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Bavšica valley trail

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Turizem Dolina Soce

Bavšica valley
Photo: Trever Swelland, Turizem Dolina Soce

A great trail to view the amazing Bavšica valley in its entirety, passing by the historic Kluže fortress and the turquoise waters of the Koritnica river.

Open

easy

Distance 7.2 km

3:00 h

260 m

278 m

710 m

464 m

A wonderful loop through a hidden gem of Triglav national park: Bavšica valley. Bordered by Svinjak and its 10 km ridge line to Bavški Grintavec to the South and the peaks of Oblica and Vrh Krnice to the North. The Bavšica valley is completely enclosed by mountains on three sides, rising steeply from the narrow valley floor. The Bavšica valley trek is a good way to get off the beaten path while not sacrificing the awe inspiring views that the Julian Alps are known for. A relatively level trail, starting from the historic Kluže fortress the trail gradually ascends the on the road through Bavšica valley. After reaching the head of the valley, it doubles back and descends on a forested trail, to the turquoise stream below the fortress followed by a climb back up to the main road to complete the loop back to the start.

This is a 7 km round trip trail taking a total of 3 hours to complete. An easy trail, it is suitable for the entire family.

Author’s recommendation

Due to the Bavšica valley's position, it will not receive direct sunlight until 11 am mid-summer and even later during Spring and Autumn.

Author

Trever Swelland

Update: May 20, 2020

Difficulty

easy

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Highest point

710 m

Lowest point

464 m

Best time of year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Safety information

There is a 70 m deep gorge of the river Koritnica next to the Kluže fortress.

Tips and hints

For more information about the historical significance of the Kluže Fortress as well as operating hours and admission prices please follow the following links:
- Kluže Fortress History
- Kluže Fortress information

Start

Kluže fortress (710 m)

Coordinates:

46.369037, 13.633484

DMS

46°22'08.5"N 13°38'00.5"E

UTM

33T 394893 5135958

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Destination

The head of the Bavšica valley

Turn-by-turn directions

To start the Bavšica valley trek you can either start at fort Kluže or at the head of the Bavšica valley. This description describes the path starting from Kluže fortress. Across the road from the fortress there is a parking space where you can leave the car for the duration of the trek. On the opposite side of the gorge from the fortress follow the paved road that is marked: Bavšica. Follow this gradually ascending road all the way to the head of the valley ( here is another parking lot if you decide to do the trek in reverse). This is the entrance to Triglav national park and the start of a few trails leading into the park. From here you double back, returning on the road for a few kilometers. The trail then diverges from the road after approximately 2km from the head of the valley, at the point where the road begins to descend. Follow the well established trail leading all the way down to the small stream Šumnik and further to the Koritnica river below Kluže fortress. From the river, the trail crosses a suspension footbridge, and ascends up several switchbacks to the main road. From here you will see Kluže fortress, completing the loop.

Note

all notes on protected areas

Public transport

The closest place to Bavšica valley that public transportation will take you is to Bovec.

To reach Bovec please refer to our transportation page:

Public Transportation

Getting there

From Bovec drive 4.5 km in the direction of Predil pass to Fort Kluže. Directly aside the fort is the road to Bavšica; Follow this road to the end where you will find the parking spot for the start of the trek.

To get to Bovec you can come from the North or the South.

From the North: Via Kranjska Gora through Vršič Pass or through the Italian town of Tarvisio through Predil pass.
From the South: Follow road number 102 from Tolmin to Kobarid, turning on 203 from Kobarid to Bovec.

Parking

The loop has two options for starting points:

Option number 1: Fort Kluže, offering free parking across the street from the fortress.

Option number 2: from the head of the Bavšica valley which also offers a free parking lot.

Coordinates

46.369037, 13.633484

DMS

46°22'08.5"N 13°38'00.5"E

UTM

33T 394893 5135958

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Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendation by the author

For more information about the Soča valley follow this link:

Soča valley

Author’s map recommendations

Turistična karta občine Bovec, 1:40 000, Dolina Soče. Geodetski inštitut Slovenije, Jamova 2, Ljubljana.

Book recommendations for this region:

All publications

Equipment

This is a standard trail, requiring no special equipment. Bring gear according to the weather and the season.

Similar routes nearby

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Rating

3.0

(1)

W. F.

May 31, 2019 · Community

Comment

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Status

Open

Reviews

Difficulty

easy

Distance

7.2 km

Duration

3:00 h

Ascent

260 m

Descent

278 m

Highest point

710 m

Lowest point

464 m

Circular route Scenic Family-friendly Cultural/historical interest

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