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.
