INFORMATIONS
A festival at the confluence
of two rivers
In the magical Soča Valley in western Slovenia, on the edge of Triglav National Park, we loved running long before the first Soča Outdoor Festival. Can you believe that back then we didn’t even realize what a privilege it was? This stunning nature, the pebbly beaches, the crystal-clear Soča River and Tolminka River, and all those winding trails across meadows and through forests – we fall in love with them more and more every year. Also because we keep rediscovering them through your eyes, full of passion for the outdoors. That’s why we invite you to take more than just those few hours that the trail running race lasts. Stay in the Soča Valley for at least three days, or better yet, for an entire week during the Soča Outdoor Festival. Your legs might be tired, but your mind will be rested, and your soul filled with beauty after meeting so many natural wonders.
It’s hard to imagine a better setting for a sports festival. The confluence of two alpine rivers, the Soča and the Tolminka, creates a magical point where everything flows together. The first river offers sandy and pebbly beaches, swimming, and SUP adventures all the way to the lake at Most na Soči. The second river provides the most spectacular and refreshing trail running race finish – yes, you’ll actually wade through the Tolminka to cross the finish line. There’s also an option to run across the hanging bridge, but only a few runners take it. Just 200 meters above the confluence lies the festival’s main area with registration, a tent for hot meals, a sports expo, showers, and toilets. Another 200 meters west you’ll find our campsite, and about 300 meters toward Tolmin there’s a parking area.
The Soča Valley:
a home for adventurers of every kind
The Soča trail leads you along a river that keeps changing its face with every step. No matter the length of your race, part of your route will follow the Soča River. This river, praised by Slovenian poet Simon Gregorčič in his famous poem To the Soča, shows many moods: from the surreal narrow gorges in Trenta, to the wild rapids around Bovec, to the calm lake near Most na Soči. Let the emerald queen be the main thread of your active holiday in western Slovenia – experience her by rafting, SUP, on foot or by bike.
Tolmin Gorges:
a hidden confluence carved in rock
Almost all races (except the vertical run, kids’ race, and the 5 km run) lead through the magical Tolmin Gorges, across small wooden bridges that connect steep rocky walls carved by water over centuries. The Tolmin Gorges are one of those places where less competitive runners usually slow down and pull out their phones to capture a photo. And that’s fine – but we warmly recommend you give this place more than just a few minutes, perhaps together with your family. By the way, where the Zadlaščica meets the Tolminka, you’ll find the lowest point of Triglav National Park, just 180 m above sea level.
Hiking:
climb your way to heaven
Slovenians are known for their love of mountains, and our hiking trails, connecting panoramic peaks and mountain huts, are well maintained and safely marked. Near Tolmin you can explore long-distance trails such as the Walk of Peace and the Juliana Trail. You don’t need to walk all sixteen or more stages at once – discover two or three and save the rest for your next visit. We’re sure you’ll be back.
Cycling routes: power yourself to hidden beaches and stunning views
Whether your bike rolls on smooth road tires or you prefer leaving the asphalt for gravel and dirt, there’s no shortage ofcycling adventures in the Soča Valley. Just make sure to stay on marked trails and respect the rules of riding in nature. The Trans Dinarica, long-distance cycling route also starts in Tolmin, so after the race (and a well-deserved rest day) you can hop on your bike and continue all the way to Albania!
History and culture:
it wasn’t always just
sunshine and flowers
We invite you to discover the history of these lands, even if it hasn’t always been pleasant. The most important Museum of the Isonzo Frontis in Kobarid, and nearby you can also visit the Cheese-making Museum, celebrating a thousand years of tradition in these valleys. At the Kolovrat Open-Air Museum history and hiking meet beautifully, while closest to our festival venue stands the Tolmin Museum, featuring both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
