Curator’s statement
Every year, Tolmin hosts a festival called Punk Rock Holiday, one of the most popular punk rock events in Europe. It attracts fans from all over the world and takes place in mid-August. The festival lasted five days and four nights, and I loved every second of it. The crowd was diverse, with people of all ages from all over the world, including families with kids. I felt incredibly safe and welcomed. One of the highlights for me was the food — there were SO many vegan options available at all times of the day, so I never struggled to find something to eat. Besides the festival food court, we also walked to the nearby supermarket every morning to grab breakfast essentials like bread, hummus, vegan yogurt, fresh juices and fruit. Our daily routine was simple but perfect: waking up early, walking to town for breakfast, spending the morning at the river, grabbing lunch at the festival food court and then heading to the shows. The afternoon performances took place on a stage by the beach, so we could watch the bands while chilling in the river —one of the coolest experiences of my life!
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Where to stay in Tolmin, Slovenia
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Things to do in Tolmin, Slovenia
Make the most of the festival experience: Besides the amazing lineup, Punk Rock Holiday offers unique experiences like the beach stage, meet & greets with bands and a laid-back atmosphere where fans and artists mingle freely.
Camp by the Soča River: Camping at Punk Rock Holiday in Tolmin was one of the best travel experiences of my life. The combination of stunning natural scenery, amazing music and a welcoming festival community made it truly unforgettable. Whether you're a music fan, an adventure traveler or simply looking for a unique getaway, Tolmin is a destination worth exploring!
Stay in a nearby hotel for comfort and privacy: If you prefer more privacy or are traveling with family, booking a hotel in Tolmin or nearby villages is a great choice. This allows you to enjoy the festival’s energy while having a quiet, comfortable retreat at night. Many accommodations offer breathtaking mountain views and easy access to outdoor activities.
Swim in the crystal-clear Soča River: The festival’s beach stage sits right by the Soča River, known for its turquoise waters. Between sets, take a dip in the refreshing water or just relax on the pebbled shore with a cold drink.
Go whitewater rafting or kayaking: For adrenaline seekers, the Soča River is one of Europe’s top spots for whitewater rafting and kayaking. There are local tour operators offering excursions that fit all experience levels, from beginners to advanced paddlers.
Day trips:
Explore Tolmin Gorge: Just a short drive from the festival grounds, Tolmin Gorge is a must-visit for nature lovers. This stunning canyon features turquoise waters, narrow rock formations and scenic hiking trails — perfect for a quick escape into nature.
Take a day Trip to Lake Bled: If you have extra time, a trip to the iconic Lake Bled is worth it. About an hour and a half from Tolmin, this postcard-perfect lake offers breathtaking views, a medieval castle and the chance to row to the famous island church.
Hike in Triglav National Park: If you're up for an adventure, explore the trails of Triglav National Park, Slovenia’s only national park. The park offers breathtaking alpine scenery, waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints that will make your trip even more memorable.
Places to eat & drink in Tolmin, Slovenia
Breakfast:
Supermarket run – Start your day by walking to the nearby supermarket to grab essentials like bread, hummus, yogurt, fresh juices and fruit. It's a budget-friendly way to have a healthy and filling breakfast before heading to the festival.
Lunch & dinner:
Festival Food Court – The festival has a variety of food stalls offering everything from burgers to Asian dishes, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. It’s perfect for a quick, satisfying meal between sets.
Gostilna in Pizzerija Pri Martini – A local favorite serving delicious Slovenian and Italian food, including excellent pizzas with vegetarian and vegan options. Great for a sit-down meal when you want to take a break from festival food.
Okrepčevalnica Tolminska Korita – Located near Tolmin Gorge, this spot offers local Slovenian comfort food, fresh salads and hearty meals. A great option if you want to explore the area before or after your meal.
Pizzeria Soca 202 – Famous for its homemade desserts and tasty pizzas, this is a solid choice if you're craving something comforting after a long festival day.
