Historical trail with beautiful views
If you are looking for an easier combination of an easy hike, historical attractions and stunning views, the Bovec to Čelo trail is the right choice. This approximately 12 km long circular trail takes you over bridges, past historical remains and is easy, suitable for families.
We start in the center of Bovec
We start the trail in the center of Bovec (more precisely here ), where we follow the yellow signs for Čelo. First, we follow the signs for the historical trail, then we DO NOT turn for Ravelnik (although this option is also interesting and beautiful, if you have not been there yet) but go straight. The trail leads us across the meadows around the town of Bovec, and then we descend to the main road. Be careful when crossing the road. We continue along the gravel road to the Kukč farm, where a sign directs us to the right towards the village of Kal - Koritnica. After a short climb, we arrive in the village, where a trough with water awaits us, suitable for refreshing and replenishing our fluid reserves.
The ascent to Čelo
From the village of Kal - Koritnica, the path continues between the houses up towards Čelo. The climb is slightly steeper, and there are two paths leading to the top. I recommend that you choose the one that goes further to the right, a narrower path. It is slightly more exposed (narrow) and leads us past the bunker, which is part of the Čelo open-air museum. At the top, a viewpoint awaits us with an exceptional view of the Bovec Basin, the Soča River and the surrounding peaks. You return along the other path, which is wider and not steep (otherwise it leads to the top of Svinjak).
Čelo Open Air Museum
Čelo was an important artillery position of the Austro-Hungarian army during World War I. Today it is arranged as an open-air museum, where you can see preserved trenches, bunkers and other military facilities. The position played a key role before the 12th Battle of the Isonzo, when Austro-Hungarian artillery from Čelo shelled Italian positions between Bovec and Čezsoča.
Descent back to Bovec
After lunch at Čelo and a rest, we descended back to Kal - Koritnica by another route. We crossed the main road again and followed the yellow signs down towards Bovec or Vodenca. The descent along the path led us to the river and the new bridge (which goes to the village of Čezsoča), we did not cross it but continued along the right bank of the river past the confluence of the Koritnica and Soča rivers and over the suspension bridge and then through the Toni campsite. Then we went up the asphalt road through Vodenca, past the campsites, and at the bench we turned right into the forest, past the Ravelnik open-air museum. The path led us back to the meadows and to Bovec.
Practical tips
- Trail length: about 12 km
- Walking time: approximately 4 hours (+/-)
- Difficulty: easy to medium
- Equipment: comfortable hiking shoes, sufficient water and food, sun protection
- Route map: you can see a more detailed route map on my Strava profile .
This route is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to combine recreation with discovering historical sites and enjoying the natural beauty of the Bovec region.