here by the French at the beginning of the 19th century. In May 1915 it was destroyed. Under the bridge the wild and very bright azure river flows the "Soca". There is a walk along a gravel path through an open field (later forest) where you can see parts and pieces of constructed Italian trenches. Although it has been reconstructed you still get a good idea of what it must have looked like here, even though it is now overgrown with greenery (bushes). A little further up the path you will pass a small waterfall that falls into a black hole with a small stone bridge. Then a narrow path will take you across the river to the second and large waterfall ("Kozjak"). Walking along a wooden walkway you come to one of the most beautiful, most romantic waterfalls worldwide. It looks like a place where pirates hid their gold and/or a horde of beautiful harem ladies splashes in the water. The whole cave is almost closed at the top except for the tight water supply.

On the way back you can see original stairs and caves used in WWI. On the other side of the river you walk into the old, still original trenches at one point. It is a lot quieter here than on the other side but also a lot more realistic. A few hundred meters away you reach the "Tonocov Grad" site - a place where once a fortified hill was where people lived after the Roman times which were afraid of the barbarians. Once there were 20 houses and a number of churches (5th and 6th century AD) here. Finally, after a long walk through the woods you arrive at a very impressive memorial site for the fallen Italian soldiers. The road from the center of "Kobarid" is flanked by 14 statues representing the steps of "Jesus" before you reach the "Italijanska Kostnica". A place where the bones of more than 7000 Italian soldiers ended up. There has been a church since 1935.

Museum "Kobarid": See below.

tips & advice (2013)

Kobarid - Bovec: there are a few busses a day that depart from Kobarid to Bovec but I have hitchhiked the route. There is near the bridge (where you actually go right down the bridge towards the campsite) and left to Bovec a small parking lot where you can see every car coming and also have a good spot where cars can stop.

Name: "Kobariski" muzej

Address: Gregorciceva Ulica 10

Price: 5 euros

Time: 09:00 - 19:00 (18:00)

Website: www.kobariski.muzej.si

Content:

This museum, located in the center of “Kobarid” is certainly worth for a visit - at least if you are interested in the battle that took place here in WWI between the "Hungarian-Austrian" army and the German army on one side and the Italians on the other. There are two floors with different rooms (the white room, the black room, the room of Krn) in which various things are highlighted of the battle that almost meant the end for the Italian Kingdom. Lots of showcases, weapons, numerous pictures and other attributes found in the mud around the village in the mountains. In a simulated cave you can hear the story of a letter that an Italian soldier wrote to his father. Finally, a 20-minute documentary will be shown. A variety of books and postcards can be purchased at the small gift shop. A very good introduction before you make the historic walk.

There seems to be (I haven’t been there myself) a good and cheap restaurant in the center - it is a blue building with a small terrace. In addition, there are some nice terraces that overlook the center square - here you can buy a large cup of coffee for 1.50 euros.

Name: Camping "Koren"

Address: Drezniske Ravne 33

Price: 10.50 euro + 0.50 tax

Phone nr. : 389 1311

Website: www.kamp-koren.si

Content:

This campsite is not far from the Napoleon bridge (and the center) of the city "Kobarid". It lies on the beautiful azure colored river "Soca" and near the woods and mountains of this beautiful area. There are two places to set up your tent - one is on the plateaus at the beginning of the campsite while the other is on the big open field at the back. The plateaus are a lot quieter since no cars can come here and there is almost no one here (except me). You can perfectly (see the number of people who come here) book a raftingtrip or another active activity, there is a nice restaurant (outside and inside) and WIFI. In addition, it is on the historic walking route and there is a good hot water shower. The staff speak fluent English.

Places of Interest - Slovenia

"kobarid"

introduction

highlights

tips & advice (2013)

see also:

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