Soča under the Solkan bridges
At Solkan, next to Nova Gorica, the Soča passes under the famous stone railway bridge and the road bridge. From the steps you swim about 300 m in 1–2 m of faster water to the old railway bridge, where the river deepens to around 10 m. Under the bridges lie railings and stone blocks from the first Solkan bridge (destroyed in WWI) and the second (damaged in WWII). The current depends on the Solkan hydropower plant: at low water it usually runs only at peak hours, so flow is much weaker in the afternoon. Water is about 4 °C in winter and 16 °C in summer; visibility is poor in summer and good in winter.
Facts
- Region: Slovenia – Lakes, Rivers & Caves
- Area: Soča Valley (Bovec – Kobarid – Solkan)
- Depth: 0–10 m
- Level: intermediate
- Current: moderate
- Type: drift, channel
- Coordinates: 45.98049, 13.65454
- Highlights: remains of the first Solkan bridge (destroyed in WWI), remains of the second bridge (damaged in WWII), foundation of the bridge-building structure, pool ~10 m under the old railway bridge
- Tips: Before diving, check where you can exit the water above the kayak course downstream – this is essential. Basic current skills recommended; afternoon dives are usually calmer. No night dives (dangerous exit). The local club DPD Soča Nova Gorica is based at the site.