Koča pri izviru Soče - Source of Soča
Starting point: Koča pri izviru Soče (886 m)
| Latitude/Longitude: | 46,4093°N 13,7255°E |
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Walking time: 15 min
Difficulty: difficult marked way
Elevation gain: 104 m
Elevation difference along the route: 110 m
Map: TNP 1:50.000
Recommended equipment (summer): helmet
Recommended equipment (winter): helmet, ice axe, crampons
Views: 69.941
 | 4 people like this post |
Access to starting point:
From Kranjska Gora over mountain pass Vršič we drive towards Bovec or vice versa, but only to 49th hairpin turn of Vršič road (near the village Trenta). Here we go on a side road in the direction of source of river Soča. The road after a short ascent quickly brings us to the parking lot in front of the mountain hut Koča pri izviru Soče.
Route description:
From the mountain hut Koča pri izviru Soče at first on the main road, we cross river Soča, and then a signpost directs us right into the forest. We quickly come to benches and tables where we continue right and over a small bridge we cross Soča on the right side.
Further, we are then for some time ascending by the river, and higher we come to a crossing with signposts. To the left, there is only a few meters to the vantage point, and to the right continues demanding path towards the source of Soča. If we continue to the right the path after a short steeper ascent brings us to the first steel cables. The path steeply ascends on rocky terrain and it brings us to even more demanding part of the path. Here the path becomes also exposed and crosses almost vertical wall just above the river. After a short but quite demanding crossing with the help of steel cables and a few pegs the path brings us to the source of river Soča.
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Discussion about the trip Koča pri izviru Soče - Source of Soča
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| tomaž meglič3. 05. 2011 |
With two small children we unsuspectingly went to see this spring. The path starts very innocently, but continues increasingly difficult.
At the end there are chains, the path goes in the last meters over a 20m overhang (second last picture above).
I strongly appeal that it be clearly marked at the bottom that the path at the end is very dangerous. We turned back only when we realized we couldn't proceed further on the chains. To even greater horror, other families were turning back at the end who didn't know an overhang had opened below them. Imagine, there were about 15 of us together (those few minutes) from about 2 years to older ones, stuck there... Once again PLEASE - CLEARLY MARK AT THE BOTTOM THAT THE PATH AT THE END IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND NOT SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN.
Thanks,
Tomaž,Andreja,Ajda (7 years),Ema (2 years)!! 
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| GregorC3. 05. 2011 |
At the bottom by the hut there is a sign (at least there was), which clearly states it's a DIFFICULT path, but unfortunately most ignore it. I've already come across those who at the end didn't dare go forward or back.
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| IgorZlodej3. 05. 2011 |
For every tour proper preparation is necessary, meaning familiarize yourself with the path in advance, there is more than enough literature, or you can ask someone who has been there, best the staff at the hut.
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| BACEK JON21. 08. 2011 |
Although we made the same mistake today as happened to the interlocutor (tomaž megl ič), I still have to agree with the previous ones.
Regarding the sign at the hut I don't know, true I wasn't paying attention either. We have been to quite a few similar locations (waterfalls) and that probably misled us regarding the difficulty, what we did is a good lesson for others and realization that even such short tours for family hikes can be quite dangerous if you don't prepare adequately beforehand.
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| andrej7821. 08. 2011 |
Given that hribi.net is a portal dedicated exclusively to exchanging opinions, information and path descriptions, where it is clearly seen that it is a demanding path, this title is not right for such requests. I suggest you contact the PD that maintains this path and inform them about this issue. In general, it is known that access to the source of the Soča is no joke and is not suitable for families with children under 10 years.
regards
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| Irina21. 08. 2011 |
@Tomaž Meglič,
sorry, but I just don't understand your post, or rather your agitation.
You stepped onto a mountain path and, because you weren't attentive enough to the surroundings, suddenly found yourselves above a precipice. Well, you don't get to the final precipice that suddenly either. The path itself climbs steeply, so that should have made you think that you probably aren't on a park trail.
By the way, a two-year-old girl had trouble with even the "innocent" part of the path if you didn't carry her, because the steps are too high for her.
