Idrija river pools at Podravno
The Idrija (not to be confused with the Idrijca) forms the Slovenia–Italy border in its upper course. Below Kambreško, in one of the most remote corners of Slovenia near the dying villages of Rog, Kosi and Podravno, it has a few larger pools known to few locals, which is why they are so full of life. The round pool below a waterfall is about 15 m wide and 4 m deep, and an elongated pool a few minutes downstream is about 20 m long and 3 m deep. Trout rest in the deepest water, chub and barbel hide under rocks, and crayfish boldly stand their ground.
Facts
- Region: Slovenia – Lakes, Rivers & Caves
- Area: Soča Valley (Bovec – Kobarid – Solkan)
- Depth: 0–4 m
- Level: beginner
- Current: low
- Type: channel
- Coordinates: 46.13343, 13.63242
- Highlights: round waterfall pool ~15 m across, elongated pool ~20 m long, brown trout, chub, barbel, many stone crayfish
- Tips: From Ročinj drive about 5 km up to Kambreško, then 2.5 km of gravel road towards Podravno; park where the footpath branches off on a left bend and walk about 5 minutes down. The Italian-side approach crosses a bridge in very poor condition. The pools are tiny: a 5 l cylinder on a simple backpack without a BCD is enough, move slowly and do not stir the sediment; room for one buddy pair. Beware of bathers jumping from the rocks into the round pool. Best at low water. The sheet dates from 2012.