Slap Kozjak Waterfall Walk (Slovenia) – Tips + Photos

The Slap Kozjak Waterfall is one of the most unique spots in Slovenia. 
Hidden in an open karst cave, the 15m high waterfall is intriguing. And the walk along the river to reach it is very enjoyable.
Below is my guide to help you plan it with tips, map and photos.

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Kozjak is one of the most appreciated waterfalls in Slovenia.
Not because of an impressive drop or massive volumes of water, but because it is hidden in a karst cave. Slovenia is really enchanting... There were many times in Slovenia when I though fairies would come flying around...

You can see my own pictures at the end of the article, after the photos of the walk. I did not have good conditions (and the equipment with me) to take such a picture.

How to get to Kozjak Waterfall - Map

• Near the Town of Kobarid, above Camp Coren
• Bovec to Kozjak = 30 min
• Tolmin to Kozjak = 20 min drive
• Ljubljana to Kozjak = 2h drive
• Below is a map to help you get oriented and locate Slap Kozjak:

This location is included (with GPS coordinates, map of location and planning info) in my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Slovenia road trip:

Visit tips

• How long to plan = 1h15 return walk from the hike's carpark 
• Opening hours = Mid May  to October - at least 8:30am to 7pm - check latest hours here
• Slap Kozjak in Winter - the path is not maintained in Winter
• Possible to start from the town of Kobarid
• Parking is for a fee 
• Price = 4 euros to access the last section on the boards
• Toilets at the carpark but not on trail
• Well maintained path - one slope that will be upwards during the return
• Narrow bridges towards the ends (but not high)
• Part of the Kobarid heritage trail

Where to stay around Kobarid

• STUNNING - The Kranjc accommodation is A charming Tourist farm with incredible views - Check out photos and book
• LUXURY - A little bit more South East, Discover the beautiful Chalets Nebesa with amazing views as well - this is a great location - Check out photos and book
• For great value, you can also rent apartments such as Honey Bee or Masera
• Or check out the best rated accommodations in Kobarid

The Kozjak waterfall is located near the Town Kobarid, at the South edge of the Triglav National Park. It is a bit more to the East than the Virje or Boka Waterfalls.

Between the center of Kobarid and the carpark for the start if the walk, you drive across the famous Napoleon bridge. It offers one of the most beautiful views of the famous Soca River (see my full article on the Soca river and valley)

Here is the views from the bridge:

Amazing isn't it?
Below you can see the bridge. It was initially built in 1750 but was destroyed during WWI, and later rebuilt. (A bit more about its history here)
Why the Napoleon bridge name ? Apparently because Napoleon marched with its troops on it...

Because of the association bridge waterfall, this bridge sometimes it is called by some people the Kozjak bridge and the Kozjak waterfall is sometimes called the Napoleon waterfall... LOL

Quickly after that you reach the carpark for the beginning of the hike. It is on the Kobarid - Dreznica Road. Don't forget to pay and get a ticket to display!

Near the payment machine is a big map display of the walk. It covers the whole Kobarid historical trail:

On this map you can just walk from P* to 7 and 6 and back. This is the shortest walk to and from Slap Kozjak.
Or you can do the whole Kobarid historical trail. Several stops cover specific locations and remains of WWI and older sites (Museum in Kobarid, Late-Roman settlement, Defense lines...)

From the parking area the first part of the Slap Kozjak is quite open and easy. The track is in good condition but you should still wear good shoes because it can be slippery.

There is one big slope to get close to the river. Don't forget that on the return walk you will have to climb it. But it is not too strenuous.

One of the best parts is to walk along River Soca. It is clear why it is called the Emerald River.

If you want great views, you can walk on the suspended bridge. But don't cross it! The path to the waterfall remains on the same side of the river.

The second part of the Kozjak walk is really enchanting. The whole path is cover with dense vegetation. 
The trees are blocking part of the sun (and part of the water when it is raining yeah!).

On the way you can spot a mini-waterfall.
This is Mali Kozjak which is 8 m high. It is just under an old wooden bridge.

What surprised me the most during the walk, were the large patches of vegetation in the middle of the river, to the point where you could not see the water anymore. Slovenia is so green!

Towards the end, the area narrows and you have to cross water several times. They have set up steps and wooden bridges to help you keep your feet dry. This is really well done.

See on the picture below how the walls of the canyon are covered with plants!!! You know you are getting closer 🙂

And this is the view of the gorge the other way around, when leaving the cave:

Access to the view of Veliki Kozjak

As you can see below there is a narrow path to reach the inside of the cave. If you don't mind the freezing water, you can walk inside through the stream.
However, for the others, a small platform has been set up higher to allow you to stay dry and discover the waterfall.

Not many people can stand on it at the same time so be patient!

The hidden waterfall

And once on the platform, you can walk inside the Karst cave to discover the famous waterfall.
I am sorry I did not feel very comfortable on the platform so I did not take the time to capture better pictures. If you can, try visiting early to be able to move on the platform and take better pictures.

The waterfall is 16m tall (49ft) and as you can se it flows straight into an emerald-color pool.
It is created by the Kozjak stream, a tributary to the Soca River. The stream comes from high in the mountain and actually flows through 6 waterfalls but the others are not easily accessible.
As you can see it is not wide or high or roaring, but the hidden setting makes is very unique.
It is indeed hiding in a chamber with steep dark rock. The straight drop looks so white, so get really great contrast.

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