recommended route
Šunik Water grove
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The Šunik water grovePhoto: Turizem Dolina Soce
This short hiking trail leads into the positive bioenergy environment of pools, rapids and waterfalls of the Lepenjica Stream.
This nicely routed trail leads to the wonderful pools filled with crystal clear water flowing over the numerous rock indentations through the cool beech forest. You cross the stream over two wooden footbridges. There are numerous opportunities to take pictures along this short but impressive hiking trail.
Author’s recommendation
After you finish the tour we recommend you to refresh yourself in the Dom dr. Klementa Juga Mountain hut in the gable end of the valley or taste trouts at Pension Klin at the confluence of the Lepenjica Stream and the Soča River.
Track types
Safety information
The trail can become slippery after rainfall, which is why caution is advised.
We do not recommend taking this tour during the winter months because the trail is routed along the area which lies in the shadow of the mountains where the trail and footbridges get covered with ice.
Tips and hints
The water in the stream is clean and suitable for drinking. Bathing in the stream and its tributaries is prohibited.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
At the Great Soča Gorge, turn from the main road Bovec - Trenta and continue to the Lepena Valley. The road is initially routed along a relatively level section. After approximately three kilometres of driving it turns steeply uphill to the left to the small parking lot equipped with an information board. This is where our hiking trail begins. It is initially routed along a relatively level section until it crosses the footbridge where it turns uphill to the left. The trail is constantly routed above the pools and small waterfalls. There are several short side trails leading to most wonderful picture taking spots, however, caution is advised especially in wet conditions. After approximately 20 minutes of walking you arrive to the upper footbridge which also represents the highest point of this hiking trail. At this point, turn downhill to the left and return to the first footbridge and the starting point. Besides the natural sights, the trail also offers views of the ruins of the old mill and the sawmill beneath it which still served its purpose in the middle of the last century. Despite it being one of the shortest trails, the natural sights which you visit along the trail make it one of the richest in the area.
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
During the summer months, there are several daily public bus transportation lines available to the junction for the Lepena Valley (Great Soča Gorge). From this spot you can take the long version of the trail (approx. 3 h).By road
Leave the national road No. 206 Bovec - Vršič - Kranjska Gora at the turn for the Lepena Valley (approx. 9 km from Bovec). If you decide to take the long version, park your vehicle at one of the parking lots above the Soča River at the Great Soča Gorge.Otherwise, drive past Kamp Klin approximately three kilometres into the Lepena Valley until you reach the small parking lot with the starting point for the Šunik Water grove circular trail.
Parking
Parking lot above the Soča River at the Great Soča Gorge (long hike version) or small parking lot in the Lepena Valley at the right side of the road at the beginning of the long ascent towards the end of the valley (short hike version).Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Najlepši planinski izleti, Dolina Soče - Bovško.
Author’s map recommendations
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
Hiking footwear, trekking poles and a cape in case of wet weather.
Statistics
- Waypoints
- Waypoints
Questions and answers
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Rating
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