Dear fellow travelers:
We are fine tuning a future trip to Northern Italy and Slovenia. The goal is to see the alps and spend time doing day hikes in the mountain areas and soaking up a bit of the culture. We have dedicated a week to Slovenia and have narrowed it down to going to Lake Bled and Kobarid. How many nights should we do in each place and how should we break up the itinerary? I know both are close to Soca Valley.
Thank you!
Posted by
Slovenia
470 posts
Just to give you an idea of the geography - Kobarid is situated in the Soca Valley, while Lake Bled isn't really that close, as you have to cross the mountains to get into the valley. You haven't mentioned when you are visiting, but ideally aim to visit between mid-May and early October. The weather starts to turn cold and more sour in the mountains by mid-October.
Generally, the sights of the Soca Valley can be comfortably seen in two days - the Kobarid Museum, Tolmin Gorge, Kozjak Fall, Mangart Road, Great Soca Gorge, Vrsic Pass, etc. Obviously many of the natural sights involve some hiking, but if you want to add day hikes on top of your sightseeing, just add the corresponding number of nights.
Some day hike ideas in the Soca Valley are Krn Lake, from Lepena (4 to 5 hours r/t), Slemenova Spica from the summit of Vrsic Pass (2.5 hrs r/t) or a hike along the Soca Trail, which can be as long or short as you please as it follows the length of the upper valley.
While at Lake Bled, visit Lake Bohinj and the surrounding Bohinj Valley, probably one of the best hiking areas in the country and consider a half day trip to nearby medieval Radovljica with its very Slovenian beekeeping museum. Two to three nights in this area should give you time to see the main sights and if you want to do any hikes, add to it.
Some of the sights can be seen while you move from one place to another - for example, you can drive from Kobarid to Bled via Bohinj, spending the day there. Also consider a day in Ljubljana, especially if you enjoy culture. It can be done as a day trip from Bled, although I'd prefer a night there as its evening atmosphere in the warmer months is much nicer, in my opinion.
Posted by
OP
Spokane Valley, WA
201 posts
Thank you. That is exactly the kind of information needed. I was getting confused as to which place to see the Soca Valley from. The tours (like Viator) seem to start from Lake Bled and I don't see any from Kobarid. It sounds like Kobarid is a better location for that area. I really appreciate the information on the hikes. We will definitely want to do some.
Posted by
1531 posts
We stayed at a lovely agrituristimo outside of bled. Walking into town around the lake, up the hill to the castle etc was a 10 mile day. High lights were the boat ride over to the island, and the lunch at the castle.. ate outside, amazing views. We stopped for cream cake and coffee around 3 at a beautiful cafe..... a lovely day
Posted by
OP
Spokane Valley, WA
201 posts
Did you like the place you stayed? If so, what was the name?
Posted by
1531 posts
Mulej bled turist farm. Yes, we liked. We stayed in the main house, hotel quality rooms, hearty breakfast. They also have apts. It is a working dairy farm, so all of the sights and smells that come w that. Owned by a lovely family. Do NOT try to find this location after dark, tho. That was our only mistake
Posted by
OP
Spokane Valley, WA
201 posts
Thank you! I will check it out. I was raised on a farm so I'm used to the smells but thanks for the warning!
Posted by
1531 posts
Yup, former farm girl here, too. It was not an issue for me or my 3 citified friends. There were some negative reviews mentioning that on trip advisor. May i just say, it would be a pretty niave traveler who would choose a farm stay and then be cranky that it smelled like a farm. PM me if you have difficulty finding their website.