We couldn’t get over all of the incredible things that there are to do in Slovenia! The country itself is so beautiful, and we even had a guide refer to it as “the New Zealand of Europe“. Slovenia remains one of our favourite countries to date, as we had such a fun time exploring Lake Bled, Ljubljana, and, of course, Kobarid. Although we only had a short stay, I’ve put together a list of some of the best things to do in Kobarid, as our experience there was unbelievable. We went in the summer of 2019 and tried to make the most of the outdoor adventure activities that it had to offer! Now we really only did touch the surface with our outdoor activities, but we can certainly say that without a doubt they are worth it and you MUST try some adventure activities while you are here!
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How To Get To Kobarid
There are two main ways to get from Ljubljana to Kobarid: taking the bus or driving a car. We opted to rent a car for our trip in Slovenia, as there were three of us and it allowed us to have more flexibility in our route. We were able to make multiple stops along the way, including the Tolmin Gorge, which was so beautiful!
To drive a car from Ljubljana to Kobarid directly, it should take you about 1h 40min. Taking a bus will take about 2h 30m with an approximate cost between $20 and $40.
Our go-to site for planning transportation has always been Rome2Rio. It shows multiple modes of transportation and makes it SO MUCH EASIER to plan any vacation! Check it out here!
The Best Things to do in Kobarid: Our Favourite Outdoor Activities!
Canyoning
We were especially excited (and a little nervous) about trying canyoning for the first time! Soca Valley truly is the perfect place to try it, and we can’t recommend it enough! The best part was that there were a handful of outdoor companies to go through, without it being too busy.
After talking with a few different touring companies, we decided to go with Soca Valley Freeride. Nate was a fantastic guide and really put us at ease as he discussed with us what to expect while canyoning and gave us a safety briefing. He was able to accommodate us last minute as we didn’t have a prior booking, and we went canyoning that same day in the late afternoon.
The tour lasted 3 hours from the time we departed until we arrived back in town. The total cost was 75 euros per person, and this also included the full equipment rental for the excursion.
Going canyoning was SO FUN and unlike anything that we have done before. You’ll climb over rocks, jump into the water, and repel down waterfalls, basically feeling like a champion. Nate was a solid guide who helped us feel at ease while taking us on an incredible adventure! It was a 10/10 experience and easily a highlight during our adventures in Slovenia!
Canoeing
We spent our second day in Kobarid going on a relaxing canoe adventure. We chose to go through the X Point – Rafting & Watersports center Soča Valley as they were very friendly and had availability for us to rent a canoe!
Although the waters were very calm, there were a few spots of minor rapids, and it was a fun time. In our one canoe, we fit three adults, brought some canoe snacks, and were out on the water for a few hours.
We were alone in the canoe and didn’t have a guide with us. They told us where to exit on the river and picked us up when we were done. It was great as we got out at a campground and had a pint while we waited for our driver. Solid time, highly recommend!
Things to Do Near Kobarid
Our top recommendation to explore near Kobarid is the Tolmin Gorge. It is only about a 20-minute drive from Kobarid, and it is absolutely worth your time to go and check it out! We went in the early afternoon, and even still, it wasn’t busy at all (this was 2019). The was is so clear and so beautiful. The greenery is so lush, and I was in awe while taking as many photos as I could haha.
The entry fee is about 10 Euros (2026) with an additional small fee for parking, and you can either purchase tickets in advance or on-site. While looking into the ticket purchase online, it appears that you book a certain time slot, as well. You can anticipate spending just a couple of hours here, walking around the path and taking in the views!
Where to Eat in Kobarid: The Best Dining Experience!
Hisa Polonka
Dining at Hisa Polonka was on the bucket list once we set in motion our plans to go to Kobarid. It is known for serving Slovenian food and is a Michelin Guide Restaurant. The atmosphere is charming with a comfortable setting. It offers regional dishes with wine pairings or craft beer to accompany. We were lucky enough to dine here during our stay, and we absolutely loved it!
It’s worth noting that it’s closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I would recommend making a reservation or going to the restaurant near its opening time! It’s a true gem in Kobarid, and if we get a chance to go back to this area, we will certainly want to go again!
Final Thoughts on our Visit to Kobarid
We just touched the surface when it comes to things to do in Kobarid. It is a great place to be as it is out of the hustle and bustle of the Soca Valley, but it has great areas and activities to explore. There are loads of things to do here, including kayaking, rafting, hiking, paragliding, and much more! Although we only spent a couple of days there, the memories we have are absolutely incredible. We loved our time canyoning and canoeing and felt that these activities were truly second to none! Kobarid is the place for the ultimate adventure, and the outdoor scenery is amazing. It’s certainly worth adding to your itinerary, and the cherry on top is visiting Hisa Polonka for an unbelievable Slovenian meal!
Kobarid is a DEFINITE MUST-SEE PLACE while travelling in Slovenia!
Looking for another city to add to your Slovenia trip itinerary? Check out this article on Lake Bled and why you should add it to the list!
