46° 19' N, 13° 28' E
Overview
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About Slap Boka
With its 136-meter height and 18-meter width, Slap Boka is one of the highest and most powerful waterfall in Slovenia. It begins its dramatic descent with a 106-meter free fall, followed by another 30 meters down into a deepening pool carved by the force of the water.
The water that feeds Slap Boka waterfall originates from a karst spring in the Kanin mountain range. So the Boka waterfall flows from an underground cave that remains submerged in this section. Although divers attempted to explore the cave and its siphons in 1996, they have only managed to navigate the first 800 meters of it.
What’s special about Slap Boka is that you can see it from a distance, so there’s no need for a long hike to enjoy its beauty. There’s an official viewpoint that offers an incredible view of the waterfall But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a trail up closer to its source.
How was the Boka waterfall formed?
The Kanin high karst plateau, with its caves and vertical shafts, showcases the classic features of a karst landscape—formed by water rich in CO2 dissolving limestone rock. Geologists suggest that the source of the water is located where Upper Triassic limestone meets a layer of dolomite. Unlike limestone, dolomite is less permeable, preventing water from flowing through it. This forces the water into a horizontal stream that eventually emerges into the open.
According to local legend, the Boka Waterfall has a dark and eerie origin. The story goes that a boy and a girl while gathering mushrooms on a hill, became hungry and sought help from an old woman in a small house. Although she seemed kind at first, the old woman had sinister intentions. The boy overheard her sharpening an axe and planning to kill them. Acting swiftly, he struck her with a stick when she entered the house and then used her own axe to finish her off. The tale claims that her blood transformed into the powerful Boka Waterfall.
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How to get there
The easiest way to reach Slap Boka is by car. The waterfall is located on the Bovec-Žaga road between Bovec and Kobarid, at a bridge over the Soca River. On the Bovec side of the bridge, you find a free gravel parking where you can park your car. On Google Maps, this parking lot is pinned as Boka Waterfall Parking. Alternatively, you can also park your car next to Hotel Boka a little further down the road. This parking lot is pinned as Parkirišče.
in July and August, you can also reach Slap Boka by the Bovec Hop-on Hop-off Bus.
Tip: If you plan to visit more sights in the impressive Julian Alps, you might consider getting the Julian Alps card, which gives you free access and shuttle buses to multiple sights in the area.
The hike to Slap Boka
The short and easy hike to the official Slap Boka viewpoint takes around 15 minutes. From the parking lot, cross the bridge over the Soča River. The path begins immediately after the bridge on the right side of the road, following the riverbank upstream. After about 100 meters, take the trail on the left, marked with a sign directing you to the viewpoint. Follow this trail uphill through the trees for approximately 10 minutes to reach the wooden platform with a closer view of the Boka Waterfall.
At the wooden platform, you’ll find another trail that continues uphill. If you’re up for further exploration, this trail will take you to some higher viewpoints of the waterfall. This trail is moderately challenging with rocky terrain, loose stones, and some very steep and slippery sections and takes around 45 minutes to an hour to reach the end. Note that this trail will take you to higher viewpoints and not to the waterfall itself.
Hike to the top of Boka Waterfall: There is also a trail leading to the top of Slap Boka, starting on the Bovec side of the bridge. However, we heard this trial is extremely difficult and dangerous at times, with very steep parts and clambering up rocks the entire route.
Best time to visit
Time of the day
We highly recommend visiting Slap Boka early in the morning when the trail and viewing platform are quieter. Additionally, the small parking lot tends to fill up quickly. The area generally becomes busier during the day.
If you can’t make it in the morning, late afternoon is also a good time to visit. However, try to avoid the middle of the day if you want to avoid the crowds.
Season
In spring and autumn, when the snow melts and rainfall increases, the Boka Waterfall is at its most impressive, with a flow rate that can reach up to 100 cubic meters per second. This makes the waterfall especially dramatic and photogenic during these times. During the drier summer months, the flow may decrease, but there will likely still be a huge amount of water.
Where to stay near Slap Boka
Accommodation
You will find a wide variety of accommodations in the area of Slap Boka. The nearest hotel is Hotel Boka, from where you can walk to the waterfall. You can also stay in the cute holiday cabins at Top Rafting Center or go glamping at Glamping Gozdna Jasa. A little further you have even more choice towards and in the towns of Bovec and Kobarid.
Hotels
Discover the best places to stay in Bovec and enjoy a comfortable trip!
Camping
There are quite a few campsites near Slap Boka. The closest campsites is Glamping Gozdna Jasa. Alternatively, you find more campsites around Bovec, one further down the road to Kobarid or in the area of Kobarid.
Other Things to do near Slap Boka
There are many other things to do in the area of the Soča valley. The nearest notable attraction is the Slap Virje. The village of Kobarid is also nice to visit, together with the nearby Slap Kozjak.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
