Waterfalls, Gorges, and Gorgeous Waterfalls

Bovec and the Soca Valley
our apartment building is at the bottom of the photo

We've been in the Julian Alps for the past several days, and it has been one spectacular view after another.  After long hikes at Lake Bohinj, we traveled to the Soča Valley and hiked shorter trails in search of waterfalls, gorges, and the iconic turquoise-blue yet crystal-clear water.  The Soča Valley takes its name from the Soča River, which starts high in the mountains and flows all the way to the Adriatic Sea about 90 miles away.

Slap Kozjak

We found a lovely apartment in the town of Bovec, with great views between two mountain ranges just out the windows and looking from the balcony.  Bovec proved to be an ideal base to explore the Soča Valley with nearby waterfalls, gorges, and local swimming places on the river shores. The Slovenian word for waterfall is slap, so it always made us chuckle when we saw signs pointing us to Slap Boka or Slap Kozjak.

Slap Kozjak

In addition to these two waterfalls, we also hiked at Soča Gorge, the deepest area where the river cuts through the rocky landscape as it makes its way to the sea.  Just upstream from this gorge is Šunikov vodni gaj, a nature preserve whose name translates to Šunik water grove.  Here the Lepenjica stream flows downhill, creating multiple small waterfalls, cascades, and crystal-clear pools of teal water before it eventually combines with the Soča.  This water grove wasn't even on our radar until we discovered a local recommendation.  It was truly a hidden gem that took us far from crowds and may be our favorite Soča Valley experience.

Soca Gorge

Sunik Water Grove

Sunik Water Grove