Kolovrat Museum of the First World War — Local services in Tolmin

Kolovrat Open-Air Museum and World War I

The Kolovrat Open-Air Museum is a historical site and memorial dedicated to World War I, located along the Kolovrat ridge on the border between Slovenia and Italy. It is part of the larger Walk of Peace heritage trail and one of the best-preserved outdoor museums from the Isonzo Front (Soča Front).

Historical Significance

During World War I, this area was part of the frontline between the Austro-Hungarian and Italian armies. The Kolovrat ridge was a key part of the Austro-Hungarian defensive system and witnessed fierce battles, especially during the Twelfth Battle of the Isonzo (Battle of Caporetto) in 1917.

The museum preserves:

Original trenches carved into the rock, Underground tunnels and bunkers, Observation posts, machine-gun positions, and communication shelters, Informative panels (in multiple languages) explaining life on the front and key military operations.

Visitor Experience

Set in a panoramic mountain landscape, the museum offers breathtaking views of the Soča Valley, the Julian Alps, and parts of Friuli in Italy. The site combines natural beauty with powerful historical storytelling, allowing visitors to walk through real WWI fortifications and imagine the conditions faced by soldiers over a century ago.

Cultural and Educational Value

Today, the Kolovrat Open-Air Museum stands as a symbol of remembrance and peace. It provides a moving insight into the horrors of war and the resilience of those who endured it. As part of the international Walk of Peace, it connects visitors to a broader network of WWI heritage across Slovenia and Italy.

Summary

The Kolovrat Museum is an ideal destination for history enthusiasts, hikers, and travelers seeking a unique cultural experience. It blends authentic wartime relics with natural beauty, offering both education and reflection in one of Europe’s most scenic...

Open air museum,dedicated to the fist world war. Stunning view point over Soca valley,with beautifull mountains(Julian alps) towards north.Towards south,north Italy(Friul Venezia Julia) and gulf of Triest(Adriatic sea). The view really offers so much,from east(Istrian penninsula,Croatia) to the west (Apennini mountains above Genova,Italy) This mountain ridge(Kolovrat 1113 m asl - Livski kuk 1200 m asl )also offers really good walking trips. You won't regret it,since the terrain is not heavy to walk on.There are many paths going along the ridge(there are signs with names on the each hill top), so practically you can't get lost,because there are also two roads going arround the mountain,just beneath the ridge top (one on each side,Slovenian and Italyan),which will eventualy take to a road sign,so no worries :) The ridge is about 8km long,so it can take as long as you want to wonder...

If you are an enthusiast of military history, particularly the First World War, this place is second to none. It helped me understand the scale and brutality of war in the mountains where close to 3/4 of a million men perished along the Isonzo Front. Most people, including me, were pitifully ignorant of this tragic campaign. The site itself is part of a larger effort to keep the memory of the conflict and it's cost alive called the Walk of Peace. The setting is staggeringly beautiful and well worth a few days to explore. While it's off the beaten path, I highly recommend it to anyone looking to expand their understanding of the war, and see some astonishing scenery at the same time. We hiked up to the site from outside Kobarid, but it is possible to drive right to the top and park nearby. I hope to go back someday: it is unforgettable in a haunting and...