Trenta Valley, a historical and botanical gem of the Slovenian Alps

The Trenta Valley and its surroundings have many natural, cultural, and historical sights, attracting numerous domestic and foreign visitors. I will tell you more about just some of the most exquisite ones worth experiencing. Among them is the spring of the Soča River, the one of a kind natural gem - the Alpine botanical garden Juliana, and the Monument of Dr. Julius Kugy, a man known as the "father" of modern alpinism in the Slovenian Alps.

Where the Soča River is born 

Let’s start at the beginning. Like every other river, the emerald green Soča River also has a place of origin. Its spring is located deep inside the Trenta Valley. You can visit and see the birthplace of this magnificent river and, let me tell you, it is quite a sight. The tour to the source of the Soča River starts at a cottage called "Koča pri izviru reke Soče", translated as the "cottage near the source of the river Soča". The path is well marked and secured with wedges in the upper part. The karst spring of the Soča is a popular tourist destination, and it's arguably the most beautiful in the spring and summer. At the source, there is also a start of a 20-km-long walking and learning path “Soška pot”. This is the oldest path in the Triglav National Park, overlooking a plethora of natural, cultural and historical sights, all while offering informative boards of educational content along the way. The route also often crosses the Soča River through exciting hanging bridges.

An Alpine botanical garden

Another attraction in the Trenta Valley, especially suited for all the plant lovers, is the Alpine botanical garden - Juliana. The garden was founded in 1926 by the Trieste trader and landowner Albert Bois de Chesne. There, you will find a wide range of Alpine plants, as well as Mediterranean and Karts types, which can thrive there because of the low altitude and optimal climate. This is also the first and only botanical garden, located in a natural environment in Slovenia. 

A historical sight with a view 

From the botanical garden Juliana, you can continue your way exploring the valley from a historical point of view. There are some fascinating places where you will get to learn more about the history of the area and important events, which unfolded there. One of these is the magnificent monument dedicated to dr. Julius Kugy, a famous Austrian-Trieste alpinist and writer, laying at the foothill of the Vršič Pass. He was the first to discover and climb many peaks in the Julian Alps and considered the area and the mountains there to be his second home. You can even sit down next to the monument and enjoy the breathtaking view of the mountain world from its perspective. The Trenta Valley truly offers a diverse and informative experience in the untouched nature and a great introduction to the Slovenian Alps.