Soča Valley: the largest Hiking Festival in Slovenia (September and October)
Sabado, 24 Septiembre de 2016 a las 00:49:55
Publicado por Oficinas-Turismo
In September and October, the most beautiful months for hiking, a Hiking Festival is organised annually in the Soča Valley. This is a time when many Slovenians and an increasing number of foreign visitors spend time together on organised hikes and hiking weekends along one of the most beautiful Alpine rivers in the world. A trail through paradise, which is full of pleasures and beautiful views, also runs through western Slovenia. This is the Alpe-Adria Trail, which connects Austria, Slovenia, and Italy, three different cultures and landscapes. On the Slovenian section of the trail and at the Festival, you will see some of the most beautiful corners of the Alps, the emerald River Soča that gave its name to this unique landscape, and you will taste dishes with a rich tradition.
When hiking trails show their autumn colours
The organisers of festivals in the Soča Valley are major ambassadors of safe hiking in hills and mountains, as they offer a number of lectures and expert meetings as a part of their accompanying programme. Organised hikes led by experienced guides are suitable for families and for mountain lovers with more advanced skills. The Hiking Festival in the Soča Valley that takes place from 16 September to 2 October is always fun and it allows you to experience the most authentic features that this valley has to offer. During the Festival, 28 different hikes and programmes will take place, and the organisers also prepare 12 hiking weekend programmes that are richly rewarding for hikers who wish to experience adventures in the fresh mountain air. All programmes focus on sport, history, or cuisine. Some are traditional, some are themed, some take you among the remains of the Isonzo (Soča) Front, and others run to the heart of the Triglav National Park and allow you to explore the lesser known corners of the valley of emerald beauty.
The Jestival Festival of flavours and art
The hiking festival in the Soča Valley also has a culinary aspect. On 1 October, the Jestival Festival of flavours and art will take place, and this year it will go back to its roots – to the most authentic flavours and customs in the Soča Valley. Traditionally, the main star is the Kobarid Štrukelj (dumpling stuffed with walnuts, raisins, and spices), though home-made marmalades from places near and far tend to steal its spotlight. Visitors can choose from a rich selection of flavours and products sold from stands. You can go to lectures and tastings, and you can rate food. The best restaurants and tourist farms in Kobarid participate, from Hiša Franko to the Kotlar Restaurant, the Topli Val Hotel, and others.
Heavenly places
The almost 700 kilometres long Alpe-Adria Trail runs through mostly non-Alpine areas and the elevation differences are not too great. It is comprised of 43 legs, each with a length of about 20 kilometres, which require about six hours of walking. Along the entire length of the trail, uniform signs are set up to guide hikers. The trail enters Slovenia through the Karavanke Alps, it runs past the Kranjska Gora mountain resort known globally for its Alpine skiing, it then goes across Vršič Pass, the highest Slovenian mountain pass, and continues along the valley of the emerald River Soča, following along the Isonzo (Soča) Front, where battles were fought in World War I. In the Brda Hills and in the Karst Region, the trail once again enters Slovenia from Italy. Excellent dishes can be tasted here, as these two destinations are famous for their world-class cuisine. The Brda Hills, as well as the Soča Valley, were granted the prestigious European Destination of Excellence label (EDEN), and it was their cuisine and gastronomy that were the reason for them winning the label.
Information from the Slovenia Tourism Board:
http://www.slovenia.info/