Discover the birds of Stol – A new experience for nature lovers
There is a new way to experience Stol. Set against the backdrop of its sweeping grasslands and remarkable natural heritage, visitors can now explore the mountain through the eyes – and ears – of its diverse birdlife.
As part of the Interreg ITINERANT project, the Municipality of Kobarid has developed a new tourism experience dedicated to discovering and observing the birds that inhabit the Stol area.
The mountain's extensive grasslands provide an important habitat for a number of rare and endangered bird species. Alongside its outstanding scenery and hiking opportunities, Stol therefore offers nature lovers another rewarding way to explore the landscape: birdwatching.
To support the new experience, the Municipality of Kobarid has installed two information boards introducing visitors to the area's natural features and its rich birdlife. Informative leaflets have also been prepared in Slovenian, Italian and English, making the area's natural heritage accessible to both local visitors and international guests.
From Breginj to Stol – A hike with a difference
The new tourism experience was presented to the public for the first time during a guided birdwatching hike held on 19 September 2026 as part of the 2026 Hiking and Cycling Festival. The event was organised by the Municipality of Kobarid in cooperation with the Soča Valley Tourist Board.
The group set off from the centre of Breginj and followed the trail towards Stol. The hike was led by Alenka Lužnik, a hiking guide with the Alpine Association of Slovenia, while the birdwatching and educational programme was delivered by a volunteer from DOPPS – BirdLife Slovenia.
The hike encouraged participants to see Stol in a new light. Rather than simply treating the mountain as the destination of a hike, they discovered it as a living landscape and an important habitat for a wide variety of bird species.
Along the way, the group explored the different habitats found on the mountain, from open grasslands and rocky slopes to woodland edges, each offering its own opportunities for observing wildlife.
A haven for birds
Stol is home to a remarkable variety of bird species. Among those that can be encountered here are the whinchat (Saxicola rubetra), rock partridge (Alectoris graeca), corncrake (Crex crex), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and rock thrush (Monticola saxatilis).
Some species are easier to hear than to see. On summer evenings, the distinctive call of the corncrake can still be heard across the grasslands. This secretive bird is one of Slovenia's most threatened grassland species, with populations continuing to decline. The same open habitats provide an important breeding ground for the whinchat, another threatened grassland species.
The rocky grasslands are home to the rock thrush and rock partridge. Both are shy and elusive, so spotting one requires patience and a keen eye – part of what makes birdwatching such a rewarding experience.
In the transition zones between open grassland and stands of European hop-hornbeam, visitors may also hear the distinctive song of the Bonelli's warbler (Phylloscopus bonelli), which often reveals its presence long before it comes into view.
Looking to the skies
The skies above Stol offer another spectacular dimension to the experience.
Birds of prey regularly soar above the mountain's broad slopes, taking advantage of the warm rising air. Among them is the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), a rare breeding species in Slovenia.
Stol is also an important route for migrating birds. During migration, the mountain becomes part of a major flyway used by birds of prey travelling through Slovenia. European honey buzzards (Pernis apivorus) are particularly numerous during this period.
Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) can also be seen passing overhead. These impressive birds travel between their breeding colonies on the Kvarner islands and feeding areas in Italy, using the favourable air currents along the way.
For birdwatchers, the skies above Stol can therefore be just as fascinating as the grasslands below.
Enjoy nature – and give it space
Birdwatching offers a slower and more attentive way of experiencing the landscape. It encourages visitors to pause, listen and observe the natural world around them.
But watching wildlife also comes with responsibility. Stol is home to sensitive bird species, and visitors are encouraged to remember that they are entering the animals' habitat.
Activities that can disturb birds should therefore be carried out with particular care. This is especially relevant to aerial sports, as birds of prey use the same thermal currents that enable gliders and other aerial activities to remain airborne.
Respecting wildlife, keeping a suitable distance and following nature conservation guidelines all help ensure that Stol remains a safe and undisturbed habitat for its birds.
Back to Breginj
After the hike, participants returned to the historic village centre of Breginj, where the day ended with a relaxed gathering and local food.
The final get-together provided a fitting conclusion to the experience, bringing together the natural and cultural heritage of the area and giving participants an opportunity to share their impressions after the hike.
Although the number of participants was lower than initially expected, the event successfully demonstrated the potential of birdwatching as a new and sustainable way of experiencing Stol.
Through the Interreg ITINERANT project, hiking, nature conservation and interpretation are being brought together to offer visitors a different way of discovering the mountain – at a slower pace, with greater attention to the landscape and a deeper respect for the natural world.
Stol is more than a hiking destination. It is a place to stop, listen to nature, look to the skies and discover a fascinating world of birds that can easily go unnoticed.
The ITINERANT project is co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia Programme.
