ZDV_P_05_Exploring the flora and fauna at the mouth of the Soča River

Exploring the flora and fauna at the mouth of the Soča River

On demand

HIKING

LOCAL CUISINE

CYCLING

UNSPOILED NATURE

TRADITION

IN-DEPTH EXPERIENCES

The Soča (Isonzo) river completely changes its image when it flows out to the sea – it is no longer a playful, full of life mountain river, but spreads out into many arms with a completely calm flow. It creates an extensive wetland and thus a safe shelter for many birds, fishes, amphibians and other animals that need water for their survival. Various birds gather there in large numbers, especially in winter, when many other areas in the immediate vicinity are covered with snow, but not in the marshy lagoon by the seacoast, so there is always something to eat… You can observe countless ducks of various species and, if we have luck, we will see cormorants or flamingos, too.

The wealth of birds has always attracted many lovers who enjoy watching them. That is why a nature reserve was established here with well-maintained hiking trails and observatories of life above the water and, in some places, below it. A walk along it is especially interesting in winter, when there are the most birds here, and the fewest mosquitoes at the same time, which enhance the beauty of a walk in nature.

The starting point of the excursion will be at the railway station in Sežana for all those who will use the train to arrive from Ljubljana, and at the parking area next to the information center for others who will travel by car.

Duration of the trip:	1 day
Estimated mileage:	12,5 km
Estimated total ascent:	15 m
Necessary equipment:	waterproof sports shoes, hiking poles (optional)
Countries:	Italiy
Begin/End:	Monfalcone (tržič) Raiilway Station
Price	35 EUR

Highlights:

A hiking trail through the nature reserve with viewpoints for above- and below-water life
Punta Barene with wonderful views of the coastal areas
Bosco Alberoni, a low coastal forest, also home to the black woodpecker

Price includes:

Entrance fees to attractions according to the program
Management and organization of the trip
Transportation from Sežana railway station (optional)
sneck at the end of the trip

Tour description:

We start the trip at the Information center, where there are at the same time first viewpoints and an exhibition of different species of ducks, which are the undisputed “rulers” of the reserve area. However, considering that almost 300 different species of birds live here, the range of possibilities of what we can see is much wider. In addition to birds, the reserve is at the same time home to turtles, free-living Kamargue horses who take care of the “orderliness” of the grassy areas, but we can also spot roe deer, wild boars…

At some observatories, we have the opportunity to observe through the glass the richness of marine life, which is just as abundant at the confluence of fresh and salt water. Together, they are all located on the water-rich sediments of the Soča River, where up to 650 different plant species have been counted, among which the Gladiolus palustris and the Salicornia veneta stand out. In the winter, we will probably not come across the first one, but the second almost certainly…

We will start the trip along a circular hiking trail between the observatories in the central part of the reserve. continued it in a scenic direction towards the far end of the cape at the Soča estuary, and finally returned to the starting point by the remaining part of the circular route

Overall Tour Level::

Irena Hlede is an architect by her profession, but she has worked in the fields of graphic design, journalism and sustainable mobility as well. It was engaged in many sports activities, from sailing to skiing or badminton, but the common thread throughout remains cycling. She regularly participates in the non-governmental organization Slovenska kolesarska mreža (Slovenian Cyclists network) as well as with the European Cycling Federation ECF, lectures on cycling and remains loyal to long-distance cycling. In this field, she completed several trainings – among others for the Assessor under the scheme “Cycle Friendly Employer”, Development of Mobility Plans and for the EuroVelo Route Inspector. She obtained the title and knowledge of a tourist guide at the national level, too, and is the founder and owner of the travel agency GremoZeleno – GoGreenWay. In addition to the in the university obtained areas of architecture and art, she is also keenly interested in ethnology, geography and history with an emphasis on everything related to the local tradition, especially some less known areas, such as the indigenous religion and the people who followed it. She also researches many “borderline” skills, such as dowsing or geomancy. It is a convinced environmentalist and an opponent of violence and wars in general.

She speaks English and French and, of course, Croatian and Serbian.

Terrain configuration

	Mostly flat terrain, only shorter lower hills are possible.
	Slightly hilly terrain, ascents and descents are shorter and technically and undemanding for those who are not fit enough.
	Hilly terrain, ascents and descents can also be longer and steeper-
	Hilly terrain, ascents and descents can be very long and technically demanding.
	Mountainous terrain, very demanding ascents and descents on single tracks, tows or otherwise demanding trails that require a high level of fitness and technical skills.

Day Level

EASY: Relaxed and gentle hikes for hikers of average fitness and generally good health. They lead along maintained paths and are marked with boards or markings. The terrain is mildly undulating, without challenging ascents and descents. No prior hiking experience is required, so they are suitable for beginners as well. Daily walking is limited to 3-5 hours or a maximum of 12 kilometers.
MEDIUM EASY: In principle, undemanding hikes, but in some places they can also include a longer hike on medium-demanding hills with steeper ascents or descents. In general, the hiking trails are well maintained, but shorter sections with a rougher surface in places and steeper or exposed trail sequences are possible. Daily walking is limited to 4-6 hours or a maximum of 15 kilometers.
MEDIUM DEMANDING: Suitable for more experienced hikers with generally good fitness. The moderately demanding hiking level includes longer hiking trails and steeper ascents and descents. Longer sections of ascents or descents or several short steep ascents or descents are also possible on the route. The terrain can be mixed, including rocky areas and mixed surfaces. Daily walking is limited to 5-7 hours or a maximum of 20 kilometers.
DEMANDING: Suitable for active, physically fit hikers who want challenging hiking experiences. They also cover longer steep climbs or descents and high-altitude (climbing) areas of the ground, which can also be rough or slippery in places. The hikes are mostly moderately demanding, but some are also longer and more demanding. From time to time, it is also possible to hike from the hut to the hut, when you have to carry your own luggage / backpack. Daily walking is limited to 6-9 hours or a maximum of 30 kilometers.
VERY DEMANDING: Suitable for very experienced and physically fit hikers. Navigation experience required. Steep ascents and descents over rough and mixed surfaces in high mountain areas are covered, as well as on exposed paths, fixed turnouts and slippery surfaces. It can be expedition-style and require demanding daily walks, in areas where you walk from hut to hut and carry your own luggage / backpack. The daily volume of walking is on average 8-10 hours, or more than 30 kilometers.