It's not poor markings that are to blame, but mostly our carelessness and ignorance.
I wish you all the best on higher future paths.
http://www.sidarta.si/izletnistvo/druzinski-izletniski-vodnik.html
http://www.sidarta.si/izletnistvo/z-otroki-v-gore/list0.html
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| urbancek22. 08. 2011 |
climbing harnesses and kits, and it will be...
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| seinfeld22. 08. 2011 |
We did this trip on 18.8., with four children (two adults), the youngest two not yet 6 years old. The 11 and 9 year olds managed the steep part without problem, on the younger two we paid a bit more attention. There were no major problems, but proper footwear is important. I couldn't believe my eyes, people go to the source in clogs and flip-flops. In my opinion even sneakers are not enough, proper hiking boots must be on the feet. The biggest problem is the crowd and meeting people on the pegs. But it's a very pleasant trip. I also recommend a walk through the forest to Kekčeva homestead.
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| tomaž meglič22. 08. 2011 |
Hi everyone. I admit we weren't prepared for such a demanding end to the trail. What surprised me that day was that most visitors made the same mistake.
Now the smart one here can tell each one individually who will return scared downhill (there are apparently some every day) that there is a sign below saying it's a demanding mountain trail?!
And what will he achieve with that. Much less or nothing compared to if they put a more obvious red sign there saying that continuing the trail is extremely demanding or deadly dangerous.
I appeal for better markings before some family or foreigner gets hurt.
Best,
Tomaž
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| tomaž meglič22. 08. 2011 |
@seinfeld. The overhanging part (about 30m before the spring) has a scree on the right side and an unprotected overhang deep about 15-20m on the left - see picture:
[img]http://www.shrani.si/f/1W/tF/1AUzdkLl/02052011502.jpg[/img]
http://www.shrani.si/f/1W/tF/1AUzdkLl/02052011502.jpg
How could you get 4 children through by just watching the two younger ones under 6 years old without risking I don't know. The fact is that this trail should be closed to children, not just a sign below saying it's demanding, then families cross this ridge thinking it will be fine if they watch a bit.
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| Scabiosa20. 03. 2012 |
When there's little water, we avoid the exposed section with ropes at the end by going along the stream bed below. We descend from the wooden footbridge to the stream bed and reach the spring over the rocks without problem. That's how we always go with children.
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| VanSims22. 04. 2012 |
Well, I was there myself and there is actually no sign (April 2012) indicating it's a difficult path. Especially since in season it's dominated by hiking 'plebs' for whom the 'exclamation mark in a triangle' sign means as much as a Chinese character to me.
Of course, no need for signs saying it's a 'deadly dangerous' path as someone suggested, just that it's 'difficult'.
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| B222. 04. 2012 |
Van Simis, calm down... In my opinion, the source of the Soča River is a tourist spot and not a mountaineering one, so the path to the source should be arranged for tourists - or not at all! That would be the right solution... As long as buses with tourists park at the source (hut) of Soča, it will always be like this... The path to the source is a difficult mountain path and not for everyone, as proven by (fatal!) accidents... The hut and the access (secured difficult mountain) path to the source of Soča is managed and maintained by PD Jesenice... Who will explain to tourists what a difficult path is - maybe an armed guard...
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| Kita7. 05. 2012 |
What nonsense are you talking up here, I almost fall off my chair reading this... In Ljubljana drag a chain across Tromostovje and write demanding path and take pictures and it'll be another topic for nonsense discussions...
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| dogna8. 05. 2012 |
Warnings are never too much, so I think the signs are insufficient. Many walkers have no idea what's waiting at the end. Kita, you really can't compare this path to Tromostovje. A huge number of people have no mountaineering experience at all and need to be warned of the danger, especially since this path is in the valley.
Safe steps.
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| strelec19548. 05. 2012 |
As far as I know, there have already been quite a few accidents on this trail. Not every hiker is able to complete this trail without problems. The trail really needs to be secured a bit more. Even the sign "difficult trail" doesn't mean much to someone who doesn't know about mountain trails.
