Bled to Soča River tour: Scenic train through Julian Alps

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Guide in English07:15

Guide in English07:15

Guide in English07:15

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The Bohinj railway line runs through a 6,327-meter tunnel carved into the Julian Alps.

A full-day tour from Bled combines a historic scenic train ride through the Julian Alps with minivan travel to Triglav National Park's lakes and waterfalls, including the 106-meter Boka Waterfall and the emerald Soča River source. The tour starts at 7:15 a.m. and returns by 7–8 p.m., with a professional English-speaking guide, park entry and transport included. You choose between optional skydiving, zipline or a guided visit to a nearby waterfall while others pursue their activity.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Vršič Pass1h 30m
2. Soca Valley1h
3. Boka Waterfallpass by
4. Kozjak Waterfall1h 30m
5. Lake Bohinj1h

Alpine adventure and scenic tour

• Start Emerald River Tour at 7:15 a.m.
• Walk around Jasna lake and see Zlatorog statue
• Visit Vršič Pass and Russian Chapel
• Walk to Soča river source
• View Boka Waterfall
• Choose optional activities: zipline, skydiving, or visit extra waterfall
• Visit Napoleon’s Bridge and Kozjak Waterfall
• Pass by Most na Soči lake and railway
• Stop at Lake Bohinj
• Finish tour in Bled at 7–8 p.m.

The Experience

The Emerald River Tour builds around the Bohinj railway, a 1906 line that winds through valleys, viaducts and the longest railway tunnel in Slovenia to connect Most na Soči and Bohinjska Bistrica. That train ride is the spine of the day. It shows you the Julian Alps from inside the mountains themselves, a view no road reaches. The rest of the tour fills in the landmarks the railway passes near: Jasna Lake with its statue of the legendary mountain goat Zlatorog; the Vršič Pass, the highest in the eastern Julian Alps, where a Russian Chapel stands in memory of prisoners of war who built the road during World War I; the source of the Soča River, reached by a 15-minute walk on a maintained trail with steel cable handholds.

You travel by air-conditioned minivan in a small group with a guide, stopping for short hikes to viewpoints and hidden sites. Boka Waterfall, a 106-meter karst source and the most magnificent waterfall in Slovenia, sits at one stop. Kozjak Waterfall, which carved a dark chamber whose ceiling has caved in to form a blue-green pool, sits at another. Lake Bohinj, the largest permanent natural lake in Slovenia at 3.19 square kilometers and ringed by the Pršivec and Vogel peaks, closes the guided portion. The emerald color of the Soča River, the tour's namesake, runs through the whole day as a visual thread.

At midday, you choose how to spend the break: skydive from 4,000 meters, zipline at the largest zipline park in this part of Europe, or explore an extra waterfall nearby with the guide. The tour picks you up from your Bled accommodation at the start and returns you there by evening, with Triglav National Park fees, the train ride and a professional guide all included.

What’s included

• Pick up and drop off from your Bled accommodation.
• Triglav National Park entry fees.
• the scenic Bohinj railway ride.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan.
• a professional English-speaking guide.
• free photos from the day.

Days and timesDaily · 07:15

AgesAges 6+ · Under 6 — No ticket type: can't be added to a booking

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “Our office is situated on the main Bus Station in Bled”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for heart conditions

Operated by Mamut Slovenia

Is this one for you?The 12-hour commitment and moderate hiking mean this tour suits travelers with a full day free and the fitness to walk short distances on mountain trails. Choose skydiving or zipline if you want an adrenaline option. Pick the waterfall walk if you prefer to stay with the guide and move at a slower pace.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What is the Soča River and why is it called the Emerald River?

The Soča River is a karst water source high in the Julian Alps, fed by underground springs that give it an unreal emerald color. The tour visits its source, a 15-minute walk from a cottage, and follows the river downstream through the Soča Valley, where the water's brightness is visible from multiple viewpoints and stops.

Can I do skydiving or zipline if I choose, or do I have to pick one activity?

You choose one activity during the midday break: skydiving from 4,000 meters, zipline at the Bovec park, or a guided visit to a nearby waterfall. The skydiving and zipline options are available as paid upgrades at checkout. The waterfall walk with your guide is included in all tours.

What is Boka Waterfall and how high is it?

Boka Waterfall is a 106-meter-high karst water source and tributary of the Soča River, 18 meters wide, with a 33-meter cascade beneath it: making it the most magnificent waterfall in Slovenia and one of the highest in Europe at 139 meters total. It is one of the main stops on the tour.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. You'll have time during the midday break to eat. The guide can advise on options near the activity sites.

What fitness level do I need for this tour?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. It includes short hikes to viewpoints and the 15-minute walk to the Soča River source on a maintained trail with cable handholds. The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.