6 Things To Do in Bovec, Slovenia for Adventure Travelers

Velika korita Soče

When somebody says adventure, most people immediately think of bungee jumping in New Zealand or whitewater rafting in the Swiss Alps and of course…no wait. Slovenia? Where is that?

What do you know about Slovenia? Did you know it is one of the greenest countries in the world? Did you know there’s a small town in Slovenia with less than 1700 people, known as the adventure capital of Europe?

Bovec, Soča Valley, Slovenia

Surrounded by mountain peaks over 2000m, Bovec is situated in the heart of the Soča valley, just outside of the Triglav National Park. Being a summer and a winter resort, Bovec attracts travellers all year long. It’s a very popular destination among adventure travelers and people who just want some relaxation in the middle of beautiful nature.

I know Bovec needs a more detailed travel guide (and I’m working on it) if you want to experience everything it has to offer, but for now here’s my list of 6 best things to do in Bovec, Slovenia.

Enjoy an Amazing Sunset (or Sunrise) at the Mangart Saddle

Drive up the highest mountain road in Slovenia in the heart of the Triglav National Park, all the way up to 2072m above sea level, sit at the edge of a 200m cliff (just be careful) and enjoy the views of the Slovenian Julian Alps on one side and Laghi di Fusine lakes on the Italian side.

The Mangart saddle

The mountain road is 12km long and quite narrow in some places. Great driving skills are more than welcome. You should expect about 1 hour drive from Bovec to the saddle.

Fun fact: for adrenaline lovers, I suggest the alternative way down, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. It’s paragliding. The Mangart saddle is a very popular staring point for paragliders. It’s no wonder why. The views are unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

Soča valley paragliding
The alternative way down

Whitewater Rafting Down the Soča River

Rafting Soca River - Bovec Slovenia
Soča river rafting

Whitewater rafting is by far the most popular adventure activity in the Soča valley.

I think adrenaline and adventure aren’t even the main reason people decide to do rafting. It’s the beauty of the Soča river and the surrounding landscape that make people put on funny (but cool 😎) looking wetsuits and start this crazy adventure.

The river has a unique emerald color and the water is so clear you can see every stone and fish in the river (except after heavy rain).

As far as adrenaline goes, if you’re looking for a really adventurous rafting tour, you must visit Bovec when the water level of the river is high, that is generally from April till the end of June, when the snow is melting, or anytime after a heavy rainfall.

In the summer time (July, August) the water level usually drops a bit and therefore rafting becomes possible also for less adventurous people, as well as families with kids. If you’re not sure about the conditions, feel free to contact me and I’ll help you out.

Canyoning Trips in Bovec

If adventure and adrenaline are the main purposes of your travel, you can’t afford not to go canyoning, especially because Bovec is one of the best places in the world to do that!

Now I bet you’re wondering what canyoning is? It’s a fairly new sport, so many people don’t know about it, but everyone falls in love with it as soon as they try it.
Canyoning is basically exploring numerous canyons of small creeks – usually the tributaries of the Soča river. Small streams of water have shaped these canyons in such as way you will feel like you’re in a natural waterpark.

You will slide and jump down most of the waterfalls, but on the higher ones you will use rope to descend down – in some canyons the waterfalls are up to 45m high! Find out more about canyoning here.

Bovec Canyoning Susec Gift Card
Canyoning Bovec – Sliding down one of the many slides in a natural waterpark
Canyoning Bovec - Sušec
Using a rope to slide down in the Sušec canyon

Enjoy your ride with the Kanin cable car

Bovec is home to the highest ski resort in Slovenia – Kanin ski resort. It is a paradise for skiers (especially off piste skiers) in the winter time and hikers and mountain bikers in the summer time.

The 6 kilometer cable car takes you all the way from Bovec (460m above the sea level) to the ski slopes located at 2300m above the sea level. On a clear day, the view goes all the way to the Adriatic sea. Info: kanin.si

Kanin ski resort Bovec
Kanin ski resort in the winter time

Hike the Soča trail

A 25km long easy hiking trail from the source of the Soča river to the third Soča gorge near Bovec. Experience stunning scenery, picturesque footbridges and freshness of the Soča river. It’s a nice and relaxing activity and by far the best way to see as many beautiful secret corners of the Soča river.

Velika korita Soče
The Great Soča gorge is one of the many stunning natural sights you’ll discover during the Soča trail hike.

So there is a list of my favorite things to do in Bovec, Slovenia. There is so much more to do here and I could go on and on with the list, but I don’t want to give it all away just yet. 😉

Have you been to Bovec yet? What was you favorite activity? Let me know in the comments.

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