3-Day Easy Hiking Package in Soča Valley and Monte Santo di Lussari (October 2024)

For a Croatian agency and their clients, we prepared a comprehensive three-day hiking package with local guides, accommodations, and meals, showcasing the most stunning natural wonders of the Soča Valley and nearby Italian regions. The adventure includes a trek near Tolmin and through the breathtaking Tolmin Gorge, a historical hike along the Kobarid path to the Kozjak Waterfall, and a full-day hike to Svete Višarje (Monte Santo di Lussari), located at the tri-border of Slovenia, Italy, and Austria. Due to bad weather one day and unexpected snowfall on the Svete Visšarje, we adjusted the program later. The group went on a hike to the Fuisne Lakes and during rain visit Tolmin Musem in Tolmin. VIDEO Monte Santo di Lussari

Svete Višarje (Italian Monte Santo di Lussari, Friulian Mont Sante di Lussari, German Luschariberg or Monte Luschari) is a place of pilgrimage for Slavs, Germans and Romanovs. They stand on a mountain 1766 meters high, located in the western part of the Julian Alps. There is also a small settlement known for the pilgrimage church of Višarska Mater Božja. The mountain is located south of the village of Žabnice in the Kanalska dolina in Italy, from where it is about a 2.5-hour walk to the top.

Access to the Svete VIšare leads from Žabnice to a pilgrimage route along which, due to the start of the Second World War, only seven Way of the Cross chapels have been erected. In these chapels there are images, the work of Slovenian artist Tone Kralj. A whole series of chapels is located at the top, next to the church.

From the vicinity of the village (poorly marked), it is also possible to reach the top with the cable car that serves the local ski area. The cable car ride takes about 12 minutes. You can also climb the mountain on a forest road, but it is not suitable for personal vehicles. Another forest road leads to the top from Ukev. From Svete Višarje, it is possible to continue on foot for another 1.5 hours to the top of the Stone Hunter (Cima del Cacciatore) (2071 m).
The central part of the settlement is represented by the pilgrimage church of Višarska Mater Božja.

One of the most important events related to Slovenians abroad and around the world is the meeting of Slovenians from native, foreign and expatriate Slovenia, which takes place every year on the first Sunday in August right in Svete Višarje. In 2023, the meeting was canceled due to the plague that affected Slovenia and part of the rest of the country.

Svete Višarje is a popular place of pilgrimage for all nations living in Friuli-Julia, Slovenia and Austrian Carinthia. In addition, they are also an extremely popular tourist destination and ski resort. Every year, when the weather is good, hundreds of believers gather on the traditional pilgrimage.