Kanal
This climb is part of Primorska region. The climb from Kanal ob Soči rises steeply from the river through historic streets, vineyards, and battle-scarred hills. With sweeping views over the Soča Valley, it combines cultural depth and natural beauty.Average gradient: 3.9%
Elevation difference: 608m
You start at 134.4m and finish at 702.0m
Athletes climbed: 549 View on Strava
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Kanal – Climbing Above the Soča
The climb from Kanal ob Soči, a picturesque town on the emerald river, offers a cycling experience that blends cultural history with the raw natural drama of the Soča Valley. Known for its iconic stone bridge, Kanal has long been a crossroads of trade and movement, and climbing out of it feels like retracing a path carved by centuries. Cyclists leaving the riverside are immediately tested. The road rises sharply, threading through narrow streets lined with stone houses, before breaking free into open slopes. The gradients fluctuate between steady ramps and sharp kicks that force riders out of the saddle. It is not a long climb compared to alpine giants, but its intensity and atmosphere make it memorable. As the ascent unfolds, the landscape reveals its dual character. On one side, the Soča River glimmers below, its turquoise waters contrasting with the reddish roofs of the town.
Kanal – From Stone Bridge to Hilltop Views
On the other, terraced vineyards and orchards climb the hills, a reminder of the area’s agricultural heritage. These slopes have nourished generations and still produce wines and fruits that carry the taste of the valley. History is ever present. Kanal and its surrounding hills were marked by battles during World War I’s Isonzo Front, and echoes of those times remain in monuments, cemeteries, and the terrain itself. Riding here is both a physical and reflective experience, connecting past and present. At the top, the views stretch wide: the Soča winding north toward Tolmin, the Collio hills rolling west into Italy, and distant alpine peaks to the north. The climb from Kanal is not just about conquering gradients—it is about entering a story written in stone, water, and resilience.
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