The Kobarid Historical Trail leads visitors through key sites of the Battle of Kobarid... And to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Slovenia.

1. Hiking the Kobarid Historical Trail in Slovenia
monkeysandmountains.com /kobarid
Be honest , have you ever heard of t he Kobarid Hist orical Trail in Slovenia?
If you have, I’m guessing that you’re either 1) a history buff or 2) interested in military affairs. Am I right? For those of you
who are into neither, like myself, Kobarid became famous in 1917 for the Battle of Kobarid or the Battle of Caporetto in
Italian. It’s where the Italian army retreated against the Austro- Hungarian and German armies. The battle was
documented by Ernest Hemingway in his novel A Farewell to Arms.
A good place to start is the Kobarid Museum, which documents the 12 battles fought in the Soča front and the 300,000
lives lost. I was on Hedonistic ‘s Slovenia and Friuli Tour and was fortunate enough to have the owner/guide Jackie who
is a walking encyclopedia, lead us on this historical hiking trail.
A short climb leads to the The Italian Charnel House built on Gradič Hill around the already existing Church of St.
Anthony. There are over 7000 Italian soldiers buried here. You can see the names on many graves. The ones without
names are unidentified.
Ita l i a n o s s u a r y a n d th e ch u r ch o f S t. An th o n y – th e r e s ti n g p l a ce o f o ve r 7000 Ita l i a n s o l d i e r s fr o m WWI.
Climbing a bit higher still through a gradual forest path, until you arrive at Tonocov Grad Hill, you go back further in time.
Much further back. Like all the way back to the 5th century where you encounter these Roman ruins.
This

2. This
also
Ro m a n Ru i n s d a ti n g b a ck to th e 5th ce n tu r y o n To n o co v G r a d Hi l l
makes a great rest stop to enjoy the views, or to read a couple of chapters out of Ernest Hemmingway’s A Farewell to
Arms as Jackie did to us during our lunch break.
The

3. The
time
travel
Vi e w fr o m To n o co v G r a d Hi l l
journey continues, going downhill this time and back to WWI. Here trekkers make their way down from Tonocov Grad
Hill by going through a series of bunkers and forts used by the Italians during WWI. I was really surprised at what an
extensive network it is and how long it was. It gives you a glimpse of the intensity of battles fought here.
The historical hiking trail continues over

4. The historical hiking trail continues over
the Soča River on a footbridge in the
exact same location as the footbridge
used by the Italians during WWI.
Although I can’t imagine how gloomy and
depressing it would have been to fight
here, I can imagine that the Soča River
would have been a place of reflection
and contemplation. It ’s one of t he
most beaut if ul rivers I have ever seen
anywhere. Jackie explained to us that
the river gets its awe- inspiring color from
the light sand covered bottom which
reflects the light.
From the Soča River, a well- marked
hiking path takes you to Veliki Koz jak,
considered to be one of Slovenia’s most
beautiful waterfalls. It’s a slippery path in
some places. There’s even a cable to
hold on to during the final few steps. But
just go slow and you will be rewarded.
The waterfall is hidden in a large open
karst cave- like area. The effect of the
dark rock contrasting against the bluegreen pool is truly stunning. My reaction
was WOW! The photo doesn’t do it
justice.
After hiking the 5km historical trail you will
likely have worked up an appetite. But
you’re in luck. Not only is Kobarid rich
in hist ory, it ’s also known as t he
Food Capit al of Slovenia! These are a
few of the highlights of just one of our
meals:
Know Bef ore You Hike t he
Kobarid Hist orical Trail
The hiking trail is 5km long and takes
Th e tr a i l l e a d s h i ke r s th r o u g h tr e n ch e s u s e d b y th e Ita l i a n Ar m y i n WWI.

5. Fo o tb r i d g e o ve r th e S o ča Ri ve r , co n s tr u cte d o n th e ve r y s p o t wh e r e a wo o d e n fo o tb r i d g e h a d b e e n d u r i n g WWI.

6. Th e i n cr e d i b l y p r i s ti n e S o ca Ri ve r .
about 3 hours.

7. about 3 hours.
You can do it on your own, but I
highly recommend doing it with
Hedonistic Hiking as part of the
Slovenia and Friuli tour. Check out
my review here.
It’s relatively easy hiking with a few
hills, but nothing too steep.
Visit the museum in Kobarid first to
give yourself some background. You
will get more out of the hike that way.
Stop by the tourist office for a route
map.
You’ll also want to spend some time
in Triglav National Park. Take a look
at the link and you’ll see why.
Thank you to Hedonistic Hiking for
introducing me to historical hiking. As
always all opinions expressed are my own.
Ve l i ki Ko z j a k Wa te r fa l l i s a cce s s i b l e o n l y b y a s l i p p e r y h i ki n g p a th , b u t wo r th th e tr e k.
Fall

8. Th e s e a r e j u s t a fe w o f th e co u r s e s fr o m a n i n cr e d i b l e m e a l I h a d i n Ko b a r i d . He d o n i s ti c Hi ki n g kn o ws a l l th e g o o d p l a ce s to e a t.
Hiking in Triglav National Park Slovenia: A Photojourney
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