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Hiking Kozjak Waterfall in Slovenia: Insider Tips From Experience
Kobarid made our 9-day Slovenia and Croatia itinerary for one delicious reason: Hisa Franko. But what we didn’t expect was how much we’d fall for the town itself. Nestled in the Soca River Valley and surrounded by the Julian Alps, Kobarid is ridiculously scenic and peaceful. And just a short hike from town sits Kozjak Waterfall, a 49-foot stunner hidden inside a cave that quickly became one of our favorite stops of the trip!
Here’s what we learned straight from our own experience to make your hike as smooth as possible.
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Quick Overview of Hike
- Hiking distance: 2.2 miles
- Hiking time: 1-hour roundtrip
- Hiking difficulty: Easy
Kozjak Waterfall Trail Map
Map of Kozjak Waterfall Day Hike Trail
You’ll find parking and the trailhead on the map above.
Or do what we always do . Open AllTrails and follow the Slap Kozjak Waterfall route.
It’s hands-down the best way to stay on track without second-guessing every turn.
Where We Parked & What It Cost
The parking lot for Kozjak Waterfall is super close, about a 2-minute drive or a 10-minute walk from Kobarid.
We just drove out of Kobarid, crossed the Napoleon Bridge, took an immediate left toward Dreznica, and spotted the gravel lot on the right across from Kamp Koren. Easy.
Courtesy of Getty Images: Napoleon Bridge in Kobarid, Slovenia
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Kozjak Gravel Parking Lot
The trail is open from April 2–October 31 and is part of the Kobarid Historic Trail, which loops past a few other local highlights like the Kobarid Museum.
We didn’t have time to go in, but everyone we talked to said it’s worth a visit if you’ve got an extra hour or two.
Parking costs €1.50 per hour, and trail entry is €5 per adult. Nothing crazy.
Nichole Pro Tip: If you’re renting a car, go local. We used Atet for our Slovenia road trip and loved them. Smooth process and friendly staff. Exactly the kind of experience you want after a long flight.
Our Hiking Experience
I’d rate this hike as easy.
It’s more of a relaxed stroll than a workout. We even saw a few locals doing it in dress clothes, which was an interesting choice (we stuck to our hiking gear).
But that should tell you it’s not a tough trail.
The path is well-maintained and easy to follow. From the parking lot, just cross the road and look for the trailhead marked “Slap Kozjak.” Slap means “waterfall” in Slovene.
Start of the Kozjak Waterfall Trailhead (directly across from the parking lot)
The trail winds through a meadow dotted with beehives, then slips into a lush green forest with views of the turquoise Soca River along the way.
First part of the trail: hiking through a meadow
Want to know what these colorful boxes are? Beehives! 1 out of every 200 Slovenians is a beekeeper. They are serious about their bees!
Turquoise Soca River as seen on the Kozjak Waterfall Hike in Kobarid
At one point, you’ll come across a hanging wooden bridge on your left that stretches over the Soča River.
We paused there for a minute. The views are beautiful! And on some days you might spot kayakers paddling below.
It’s a great photo stop, but don’t cross the bridge if you’re heading to Kozjak Waterfall. Once you’ve grabbed your photos, stay straight on the main path.
The beautiful turquoise Soca River … you can see the hanging bridge in the distance.
Hanging wooden bridge on the Kozjak Waterfall Hike in Kobarid
Courtesy of Unsplash Images: Bird’s eye view of the hanging bridge over the Soca River
Kozjak Waterfall Hike
Slap Kozjak Sign
A little farther in, the trail got more interesting. We started hopping across stone steps and walking over narrow wooden planks that zigzag across the Kozjak stream.
Walking on stone steps to get to Kozjak Waterfall
You must cross a series of wooden planks to get to Kozjak Waterfall
My husband … always several feet ahead.
Yes, this place is real.
You’ll know you’re getting close when the rocky walls start to narrow and the air feels damper.
That’s the final stretch before the waterfall reveal!
Gorge walls are becoming more narrow.
Navigating the narrow wooden walkways … almost there!
A few more steps, one last turn… and you’re hit with that first full view of the falls.
Kozjak Waterfall in a limestone cave-like setting
Kozjak might not be the biggest or tallest waterfall out there, but wow, it’s one of the most unique we’ve ever seen!
The 49-foot drop spills into this emerald-green pool inside a limestone cave. It’s wild how hidden it feels, like you just stumbled on a secret spot.
As tempting as that water looks (we get it), it’s best to skip the swim. The area’s a protected nature reserve.
Waterfall Tips
Go early morning or late afternoon
This trail gets especially busy in summer, so try to skip the midday rush if you can.
We started around 4 pm, and it was perfect. Plenty of daylight left, a few other hikers on the path, but not crowded.
We even had Kozjak Waterfall all to ourselves for a solid ten minutes before anyone else showed up. Totally worth the later start.
Wear comfortable shoes with a little grip
There are a few spots where you’ll be stepping over rocks and wooden planks, and they can get slick after rain. Definitely wear shoes with good grip.
My trail runners are my go-to for easy to moderate hikes like this.
Hike before you dine at Hisa Franko
If you’re planning to visit Kobarid for a meal at the legendary three-star Michelin restaurant Hisa Franko, I highly recommend doing this hike first.
That’s what my husband and I did, and it couldn’t have worked out better. After exploring the trail and soaking in all that scenery, we showed up to dinner hungry and completely ready to enjoy every bite.
Where to Stay near Kozjak Waterfall
If you’re visiting Kozjak Waterfall, you’ll probably stay in Kobarid. During our trip, we hiked Kozjak and then headed to Hisa Franko for dinner. One of the best travel combos we’ve done. If you’re into food, that tasting menu is next-level.
For a place to stay, Nebesa Chalets is an easy favorite.
It’s only about 15 minutes from both Kozjak and Hisa Franko, perched high above the Soca Valley with incredible views and total peace and quiet.
It’s run by Ana Ros’ family (yep, the chef from Hisa Franko), and they’ll even organize transport to and from dinner.
Final Thoughts
Slovenia is packed with natural showstoppers: Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge, and of course Kozjak Waterfall in Kobarid.
Before heading to Kobarid, we spent a few days road-tripping through Goriška Brda, hopping between small wineries and soaking up those vineyard views.
By the time we reached Kobarid, we were already in love with Slovenia.
Between the waterfall hike and dinner at Hisa Franko, this little alpine town ended up being one of the most memorable parts of our trip.
If you’re into food, nature, and those quieter moments that make travel special, Kobarid should absolutely make your list.
I’m Nichole, the author of all the blog posts on Enriching Pursuits. Think of me as your geeky discerning travel friend who dives deep (Google Page 20, forums, travel groups deep!) to uncover the best ways to enjoy exceptional outdoor adventures and foodie experiences.
My husband and I are experienced snorkelers, day hikers, and casual cyclists who also love delicious street food, an incredible glass of wine, and the occasional Michelin-starred meal.
Balancing full-time careers, we cherish every second of our vacation days and love sharing tips to help you do the same. If this sounds like your kind of travel, subscribe below or drop me a note with any questions. I’d love to hear from you!
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