Hike to Mount Stol with Guided Birdwatching as Part of the ITINERANT Project | Soča Valley Hiking and Biking Festival

Join us for a free guided hike from Breginj to the summit of Mount Stol, where we will discover the area’s rich natural heritage through movement and direct experience of nature. Special attention will be given to birdwatching, identifying birds and understanding their role in the natural environment. The hike is part of the Soča Valley Hiking and Cycling Festival and is organised in cooperation with the Municipality of Kobarid as part of the INTERREG ITINERANT project. Participants will be accompanied by a local tourist guide, while the specialist birdwatching section of the programme will be led by a guide from the Slovenian Bird Watching and Bird Study Association (DOPPS). Birds are an essential part of the natural world around us, yet we often notice them only when we pay closer attention. During the hike, we will learn how to identify them by their appearance and calls, how they live, what they feed on and how to observe them respectfully without interfering with their natural behaviour. Learning about birds is also an opportunity to better understand the importance of protecting the natural environment and biodiversity, and to discover how people and nature can coexist in balance. The hike is intended for everyone who would like to experience the exceptional natural environment of the Stol area in a sustainable and engaging way and discover its diverse wildlife. DATE: 19 September 2026 MEETING POINT: At the water trough in Breginj at 8:00 DURATION AND DIFFICULTY: 6–7 hours, moderately demanding hike EQUIPMENT: Suitable hiking footwear, hiking poles if required, and sufficient food and drink carried in your backpack. We also recommend bringing binoculars for birdwatching, if you have them. Binoculars allow you to observe birds and their behaviour more closely from a suitable distance without disturbing them. A camera, bird identification guide and field notebook are also welcome. We recommend wearing clothing in subdued colours, as this causes less disturbance to wildlife. During the observation, we will also keep noise to a minimum and maintain a respectful attitude towards nature. PRICE: Free of charge Places are limited. Registrations are accepted until 15 September 2026 or until all available places have been filled. In case of bad weather, the hike will be cancelled. INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION: TIC Kobarid Email: Telephone: 05 380 04 90 View the full programme of the Soča Valley Hiking and Cycling Festival 2026 > More about the ITINERANT project: Mount Stol is part of the transboundary Julian Alps Biosphere Reserve, distinguished by its exceptional natural heritage, rich biodiversity and traditional cultural landscape. The ITINERANT project promotes the sustainable development of the area by improving accessibility, linking natural and cultural heritage and developing sustainable tourism in the UNESCO MAB Julian Alps Biosphere Reserve. As part of the project, the Municipality of Kobarid restored the road to Mount Stol, thereby improving access to the mountain area and encouraging sustainable visitation and the preservation of the exceptional natural and cultural heritage of the Julian Alps. Within the project, the municipality is also developing the conditions for a new sustainable tourism product – birdwatching on Mount Stol. Its aim is to introduce visitors to the area’s exceptional natural wealth while promoting responsible experiences in nature and the protection of sensitive habitats. The ITINERANT project is co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia Programme.