Cascada (Slap) Kozjak

The Historic Route of Kobarid is a simple, circular trail that runs through Kobarid. The route covers different attractions of this small Slovenian town located in the Soča Valley, both natural and historical, such as the Italian Ossera, the archaeological site of Tonocov, the Napoleon Bridge and the Kozjak waterfall, etc.

The entire route is perfectly signposted and there is no possibility of getting lost.

We start the walk in the center of the town of Kobarid, taking the Via crucis road that goes up to Ossera Italiana. This octagonal building is located on a hill, Gradič nad Kobaridom, so it is visible from much of the surrounding area. The Monument was built at the beginning of the 20th century to pay tribute and guard the remains of more than 7,000 Italian soldiers who died in the Soca Valley during World War I. And it is that the Soca Valley was the scene of combat between Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops, known as the Isonzo Front.

We leave the road to continue along a path through the forest following the signs to Tonovcov Grad. The deciduous forest offers us a shaded path, always uphill, in which we discover several hiding places in the form of caves, I suppose remnants of the war.

At the top of the Tonovcov hill we visit the archaeological sites before heading to the panorama that offers us towards Kobarid and the Soca valley, in a very green environment. This hill has been inhabited since ancient times, and represents one of the historical sites of this route. In Tonovcov Grad there were houses and churches centuries ago, and also an ancient fortification that watched over and protected the valley.

We descend from then, passing through war trenches hidden in the forest, until reaching the road next to the river.

We continue for a short stretch along the path deep in the forest, which soon takes us to the suspension bridge over the Soca river. We appreciate from this bridge the turquoise color of the river, and the splendid frame extends to the mountains. Some people take the opportunity to bathe in these intensely colored waters.

After crossing the suspension bridge we find new directions and continue towards the Kozjak waterfall on the left. The path is wide, without any difficulty, and frequented by people of all ages. And when you get to the Kozjak waterfall you understand why. It is a very striking place, as the 15 m high waterfall falls into a rocky gorge, almost a cave, forming a green gorge. Bathing in the gorge is appetizing but not allowed. A beam of light enters through the top. You have to pay an access fee and there is a small trellis that acts as a viewpoint in front of the waterfall.

The path ends at the waterfall, so we have to turn back and choose one of two options: follow the path that passes through the war fortifications or go directly to the river to continue along its bank . We choose this second alternative in order to enjoy the river landscape for more time.

The wide path ends up moving away from the river and at a source of drinking water we have the opportunity to fill our bottles. We meet again with the Soca river at the Napoleon Bridge. This bridge is on the paved road and although it is crossed by traffic, many people stop here. It is another of the historic sites on this route and takes its name from having been crossed by Napoleon's troops. The original wooden structure was destroyed and now consists of a stone and iron bridge. But it is also a place of scenic interest, since the Soca river flows very tightly and you can appreciate a rather beautiful landscape. Your heart is in a fist when you see the boys throw themselves into the river from the bridge to the river in a rather narrow stretch with considerable height.

From the Napoleon Bridge it is only a short distance to the center of Kobarid, where we conclude this route of historical importance, although rather insipid.