Above the emerald Soča River, which winds its way through the gorge, rises an arch that defies time and tells two mighty stories. The Solkan Bridge is not just a crossing over the river; it is a monument to human ingenuity and at the same time a silent witness to the indomitable spirit that shaped this landscape. As a guest of the Hotel Termika, you are only a short, scenic trip away from discovering both faces of this stone giant.

Face One: An Engineering Masterpiece

Standing by the river and looking up, you are struck by its elegance and grandeur. It was built between 1900 and 1905 as a key part of the daring Bohinj Line, which connected Vienna with Trieste. Its numbers are still staggering today:

• The 85-meter stone arch , which is the longest stone arch on railway tracks in the world.
• 220 meters total length.
• 4,533 carefully crafted stone blocks that form a perfect curve.

At a time when reinforced concrete was still in its infancy, building such a bridge out of stone was a feat of engineering skill and courage. It is a testament to ambition and vision that sought to push the boundaries of what was possible.

Face Two: A Symbol of Resistance

But the bridge's majestic appearance also hides scars. Its strategic location placed it at the heart of the First World War. In 1916, during the fierce fighting of the Isonzo Front, retreating Austro-Hungarian soldiers mined and demolished its mighty arch to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. Photographs of the destroyed bridge bear silent witness to the destruction that engulfed the valley.

However, the story of the Solkan Bridge is not one of end, but of rebirth. After the war, the Italians faithfully rebuilt the bridge between 1925 and 1927 according to the original plans. Today it stands as a symbol of resilience, as proof that the will to create is stronger than the force of destruction. It survived two world wars and today proudly serves its purpose.

Experience it with us

From Hotel Termika, Solkan Bridge is the perfect destination for a half-day trip. We suggest you experience it in several ways:

• Walk along the banks of the Soča River and find the perfect angle for a photo.
• Wait for the train to cross the bridge and feel the pulse of history.
• Include it in a wider trip through the Soča Valley, which we can organize for you as part of our "Soča Serenity" package.

The story of the Solkan Bridge is just one of many that the Vipava Valley holds dear. Let Hotel Termika be your starting point for discovery, a place where each day of exploration ends in comfort, reflection, and anticipation of the new story that tomorrow brings.