We are driving a rental car from Venice Airport to Lake Bled, Ljubljana and then Piran for a quick 3 day visit in Slovenia. What is the best entry point coming from Venice into the Soca River Valley going to Kranjska Gora.. then on to Lake Bled. I realize it will take 4 hours. Coming from Venice should we drive and exit just before Udine on the SS54 to Kobarid and then Bovec ? OR is it better to drive past Udine to the north via Tricesimo on the SR646. Any thoughts or advice are welcome. Also, in the Rick Steves' Croatia-Slovenia Book, he suggests the trip starting in Kranjska Gora (north) going towards Bovec (south)... Is it okay to do this trip in reverse?
Are we losing any benefits of the views by starting the trip from the south to the north. Thank you!
Posted by
Ajdovscina
106 posts
Hi Alan! The first major option is to enter at Gorizia-Nova Gorica and head north but be aware that they are doing major roadworks on the freeway from Venice-Slovenia (mainly closer to Slovenia border) which can cause a few headaches depending on what they're doing. If you choose this option perhaps a better option is to come in the back door via Goriska Brda (beautiful wine country). Find the town of Cormons and just north is a road that enters Slovenia through Neblo and Goriska Brda. This is a worthwhile detour, great views. Or you can do what you suggest, miss the lower part of the Soca River and enter at Kobarid, which is worth a stop for the Kozjak Falls walking trails, museum and fine restaurants. Follow the Soca and continue onto Bovec and over the Vrsic. You're not really losing any benefits south to north because a lot of trees spoil the views whilst driving anyway. The real wow moments are where you pull over at the viewing points (like at the top) and take photos. Kranjska G is a nice stop for a drink or meal and then you meet up with the freeway to take you to Bled. Have a great trip
Greg