The first marked trail is the Tolminka Trail, which starts at the confluence of the Tolminka and Soča rivers, goes past the German cemetery, around the castle up to the Tolmin gorge, and then back along the Tolminka river to the confluence, describes the organizer of the Soča Outdoor Festival Jan Klavora. "We want it to be clearly defined and marked so that people don’t get lost, and for it to be open all year long. So, we marked the first 10-km of the trail, which also encircles Tolmin’s main tourist spots."

"We’re not talking about marking just one trail, but for the whole thing to be backed by a system. We’ve taken into account experiences from hiking and cycling," says Peter Dakskobler, adding that such trail markings can later be used on other paths as well. The acting head of Turizem Dolina Soče, Janko Humar, says that all to often we take running and hiking for granted. "It’s just so self-evident, that it’s hard for us imagine it as a tourist product. But today it’s one of our main activities, that you can do all year round."

Jan Klavora reveals that the Soča Outdoor Festival also wants to offer events in the other seasons of the year. "The first will be a winter version of the SOF, to take place in mid-December at Kanin."

If they pull it off, the festival could be in line for 5-Star Experience title conferred by the Slovenian Tourist Board, which recently issued a public call for awarding the title. Miša Novak explains that it’s not a financial incentive, but a new national development-promotional platform. "It’s a Slovenia unique experiences quality brand – green, boutique, unique, local, premium quality distinctive experiences. Tourist companies, accommodation facilities, agencies, and destination institutes can all apply for the title."

The public call will be open throughout the year. A commission will examine the applications in the spring and autumn – the first ones in October this year.