recommended route
Zgodovinska pot (Historic Trail)
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Fort KlužePhoto: Trever Swelland, Turizem Dolina Soce
This historic tour is perfect for those looking to get a well rounded view of the significant impact the Soča valley had during World War I. Fort Hermann and fort Kluže were both created for the defense of Predil pass, a natural opening of the Julian Alps to the interior of Europe. Kluže has long stood as a fortress in this area, dating back to the 15th century where it was used to prevent the Turkish invasions to Koroška. As well as the 18th century where the Austrians used it to defend the invasion of Napoleon Bonaparte. Most recently it was used as a defense on the Austrio-Hungarian front, during the first world war, from an Italian invasion. Fort Hermann was also constructed during this time as a support for Kluže.
To start, walk from the information building to the base of the church in the center of Bovec. There you will ascend up the slopes of Mt. Rombon and across the valley to the forts, where the trail eventually descends and returns along the valley floor back to Bovec.
Author’s recommendation
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Be careful around forts as some parts can be very exposed.Tips and hints
- This is a 14km round trip tour with a total trip time of 4-5 hours. The trail is suitable for children, however it is quite long so use discretion.
- For more information about Kluže fortress and Fort Hermann click on the link: Trdnjava Kluže and Fort Hermann
- For more information about the open-air museum Ravelnik click on the link: Ravelnik
- For more information about the First World War in the Soča velley click on the link: Pot miru
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
This trail starts from the information building at the center of Bovec. From here walk to the base of the church where you will see the first signs indicating the Zgodovinska trail. Turn right, the trail ascends the hill at the base of Rombon mountain to the so called "Plajer's rock" and nearby eco farm. The trail then follows several switchbacks until reaching the plateau at the intersection with Plajer trail. After, the trail traverses the base of Rombon, high above the Soča valley with obvious markings to fort Kluže. You will first arrive at the upper fortress: Fort Hermann. From here it is a large, obvious trail depending to fort Kluže.
Once you arrive at fort Kluže you must start walking on the road to Bavšica, for 5 minutes turning on the first trail to the right leading down to the river. At the river cross the foot bridge and instead of ascending back up the hill take the trail to the left paralleling the Koritnica river. Follow this trail, turing into a driveway, until it reaches the main road. Then cross the main road and follow another dirt road that parallels the main road for approximately 1 km, where you will once again end on the main road. From here walk on the main road towards Bovec for 100 m until you reach the first building on your left. At the rear of this building is a sign for Ravelnik, 250m away. Cross around the back side of Ravelnik hill, crossing a bike park and intersecting with a more prominent trail that leads back to the center of Bovec.
By road
The starting point of the track is from the center of Bovec, originating at the information center.
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
During the summer months, parking can be difficult in Bovec. There are a few larger parking lots that generally have space available. Option number 1: directly across from the Mercator supermarket there is a large parking lot. Option number 2: there is a large parking lot near the school and the church.Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
For more information about the Soča valley follow this link:
Author’s map recommendations
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
This is a standard trail, requiring no special equipment. Bring gear according to the weather and the season.Statistics
- 2 Waypoints
- 2 Waypoints
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