To all those who think that "hribi net" is only read by those who regularly go to the mountains and know all the difficulty levels of "via ferratas"
and climbs, they should sometimes think that they too once asked what I,II,III in the scale means or the difficulty scale A, B, D, E, F and more could be listed. As long as this site exists, I believe there will always be questions on how to get to Kredarica, Triglav etc. as this site is intended for that.
If the trail to the source is "no big deal" for many, it is proven that for some it is not because they ended the trail on stretchers.
Best regards Marjan
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| tanja30710. 05. 2012 |
This problem most often occurs where it is very easy to drive by car. The hiker drives to the hut, has a nice snack there, then-ah, since I'm already here-jumps to the top. And so at the source of the Soča you meet shaking grannies and screaming children in sandals or even flip-flops. Not to mention Mangart, there you really see wonders... I think there should be better signage about the trail at such places or mountain controls, this would save some lives and above all not expose GRS, which already has too much work with such and other adrenaline junkies...
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| Kita10. 05. 2012 |
Those who are really interested in where they are going will certainly check it beforehand or consult someone who has been there, but if hikers don't know how to read or don't know their limits and abilities, they are to blame themselves for venturing into the unknown. A,B,C,D,E,F these ratings for via ferrata difficulty are from the Austrians... this Soča source reaches maybe half A...
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| VanSims11. 05. 2012 |
@kita:
A/B is the rating for this 'ferrata' on klettersteig.de
Nevertheless, a clear warning about the demanding nature of the trail would not be superfluous.
On roads we could also abolish all traffic lights and stop signs and 'no right of way' signs and only the meeting rule and right rule would apply. And I bet many (who have a driver's license) would now ask at least about one of these rules: what is that anyway?
We could abolish warnings before motorway exits about wrong direction of travel and risk even more 'Maček' cases, abolish almost all triangular warning signs. Further abolish all barriers and light signals at level crossings, because the St. Andrew's cross is a sufficiently clear warning,...
That would be according to you. Abroad on roads they add even more 'unnecessary' warnings like e.g. 50 sign for speed limit in built-up areas, although it is understood, various light warnings as addition to official signs, flashing floor lights before pedestrian crossings, mechanisms that puncture tires of those wanting to drive in the opposite direction on the motorway,...
And also on mountain trails besides official signs A, B, C,...exclamation marks, triangles, colors,... most often there is also an additional written warning: "Sentiero Attrezzato", "Nur für Geübte!",... All this unnecessary according to your opinion...
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| Kita11. 05. 2012 |
klettersteig.de is the most unrealistic site when it comes to difficulty ratings, every path accompanied by a cable for a few meters isn't a via ferrata... We have plenty of real via ferratas here, but this really isn't one....
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| heinz11. 05. 2012 |
fero, ferum = iron. via ferrata - path (or its part) equipped with steel safety devices, secured.
I don't know the proper name for that monkey hanging on the cables though.
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| Kita12. 05. 2012 |
You are bright like a goat... Monkey hanging is for those who can't find holds next to the cable on the wall or roughly speaking... Otherwise you get to hanging on the cable where there are smooth slabs and it relies on friction, there you really sometimes have to literally pull yourself up the cable... Otherwise via ferrata climbing is based on the cable being only for self-belaying and trying as hard as possible to find natural holds in the wall... There are also rules and technique for via ferrata climbing, it's not just monkey hanging!!!
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| heinz12. 05. 2012 |
Kita, you explained everything. (otherwise monkeys have excellent technique too)..
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| Kokta18. 06. 2012 |
On the signpost it's marked as Very difficult path (triangle with exclamation mark), before entering the secured section. Appropriate footwear mandatory! The path is very well secured.
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| katty31. 07. 2012 |
The path was renovated a week ago. It is in excellent condition - the cables are really where they are most needed, especially useful in the final wall right before the spring. I agree that the triangle before the Izvir Soče sign means nothing to laypeople, so it would be sensible to put up a sign at the hut indicating it's a dangerous and exposed path. Otherwise, at least according to reliable information, there has been another accident. Yes, until people are aware that it's an unusual hiking path, accidents will keep happening... The situation regarding footwear is visibly improving .
