The emerald Soča Valley will once again draw thousands of outdoor enthusiasts this summer as the I Feel Slovenia Soča Outdoor Festival returns to Tolmin from 26 to 28 June 2026. Now in its thirteenth edition, the event has grown into the region’s largest outdoor sports gathering, offering six trail running distances from 5 to 50 kilometers, a redesigned vertical ascent race toward Tolmin Castle, and a two day guided hike along the renowned Juliana Trail. Set beneath the Julian Alps at the confluence of the Soča and Tolminka rivers, the festival has already opened registrations, with organizers warning that several race categories are beginning to sell out ahead of a weekend that blends athletic competition with riverside camping, family friendly amenities, and a deep rooted environmental ethos.
What sets the festival apart is its deliberate fusion of competitive sport and immersive nature experience. Runners can choose from the ABBA Nutrition 5km family route up to the I Feel Slovenia 50km ultra, which covers 52.8 kilometers with over 2,100 meters of elevation gain and earns three ITRA points, while intermediate options include 10km, 15km, 25km, and 35km trails. Beyond the start lines, the program extends into yoga sessions, climbing workshops, rafting and stand up paddleboarding on the crystal clear river, plus dedicated children’s races and childcare facilities. The event’s inclusion in the Europe Trail Cup underscores its rising continental profile, yet it retains a distinctly local identity anchored in the Soča Valley’s reputation as Slovenia’s premier active tourism destination. Sustainability is woven into every aspect of the weekend, plastic cups are banned from aid stations in favor of reusable vessels, runners must pack out all waste, and strict rules against trail cutting and littering aim to protect the fragile alpine environment. Entry fees range from 38 euros for an early bird 5km slot to 100 euros for on site 50km registration, with team discounts of 10 to 15% available.
With spot limits applied to each distance and certain categories historically filling months in advance, the call to secure entries early reflects both the festival’s popularity and the organizers’ determination to welcome athletes without compromising the valley’s ecological integrity. Whether tackling an ultra, strolling the Juliana Trail, or simply soaking in the riverside atmosphere, participants will find a multi generational celebration that treats the Julian Alps not merely as a backdrop, but as the heart of the experience.
