The source of river Soča

The Soča trout is an endemic freshwater fish that lives in the Soča River and its tributaries and is also widespread in the Adriatic Basin.Izvir Soče je čudovita, vendar težje dostopna naravna znamenitost in za ogled zahteva kar precej spretnosti.Part of the Latin name marmoratus refers to a characteristic marbled pattern on the back and head. It is recognizable by its elongated cylindrical body between 50 and 70 centimeters long and its marble pattern on a gray-white background. Smaller Soča trout are kept in medium-deep water. Larger trout are solitary and move in deep pools.They belong to the predators. Adult trout feed on smaller fish and hunt at dusk, while younger ones feed on plants, plankton and insects. They spawn from November to January on a gravelly river bottom. More than fishing itself, they are threatened by genetic mixing with introduced brown trout. Over the past decade, fishermen have been trying to catch the brown trout in order to restore a pure population of Soča trout.Biologists raise them in swimming pools and then release them at the source of the Soča. Soča trout can reach a weight of over 20 kg. So far, the longest one caught in Slovenia was 121 cm long and weighed 25 kg.

The Soča River has its source in an underground lake at the end of a narrow canyon in Zadnji Trenta.Immediately afterwards, the Soča forms an interesting 10-meter waterfall and endless smaller waterfalls and rapids and continues its way down Trenta.The source of the Soča is a beautiful but hard-to-reach natural monument and requires a lot of skill to see it. It is most beautiful in spring and summer.The 20 km long Soča educational Trail begins at the source of the Soča river.

On the road Bovec – Vršič turn left at the 49th serpentine of the road to Vršič and continue along the road for about 1 km to Koča pri izviru Soče (hut at the source of the Soča) where you park.From Koča pri izviru Soče, a marked trail leads you to the source of the Soča river after 20 minutes. The path is arranged and in the upper part very demanding, secured with wedges and steel cables. Appropriate footwear and physical fitness are required.