But the spring of this emerald river is priceless and worth visiting.
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| fpetel128. 08. 2013 |
The path is nothing special - like any other demanding path. There are steel cables everywhere - the child must of course be old enough and experienced enough. So it's not suitable for preschool children - unless they know how to use a via ferrata kit or you belay them. Footwear for DEMANDING and usually also EASY hiking paths must be hiking boots.
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| fpetel128. 08. 2013 |
I agree, of course - and what would be right is to write at the start that it's an exposed secured hiking path, that it's slippery and as such very dangerous for slipping. It also helps if they write that you go at your own risk.
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| Hribolazec811. 08. 2017 |
I think so, thank God tourists don't have to go everywhere, what a dump it would be if they came because they don't respect nature, wherever they have trash in their hands they throw it away without thinking
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| karibu22. 08. 2018 |
Yesterday at the source of the Soča there were swarms of tourists.
Despite all warnings (triangles and exclamation marks on signposts, plus an additional sign about required equipment for the very difficult path), visitors climb to the source in flip-flops, sandals, ballerinas, sneakers, ... Proper footwear is more the exception than the rule.
I was surprised by the difficulty of the path to the source. The path is definitely not easy!
Happy trails and best regards!
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| trdi15. 06. 2019 |
The last 30m behind the bend is a very demanding path, no doubt about it. In addition, the rocks are very worn. Midway on the path, where there is a junction to the viewpoint, there is a correctly placed sign that it is a very demanding path suitable for experienced hikers and a drawn triangle with an exclamation mark. I would add that, regardless of the astonished looks of tourists, I would recommend a helmet and svk. Here they should change it from demanding to very demanding path. Well, I saw tourists in sneakers climbing over the first pitch to the bend, then just staring blankly and turning back...
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| anazala20. 08. 2019 |
I agree. The path is very demanding. Of course it's not much longer than 5 minutes, but still enough for a slip, fear, vertigo. Ropes would be sensible, helmets too, even if someone rolls their eyes to the sky.
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| Majmr11. 08. 2021 16:14:46 |
At the junction for the viewpoint and source there is a sign that says for the source Very demanding path
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| jure-r17. 08. 2022 18:55:17 |
Koča pri izviru Soče is closed this year due to renovation. Would ask if the SPP stamp is somewhere outside the hut, nearby?
Thanks for the answers.
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| jaz17. 08. 2022 20:47:14 |
The box and stamp are outside on the left side before you turn across the bridge, you can't miss it. Best regards!
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| jure-r18. 08. 2022 07:19:31 |
@jaz, many thanks for the reply. Safe steps
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| Majdag15. 09. 2022 09:36:30 |
On 12.9. my sister and I started from the 49th hairpin. The seasonal bus runs over Vršič until the end of September. It leaves Kranjska Gora at 11:30 and returns from the 49th hairpin at 4:10 pm. Plenty of time to see the source of the Soča. The initial part is a normal mountain path. Then there are some ropes and a few steps in the rocks. Passing is not possible there either. Most people approach the source over the boulders. It's possible, you descend from the path to the rocks. But it's marked as a very difficult path and later on a rock there's an exclamation mark in a triangle. The hut is being renovated, it will be hard to finish before next season. Short but fun path, we enjoyed it. Pictures are in the blog. Good luck!
https://jelenkamenmajdag.blogspot.com/2022/09/izvir-reke-soce.html
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| Storž9824. 07. 2024 16:22:55 |
Today I was at the source, no crowd, just before the equipped path with cable starts, a friendly Czech in sneakers warns me to be careful as there's already a family with small children up there turning back because the path is too demanding. I thank him, say I know the path.
I start the ascent along the cable and meet the Czech family with 4(!) children in torn sneakers barely descending along the cable (it rained this morning and the rocks were wet and slippery), I friendly warn the father that they are really inappropriately shod for such a path, he replies no problem, these are perfectly fine shoes and it's not that slippery. Poor children with stupid parents.
Speechless.
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