Vršič Pass and the Russian Road

Count the winding turns, cottages and sights!

The Vršič pass, at 1611 m, is the highest Slovenian road pass and the highest road pass in the Eastern Julian Alps. The high-mountain road, which runs from Kranjska Gora through the Vršič Pass to Log in Trenta, connects the Gorenjska and Primorska regions. The winding road has a total of 50 serpentines, 24 on the Kranjska Gora side and 26 on the Trenta side. The road to the Vršič Pass is asphalted and in some places even paved. It is narrow and a bit steep in the higher sections, so caution and slow driving are essential. In the warmer months, however, extra attention should be paid to cyclists and hikers.

The Vršič Pass lies within the Triglav National Park, the only national park in Slovenia. The Vršič Pass area is characterised by a typical alpine climate, such as that found in the higher altitudes of the Julian Alps. The slopes along the road are covered with heath, larch, spruce and beech trees, with the flora varying according to altitude. At higher altitudes, you can admire grey scree and steep rock faces. Altitude also influences the rapidly changing temperatures, precipitation and duration of snow cover.

The road over the pass was built by Russian prisoners of war during World War I. The road to Vršič, also known today as the Russian Road, will take you past countless natural sights. Along the way, see Jasna Lake, the Russian Chapel, the natural window in the Prisank Mountain and the stone face of the Heathen Maiden (Ajdovska deklica). Vršič is also the starting point for Mala Mojstrovka, Jalovec and (especially for families) the very popular Slemenova Špica.

The Vršič Pass is one of the most popular destinations for cyclists and hikers in summer, which means that the top of Vršič can be quite busy in the morning hours. It is one of the most important starting points for climbing the peaks of Mala Mojstrovka (2332 m) and Velika Mojstrovka (2366 m), Planja (2453 m), Prisojnik (2547 m), Razor (2601 m), Šitna glava (2087 m), Slemenova špica (1911 m), Sovna glava (1750 m), Suhi vrh (2109 m); or for shorter walks in the surrounding area.

On the Gorenjska side, the scenic road will lead you past mountain huts where you can enjoy local cuisine: Mihov dom (1085 m), Koča na Gozdu (1226 m) and Erjavčeva koča (1515 m). At the very top of Vršič, just before you descend the winding road into the Trenta valley, you will find Tičarjev dom (1620 m). Past Tičarjev dom, there is a macadam path that leads you to the higher hut Poštarski dom (1725 m).

At the top of the Vršič Pass, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the many peaks of the Julian Alps surrounding Kranjska Gora, Trenta and the Upper Sava Valley.

TRAFFIC AND PARKING REGIME

There are a limited number of parking spaces at the top of the Vršič Pass. During the summer season, a bus line runs from Kranjska Gora via the Vršič Pass to Bovec. You can find out more about the bus services here. The Vršič Pass may be closed for part of the year due to winter conditions and snow. During this time, access by car is only possible to the hut Koča na Gozdu. Although the road is closed in winter, the Vršič Pass is still popular with tour skiers and winter hikers.

Attractions in photos

Gallery

Other natural attractions

Nature

Kranjska Gora is a land of many opportunities for active holidays in nature. Enter the kingdom of the highest Slovenian peaks.

Explore the sights
Lake Kreda

Lake Kreda

The lake takes its name from the chalk that was dug there until 1985.

Slemen's Spit (Slemenova špica)

Slemen's Spit (Slemenova špica)

A trip to the golden larches.

Srednji Vrh

Srednji Vrh

A picturesque village above the settlement of Gozd Martuljek, worth a visit.

Mojstrovka

Mojstrovka

A popular peak with an easy route and a challenging protected circular route.

Vitranc

Vitranc

Vitranc is a mountain on the edge of the Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park, with two trails leading to it.

Dovška baba

Dovška baba

This beautiful 1891 m high mountain in the Karavanke Mountains is hidden above the village of Dovje.

Grančišče

Grančišče

Grančišče is a rocky outcrop above the village of Veliki Breg in Mojstrana.

Martuljek mountain chain

Martuljek mountain chain

He took a handful of all nice with his hand, weaving them into a wreath over the valley deep.

The Triglav National Park

The Triglav National Park

Discover the Kingdom of Zlatorog, the only national park in Slovenia.

