Sprawling on the left bank of the Soča River, Kobarid is nestled in the Julian Alps in Slovenia’s north-west. It was settled by Slavic tribes in the 6th century and was ruled by the Habsburg Monarchy in the Middle Ages before becoming part of Yugoslavia in 1947. Kobarid was famously the site of the Battle of Caporetto fought between Italy and the Central Powers.
Things to do in Kobarid
In the heart of town is the Kobarid Museum, an award-winning museum dedicated to the region’s wartime history. Its exhibits include antique weaponry, multimedia exhibits and battle site recreations illustrating the events that took place in Kobarid between 1915 and 1917. After visiting the museum, you can follow the five-kilometre-long Kobarid Historical Trail, which takes in many of the battle sites.
Also not to miss is the Soča Valley Dairy and Cheese Museum, which showcases the Planika Dairy and its tradition of cheese making. As you browse the ethnographic exhibits, learn about Kobarid’s alpine pastures and their role in the manufacture of dairy goods before sampling some of the finished products.
Spanning the Soča River is Napoleon’s Bridge, which was demolished by the Venetians in 1616 before being rebuilt in 1750. Napoleon’s troops are said to have marched across it on their way to the Predel Pass on the border between Slovenia and Italy. After being blown up by Austrian soldiers during World War I, it was rebuilt and is today marked by two monuments detailing its defence by the Partisans during World War II.
Getting around Kobarid
Kobarid is around two hours’ drive from Ljubljana and Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Buses travel to Kobarid and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.