Snacks & drinks:
Food stalls at the Festival – You’ll find food vendors inside the festival, serving a lot of food options, including plant-based burgers, wraps and snacks at all times of the day. Perfect for a quick bite between sets!
Bar on the Beach Stage – Enjoy a drink with a view at the festival’s famous Beach Stage. Insider tip: Arrive early to grab a spot by the water and soak up the sun while enjoying a cold beer or cocktail.
Need to know
Tolmin: A hidden gem in Slovenia
Tolmin is a town in the Lower Carniola region of northwestern Slovenia, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and crystal-clear waters. The festival takes place right by the Soča River, famous for its turquoise waters — a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy rafting, kayaking and swimming. The area also offers hiking, cycling, climbing and even paragliding.
Tolmin is a great destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers and music fans alike, providing an authentic and unforgettable Slovenian experience.
How to get to Tolmin
There are several ways to reach Tolmin, depending on where you're coming from and your preferred mode of transportation.
By plane
The nearest airport is Trieste Airport in Italy (about 80 km away). Another option is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport in Slovenia (around 90 km away). From there, you can rent a car or use public transportation to reach Tolmin.
By car
If you're driving, you can reach Tolmin via major roads. It’s about 70 km northwest of Trieste, Italy, and 90 km northwest of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
By train
Tolmin doesn’t have its own train station, but the closest one is in Most na Soči, about 7 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Tolmin.
By bus
Slovenia has a good bus network connecting various towns and villages, including Tolmin. Regular buses run from Ljubljana and other major cities. Be sure to check schedules and book in advance if possible.
By festival transfer
This was the option I chose since I was attending a specific event that offered a transfer service. The nearest departure point was Venice, so I booked a flight from Brazil to Venice, spent a night there and took the festival transfer the next day. The trip took just over two hours — it was super convenient!
For my return, the festival transfer schedule didn’t match my flight, so I took a train to Treviso for my last night before flying home from Venice.
Where to stay in Tolmin
Tolmin offers various accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Hotels
If you’re looking for more comfort, privacy, and a quieter retreat after a day of music and festivities, staying in a hotel in Tolmin is a great option — especially for families or those who prefer a good night’s sleep. While Tolmin is a small town, it offers a selection of hotels, boutique accommodations and countryside lodges that provide modern amenities such as private bathrooms, comfortable beds and on-site dining.
Staying in a nearby hotel allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds: you can fully experience the festival atmosphere during the day while having a peaceful place to rest at night. Many accommodations are within walking distance or a short drive from the festival grounds, making it easy to come and go as you please. If you're traveling with children or simply prefer a bit more structure to your trip, a hotel stay ensures you can recharge in a comfortable environment without sacrificing the fun.
To secure the best options, it’s highly recommended to book in advance, as hotels tend to fill up quickly during festival season.
Camping at the Festival
For those who want to fully immerse themselves in the Punk Rock Holiday experience, camping on-site is the way to go. The festival’s official campground is located right next to the Soča River, offering breathtaking views, direct access to the beach and a vibrant community atmosphere. It's the perfect choice for those who love the spontaneity and camaraderie of festival life, where you're always just a short walk away from the stages, food vendors and all the action.
The campsite provides essential facilities, including showers, restrooms and drinking water stations, ensuring a comfortable stay. There’s also a dedicated quiet zone for those who need some rest between sets, but keep in mind that this is still a lively festival environment. Bringing a sturdy tent, a good sleeping bag and earplugs can make a big difference in your comfort level.
Camping at Punk Rock Holiday in Tolmin was one of the best travel experiences of my life. The combination of stunning natural scenery, amazing music and a welcoming festival community made it truly unforgettable. Whether you're a music fan, an adventure traveler or simply looking for a unique getaway, Tolmin is a destination worth exploring!
Travel Advisor
Renata Schaitza
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