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Canyon · Bovec, Goriška
Great Soča Gorge
The 750-meter gorge where the Soča runs between rock walls just a few meters apart, with green pools up to 15 meters deep. You can see it from a suspension bridge and from a trail along the bank.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Great Soča Gorge
Velika korita Soče, the great gorge of the Soča, lies between the village of Soča and the entrance to the Lepena valley, about 11 km from Bovec along the Vršič road. There the river is squeezed into a 750-meter fissure, only a few meters wide and up to 15 meters deep, between smooth walls that in places overhang the water.
The water forms green pools and drops over small steps. After rain, curtains of water run down the walls. At the end of the gorge the river opens into calmer pools where many people stop on the rocks to look and some risk swimming in the cold water.
It is not possible to go through the gorge by boat: navigation is prohibited in this stretch for safety, and the boat launching point is at its end. The visit is made along a forest trail on the left bank, with viewpoints at several spots, and by a wooden suspension bridge at the start of the gorge. The trail is part of the Soška pot, which follows the river from its source.
In cold, wet months the rocks become slippery and may have ice; during that time, avoid exposed sections.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour for the bridge, the bank trail and the pools at the end of the gorge.
Best time
From June to September in the afternoon, when the sun enters the gorge and lights up the green of the water. After rains the curtains of water on the walls are more visible. In winter, avoid exposed sections.
How to get there
Along the road from Bovec to the Vršič Pass. The end of the gorge is by the entrance to the Lepena valley: cross the bridge and park. The start, with the suspension bridge, is about 1 km further on and has parking and an information panel.
Tip
Park at the start of the gorge, cross the suspension bridge and descend along the bank trail to the end: that way you see the entire gorge.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Great Soča Gorge
Where are the Velika korita of the Soča?
Between the village of Soča and the Lepena valley, about 11 km from Bovec via the Vršič road.
Can you swim in the Velika korita?
Not inside the gorge; navigation is also prohibited there. At its downstream end there are calmer pools, but the water is very cold.
How long is the Soča gorge?
About 750 meters long, a few meters wide in places and up to 15 meters deep.