One Of Slovenia's Epic Mountains Boasts Incredibly Beautiful Underground Kayak Adventures

Nestled in the heart of the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia lies the stunning Soča Valley that seamlessly mixes the untamed rugged beauty and serene alpine charm that the country is known for. Easily accessible by car, travelers can access the Soča Valley by driving 75 miles from Slovenia's capital city of Ljubljana.

The Soča Valley's vibrant turquoise river stretches from Triglav National Park, all the way to the Italian border and boasts some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in Europe with its towering peaks and impressive deep gorges. Slovenia is known for its unspoiled landscapes, which is a major drawcard for adrenaline junkies and hiking enthusiasts. Notably, the Soča Valley is also home to a captivating underground cave system. For those looking to indulge in a unique activity while traveling, Slovenia's Peca Mountain is home to a one-of-a-kind epic underground kayak experience, where visitors can paddle their way through a flooded abandoned mine almost 2,300 feet beneath the surface and is sure to ignite a sense of adventure.

Exploring the Peca Mountain's underground kayaking tunnels must be done with a local guide. Thankfully, a former miner will be your tour guide, so you will have no shortage of interesting facts being told to you and explained along the way about the minerals and mining history. Don't worry if you don't speak Slovenian, the tour is offered in English, German, and Slovenian, so you don't miss a beat.

You'll start the tour by meeting at the Glančnik Information Centre, where your guide will give you a helmet and light, which is to be worn at all times underground. You'll then ride a mining train through a 2-mile tunnel beneath Peca Mountain to the Union Slope Tunnel. Once you descend 300 feet and change into protective gear, you'll row your kayak through the impressive underground river, while passing by small lakes and numerous flooded tunnels. 

After paddling through the tunnels, you will be offered a "miner's" snack from the region of Koroška at the Moring work site and ride the train back out. Tours are four to five hours in length and run almost all year round. You can book your tour for Tuesday to Sunday from February 20 to December 20 and the cost is around $63 at the time of this article being written. You can book your tickets online here. 

Slovenia is home to some of the most gorgeous mountain passes in the world that are perfect for a road trip, so after spending some time traversing your way through the underground tunnels via kayak, make sure to rent a car and explore above ground as well. The perfect road trip along the Vršič Pass is sure to showcase why Slovenia is one of Europe's best kept secrets. The Vršič Pass runs right through Triglav National Park and throughout the entire drive, you'll be surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Julian Alps. Slovenia is a small country, so the best way to explore lesser known areas within the Soča Valley will be by car. 

Slovenia is also perfect for a first-time solo trip. Take a day trip to Most na Soči, which is a small yet picturesque town in western Slovenia and is best known for a beautiful turquoise lake and the scenic walkways that surround it, making it a popular place to chill out, relax, and bask in the beauty that Slovenia has to offer its visitors year round.