Krnica Valley

Krnica Valley

Krnica is an approximately 6 km long mountain valley south of Kranjska Gora.

Check activities

Activities

Get to know the rich range of active experiences in Kranjska Gora and its surroundings. Experience genuine contact with the Julian Alps and life in their embrace.

Explore activities
Cycling Trail to the Krma valley

Cycling Trail to the Krma valley

A cycling route that winds through the longest valley under Triglav.

Cycling Trail to Jurež pasture, Vošca, Železnica

Cycling Trail to Jurež pasture, Vošca, Železnica

One of the most panoramic tours around Kranjska Gora, with a beautiful view of the Julian Alps accompanying us at all times on this route.

Cycling trail to the Dovška Rožca Alpine Pasture

Cycling trail to the Dovška Rožca Alpine Pasture

A scenic cycling climb through forests to a scenic mountain with breath-taking views of the Karavanke Mountains, the Julian Mountains and Mežakla.

Dovje - Jesenice Cycling Trail

Dovje - Jesenice Cycling Trail

The wide valley between Dovje and Jesenice lies between the sunny Karavanke Mountains and the shady Mežakla Mountains, connected by a scenic forest road.

Cycling trail to Srednji Vrh

Cycling trail to Srednji Vrh

A steep cycling climb with stunning views of the Martuljka Group and the murmuring waterfalls of the Jerman Stream.

Cycling trail to Tromeja

A cycling trip from Kranjska Gora through picturesque Rateče to Tromeja, where views of three lands intertwine.

Cycling Trail to Krnica

Cycling Trail to Krnica

The trail leads you along the Pišnica River into the heart of the mountains, with the beautiful backdrop of the slopes of the Julian Alps.

Cycling Trail to Vršič Pass

Cycling Trail to Vršič Pass

The most famous cycling climb to the highest Slovenian road pass.

Cycling Trail to Planica Valley and Tamar

Cycling Trail to Planica Valley and Tamar

Cycle to the valley of the championships - Planica and onwards to the Tamar, where you will cycle surrounded by the surrounding mountains.

Jesenice Cycling Trail

Jesenice Cycling Trail

Cycling route through the valley along the Sava Dolinka river.

Find accommodation

Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels
Camps
Camps
Mountain huts
Mountain huts
Apartments
Apartments
Hostels
Hostels

Stories of Kranjska Gora

Stories

In Kranjska Gora and the surrounding areas, lively experiences of the Julian Alps await you. There are plenty of experiences that you want to try for yourself, from actively spending your holidays to peacefully discovering your natural and cultural heritage. You can discover the secrets of well-being in the rich wellness offer, attend business and social meetings or explore the mystical past of the Upper Sava Valley with your family. This is where the adventure begins!

Mysterious paths to unforgettable experiences
Mysterious paths to unforgettable experiences

Ideas for family trips around Kranjska Gora.

How
How "dovški krapi" became a world famous dish

Pasta Grannies visits Slovenia!

What not to miss in Kranjska Gora in autumn
What not to miss in Kranjska Gora in autumn

The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer. We have already stepped into autumn, the tops of the highest mountains have already been whitened by first snow and morning temperatures are already falling below zero in the valley. We have gathered for you some activities that you can do iduring the visit of tourist destination Kranjska Gora.

World Bee Day and a picnic area for bees
World Bee Day and a picnic area for bees

The Fourth World Bee Day is taking place this year in the light of a special appeal not to mow public areas and lawns around houses due to the frost, which has severely affected fruit trees. The destination Kranjska Gora also joined this appeal.

5 ideas of what to do in Kranjska Gora when it rains
5 ideas of what to do in Kranjska Gora when it rains

5 tips on what to do in bad weather in Kranjska Gora.

Summer hit: Juliana Trail hiking trail
Summer hit: Juliana Trail hiking trail

At a respectful distance and at the foot of the Alps, the path will lead you along the edge of the Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park.

A world traveler enchanted by the Upper Sava Valley
A world traveler enchanted by the Upper Sava Valley

"I know nothing more beautiful in Europe!"

A notice that changed life in Kranjska Gora forever
A notice that changed life in Kranjska Gora forever

"Let's unite and work together for the prosperity of Kranjska Gora, to elevate and improve traffic, to beautify the place and to facilitate communication with foreigners!"

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