Log pod Mangartom Alpine Survival: Farming, Mining & Hydro Power in Soča Valley

Located in Bovec Municipality within Triglav National Park, Log pod Mangartom is a Slovenian alpine village steeped in industrial innovation and WWII history. Once sustained by mining and hydroelectric power, its dramatic landscape—ringed by 2,000m+ peaks like Mangart and Jalovec—offers a gateway to the Soča Valley’s cultural and natural wonders. And one of the best paragliding take offs in the Soča Valley

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Log pod Mangartom’s Industrial Heritage Mining & Hydroelectric Power:

Štoln Tunnel (1903): Bovec’s Link to Italy’s Cave del Predil Mine

The 4.5km Štoln Tunnel connected Log pod Mangartom to Italy’s Cave del Predil lead mine, enabling ore transport and later aiding refugees. Locals worked in the mine while balancing their livelihood with traditional farming.

Možnica Hydroelectric Plant: Soča Valley’s Century-Old Energy Pioneer

• MHE Možnica (1911): Built for the Rabelj mine, this preserved plant with original turbines is a technical monument in Triglav National Park.
• Predelica Plant (1906): Slovenia’s first small hydroelectric plant, destroyed in WWI and later by landslides.
• 1931 Plant: Marks 100+ years of local energy innovation.

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Log pod Mangartom Traditional Alpine Farming : Survival in Bovec’s Mountains

Per Savnik’s book Krajevni leksikon, families practiced mixed farming—raising livestock, haymaking, and forestry—to survive the harsh alpine climate. Surplus timber and crops fueled trade in Bovec and the Soča Valley.

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WWII Atrocities in Bovec: Strmec Massacre & Nazi Retaliation (1943)

After Italy’s 1943 armistice, the SS Karstjäger Division retaliated against partisan resistance by burning Strmec village and executing 16 men. This tragedy underscores the Soča Valley’s wartime suffering under Nazi occupation.

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Mangart, Kanin & Jalovec Peaks Hiking Near Bovec:

Log pod Mangartom is encircled by iconic Julian Alps summits:

1. Mangart (2,679m): Slovenia’s 4th-highest peak, straddling the Italy-Slovenia border.
2. Kanin (2,587m): Western Julian Alps giant separating Soča and Resia Valleys.
3. Jalovec (2,645m): Pyramid-shaped “King” near Tamar Valley.
4. Rombon (2,208m): WWI battleground with panoramic Soča Valley views.

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Explore More:

• MHE Možnica Brochure (PDF)
• Triglav National Park Trails
• Bovec Museum’s WWII Exhibits
• https://paraglidingbovectandem.org/tandem-paragliding-bovec-canyoning-in-log-pod-mangartom/

Tags:
Log pod Mangartom, Bovec history, Soča Valley tourism, Triglav National Park hiking, Štoln Tunnel mining, Cave del Predil mine, Možnica hydroelectric plant, WWII Slovenia, Strmec massacre, Karstjäger SS crimes, Mangart mountain, Kanin ski resort, alpine farming Slovenia, Italian occupation Slovenia