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What to do in Tolmin, Slovenia
Tolmin is a well-known town in the Soča Valley on the edge of Triglav National Park. I preferred the locations within Triglav, but it’s a fun stop on the way down. If you’re doing a roadtrip around Slovenia, it’s worth exploring it a bit. There are hikes, waterfalls and some historical places to visit. We spent a few days exploring Tolmin during a summer trip, but one full day to explore the area is probably enough. However it depends on the other stops you’ve made. If you haven’t explored Soca valley yet from another location, you can also do that from here as well. We booked everything quite last minute and affordable accommodation in Bovec was booked out. That’s how we ended up in Tolmin. The drive to the soca valley is a bit longer, but still manageable, but it has a lot of good sights of it’s own as well. I’ve written down all the best things to do in and around Tolmin below!
Best things to do in Tolmin
Tolmin Gorge
Tolmin’s most famous tourist attraction is the Tolmin gorge. Its is a little bit like the famous Vintgar Gorge near bled, that is more well known and visited. While Vintgar Gorge it can feel like the crowds are too much during summer, here you can still have a more tranquil experience. Tolmin is quieter and shorter, but it has one spectacular narrow-walled area that makes it all worth it.
Slap Beri
This hike to this waterfall is relatively short and along a nice path through the woods. Short after leaving Poljubinj you will walk in the Soteska Godiče and cross the Beri creek twice over two suspension bridges. Slap Beri drops from about 40 meters high from a rock wall covered with beautiful greenery.
Hiking time: 1–1.5 hour (out and back, so likely 30-40 minutes to the waterfall and the same on the way back)
Gregorčičev slap (and Slap Brinta on the way)
This trail is not the easiest. It has some scary drops and I wouldn’t recommend doing it after rain. Make sure you’re wearing good shoes! The first part of the path to the Brinta waterfall is relatively easy, but the more impressive waterfall is the Gregorčičev. Slap Gregorčičev originates from the river Volarja with a single fall of 88 meters. The waterfall is named after a famous Slovenian poet Simon Gregorčičev.
How to get there
Drive the old road from Kobarid to Tolmin via Kamno (cross the Napoleon bridge at Kobarid). At the beginning of Kamno, turn left to Vrsno and Krn. After about 1,6 kilometers, turn right to Selce. In Selce where the road ends, drive all the way to the end of the road and park on the little square.
Hiking time:
From the parking to Slap Brinta: 30 minutes (900 m, 52 meters, down 82 meters)
From Slap Brinta to Gregorčičev slap: 50 minutes (1,3 km up 110 meters, down 66 meters)
Ossuary of Italian WWI soldiers
A winding road leads to the Italian ossuary (309 m), which is built on Gradič nad Kobaridom. Next to it is the Church of St. Anthony. It was built in the shape of an octagon with three levels lined with arches. the octagon was built in the 17th century. The interesting shape of the platform the church is on and it’s spectacular location make it worth a visit.
They moved remains of 7,014 known and unknown fallen Italian soldiers who fought in the Soča Valley during World War I to the ossuary. Next to the ossuary are memorials, which were originally placed in the Bovec military cemetery and later transferred to Kobarid.
In addition to the ossuary there is a private museum collection Kobarid during the Great War 1917.
Mount Vogel
Mount Vogel is usually visited from Lake Bohinj either hiking or by cable car, but you can also hike from Tolmin. Hiking to Mount Vogel (1,922m) from Tolmin is a scenic hike that takes around 6-hour (13 km, ~900m elevation gain). You can start from Tolminske Ravne. The trail passes through the lush green Planina Razor pasture with stunning views of the Julian Alps. The hike is moderately difficult, most suited for relatively fit hikers. On a clear day you may see views of Bohinj, Triglav, and even the Adriatic Sea!
Starting point:
Tolminske Ravne: Just before Tolmin (coming from the south) turn right towards Zadlaz or Žabče village. Follow signposts for Zadlaz or Tolminske Ravne. The road to Tolminske Ravne is entirely paved but narrow and a bit scary when meeting oncoming traffic. There is a small parking lot at the end of the road in Tolminske Ravne on the right side (12 km from Tolmin).
Grad Tolmin
At the top of the hill Kozlov Rob you can find the remains of what was once an important castle in the Tolmin Area. It has an incredible history with many powerful lords fighting over this hill. The oldest source mentioning the first count of the castle dates back to 1188. Unfortunately the castle building was damaged by earthquakes in both 1348 and 1511. At the end of the 16th century the castle was still being renewed. After 1651, when the Coronini’s took over the Tolmin nobility and governorship, the castle was finally abandoned and a new one was built in the town of Tolmin, a part of which now houses the Tolmin museum. The ruins of the castle are proclaimed a cultural monument and it’s a great viewpoint!
Where to eat in Tolmin
Most accommodation has a kitchen available to cook, but there is one lunch place that I have to mention:
Grajski vrt ART&DECO CAFÉ: Absolute favorite place for lunch with delicious cakes.
Where to stay in Tolmin
In Kobarid (the next town over)
Apartments Pri nas– Absolutely beautiful apartments. Besides the apartments there are also two small cabins. Modern and stylish with all the needed facilities. There is a washing machine and jacuzzi for guests. The host is very friendly and happy to help. Close to the center of Kobarid and a supermarket. Great to explore both Tolmin and Bovec.