Kozjak Waterfall or Slap Kozjak in Slovenian is a 15-meter-high waterfall in Kobarid, in the Triglav National Park in Slovenia.
Its popularity is not due to its size, as it is not one of the highest waterfalls, but it is certainly one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Slovenia.
The amazing waterfall is located along the Kozjak stream in the famous Soca Valley. So it is worth planning a visit to Kozjak Waterfall if you are in the Soca Valley or elsewhere in the Julian Alps.
Kozjak Waterfall is an ideal place for nature lovers. Stunning scenery, easy hiking trails and the tranquil atmosphere of the area make this place an enjoyable place to visit. Whether it is a family trip, a hike with friends or a romantic getaway, Kozjak Waterfall offers an unforgettable experience for everyone. The duration is flexible and visitors can explore the area at their own pace, enjoying the wonders of nature.
In addition, not only the Kozjak Waterfall itself, but also the scenic hiking trail leading to it, offers a wealth of breathtaking attractions. It is therefore a must-see when visiting the Soca Valley.
So let’s see what you need to know about Kozjak Waterfall if you want to visit it.
Total visit duration: approximately 1.5-2 hours
Hiking duration: 20–30 minutes one way
Distance: from the nearest car park 1.6 km (1 mile)
Extra costs: parking fee, entrance fee
How to get to Kozjak Waterfall in Kobarid, Slovenia?
First, you need to get to the town of Kobarid, a charming starting point for this fascinating trip. It is a relatively short walk from Kobarid to the waterfall, so Kozjak Waterfall is recommended for anyone looking for a short hike in the Soca Valley.
When you arrive in the center of Kobarid, head east towards the village of Drežnica, cross the well-known Napoleon’s Bridge, and turn left after the bridge toward Kamp Koren.
After a short drive, you will find two car parks on the road, one on the right and one on the left. Both are marked on Google Maps as “Parking Kozjak”. Both have parking fees, but you can use the EasyPark app, which is popular in Slovenia and which makes paying for parking easier.
From the parking lot on the left next to Kamp Koren, a well-marked hiking trail leads to Kozjak Waterfall.
The trail is easier at the beginning, but becomes rocky and stony later on, so it is advisable to wear hiking shoes.
Along the way, you’ll find the marvelous Soča River, a beautiful turquoise-colored river surrounded by forests, and in some places, suspension bridges lead over the river.
There will be one such suspension bridge along the way. It is worth stopping at the suspension bridge to admire the river and take some photos.
You don’t need to cross the bridge, continue on the marked hiking trail.
On the way, you will also have the opportunity to visit a World War I bunker up the hillside, but this means a detour. If you don’t want to see it, stay on the wider path.
If you stay on the wide path, there will also be the possibility to stop at a small lookout overlooking the Soča River.
After these, you will pass by another beautiful waterfall called Little Kozjak (Mali Kozjak Waterfall). Just look down from the hiking trail carefully and admire the forces of nature.
On the last part of the way you will find a chalet where you can buy your entrance ticket. The entrance fee has been a few euros per person for years, in 2023 it was €5.
For current ticket prices and opening times, check the official website before your trip.
After the chalet, the path is a little more difficult, with small bridges in some places and stairs in others.
However, after this short, final section, you will quickly reach the amazing Kozjak Waterfall (Veliki Kozjak Waterfall), which can be viewed from a built viewing platform.
It is worth spending some time here admiring the waterfall, the emerald green pool, and the dark limestone sediment-covered rock walls surrounding the water.
The way back will be the same way you came. If you missed something on the way, you will have the chance to check it.
Also, if you want to know more information, we detail it below.
Where to stay near Kozjak Waterfall
As tourists usually visit other places in the Soca Valley on the same trip as Kozjak Waterfall, it is actually worth staying at any place in the Soca Valley. Kozjak Waterfall, as mentioned, is close to the town of Kobarid, where you can find a number of nice guesthouses and campsites.
We recommend the following accommodation in Kobarid:
A short drive from Kobarid is Bovec, which also has a number of good accommodation options, such as:
Best time to visit Kozjak Waterfall
The best time to visit Kozjak Waterfall is late spring, early summer and autumn.
The best months are May, June and September. As the weather is changeable in the Soca Valley, it is not easy to determine an exact time, especially the rain can cause difficulties when traveling.
The general recommendations for Kozjak Waterfall are also true: if you can, avoid weekends, school holidays and public holidays.
The Kozjak Waterfall is a real treasure in Slovenia and is recommended for all those who love nature, hiking or simply want to retreat to an idyllic place to recharge and experience the wonders of nature.
Finally, if you want to see other attractions in the area besides Kozjak Falls, we can recommend some fantastic places to visit.
Other attractions in the Soca Valley
Napoleon’s Bridge
Napoleon’s Bridge is a historic bridge in Kobarid, Slovenia. It is named after the bridge that was supposedly used by Napoleon Bonaparte’s armies in the 19th century. However, the current version of the bridge was built in the 20th century.
Napoleon’s Bridge is a prominent tourist attraction in Kobarid. The bridge blends beautifully into the surrounding landscape, spanning the Soca River and offering a stunning panorama.
Tolmin Gorge
Tolmin Gorge is a deep gorge carved out by the Tolminka River. The gorge is famous for its stunningly beautiful natural formations of river and water carved stone walls, steep cliffs and canyons.
Virje Waterfall
The Virje Waterfall is a few minutes’ drive from the town of Bovec, a real hidden gem deep in the forests of the Soca Valley.
It is located on the Glijun stream, which springs in the Julian Alps and flows into the Soca River.
The Virje Waterfall is at its most beautiful in summer, when visitors can see a beautiful emerald green lake below the waterfall.
Great Soča Gorge
The Great Soča Gorge or Velika korita Soče is a rocky stretch along the Soča River in Slovenia. This area, with its gorge-like river valley and steep cliffs of the surrounding mountains, offers a spectacular view.
The Great Soča Gorge is one of the most impressive parts of the Soča River Valley. The rock walls are high and steep, creating extremely narrow spaces in some places. Together with the beautiful turquoise waters and the surrounding green forests and mountains, it is a magical scene.
