Napoleon Bridge

The bridge is a single-arch stone structure spanning the narrowest section of the Soča riverbed. Low stone parapets line both sides. It's about 20 m long and wide enough for one car – the bridge serves as a road to Drežnica village and nearby campsites. Traffic alternates – you'll need to yield to oncoming vehicles.

Looking down from the bridge, the Soča is squeezed between rock walls. The water colour ranges from deep emerald to turquoise, depending on light and season. In summer, kayakers can be spotted navigating the gorge below. Two WWII memorials stand by the bridge, commemorating the Partisans who defended the Kobarid Republic in 1943.

On the right bank, just past the bridge, a turn leads to the car park and the Kozjak Waterfall trail. Straight ahead is the road to Drežnica. About 500 m downstream, another access point leads down to the water.

Age – built in 1750, the crossing point has been used since antiquity

Name – Napoleon's troops marched across in 1797 en route to Predel Pass

Soča River – views from the bridge into a turquoise canyon 15–20 m deep

Starting point – trails to Kozjak Waterfall and the Kobarid Historical Trail begin here

Military history – blown up in WWI (by Austrian troops), defended in WWII (by Partisans)

A crossing at this point has existed since antiquity – the Soča gorge is at its narrowest here. In the Middle Ages, the bridge belonged to the Čedad monastery. In 1616, Venetians demolished the wooden bridge. A single-span stone bridge was built in 1750. In 1797, Napoleon's forces crossed it en route to Predel Pass, giving the bridge its name.

During World War I (Isonzo Front), Austrian soldiers blew up the bridge while retreating in May 1915. The Italians rebuilt it – first in wood, then in iron. The current stone bridge is a postwar reconstruction. In World War II, Partisans defended the Kobarid Republic here. On 9 November 1943, SS soldiers killed Partisan Ivan Berginc near the bridge. Two memorials beside the bridge commemorate these events.

From Kobarid centre (1 km, 15 minutes on foot):

- Walk toward Drežnica – the bridge is on the road out of town

- By car – 2 minutes

From Ljubljana (135 km, 2–2.5 hours):

- By car via Tolmin, then road 203 to Kobarid

- Bus to Kobarid (~3 hours, ~€12), then 15-minute walk from the bus station

From Bovec (20 km, 20 minutes):

- Along road 203 following the Soča River

Season: Accessible year-round. The Soča is most turquoise from May to October.

Time of day: Morning and evening offer the best light for photographing the bridge and canyon. At midday, the sun sits high and the canyon is in shadow.

Duration: 5–10 minutes for the bridge itself. Best combined with the Kozjak Waterfall trail (add 1–1.5 hours).

Avoid: No major restrictions. In summer, traffic across the bridge can be busy – stay alert as a pedestrian.