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The Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic

A Story of War and Peace

Peace was not always so natural in these places. The course of history and the course of the Soča/Isonzo, which ranks among the most beautiful alpine rivers worldwide, are turbulent and unpredictable. A century after World War I, we have linked the historical heritage into the Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic trail. All from the Julian Alps, across the Brda Hills, the Vipava Valley, Nova Gorica and Gorizia/Gorica, the Kras to the Adriatic we strive to slow down the pace of time and provide visitors with peace.

The trail is ideal for those who love active holidays in nature and walks through beautiful landscapes which become even more exciting through discovering the history of the first total war. Here, among high mountains, narrow gorges, karst caves and vineyards, light and darkness interplay with nature and your thoughts.  Water, a fundamental element of life, will accompany you throughout the tour, from the source of the Soča to the sea.

The Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic trail spreads the message of friendship among nations. The places that were affected by war a century ago are now messengers of peace, left with the legacy of the preserved memorials, trenches, caves and other shadows of the war.

The Walk of Peace is uniformly marked for hikers; major points of interest are also accessible by car or bus. While enjoying panoramic views, from the highest peaks of Slovenia to the Trieste Bay in Italy, you can remember your ancestors and their battles. Whether as explorers of history or as active tourists or cyclists, you are inspired by natural beauties and the heritage of global interest.

In addition to the central cross-border story of the Isonzo Front, which visitors experience while hiking along the Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic trail, there are other interesting places that are crucial for understanding this front and are included in the “Walk of Peace spirit”, such as the areas of Cerkno, Idrija, Logatec, Pivka, Ragogna, Timau, Val Canale Valley, the Basso Piave area, and the Venetian Lagoon.

 

Photos: (1) Marco Milani, PromoTurismoFVG; (2–4) Schirra/Giraldi, PromoTurismoFVG; (5) Katarina & Andrej Photography, Kobariški muzej; (6, 7) Jure Batagelj, Fundacija Poti miru; (8) Jošt Gantar, Miren Kras

Facts about the Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic:

  • long-distance hiking trail
  • several sections suitable also for cyclists
  • more than 500 km of maintained paths
  • divided into 30 sections
  • it connects around 300 World War I heritage sites
  • demanding trail
  • starting point: Log pod Mangartom (SIovenia)
  • end point: Trieste (Italy)
  • the shortest possible route from Log pod Mangartom to Trieste takes 13-19 days
  • the highest point: Mt. Krn 2,244 m
  • the lowest point: Trieste
  • ascent 19,130 m
  • descent 20,170 m

Markings and Path Markers along the Walk of Peace

The Walk of Peace is uniformly marked by means of information boards, direction posts and red-and-black waymarks. In Italy, instead of the red-and-black waymarks the red-white-red markings of the Italian Alpine Club CAI are used. Follow these markings, trail numbers and other Walk of Peace direction indications.

Boxes with inscription books and stamps are installed along the Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic trail.

Photos: (1‒3) Damijan Simčič, TIC Kanal; (4) Jure Batagelj, Fundacija Poti miru; (5) Peter Kelih, Fundacija Poti miru; (6) Fundacija Poti miru; (7) PromoTurismoFVG

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