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Panoramic road · Kranjska Gora, Gorenjska
Vršič Pass (Vršič)
The highest road pass in Slovenia, at 1,611 meters, between Kranjska Gora and the Trenta Valley. The 50-curve road was opened by Russian prisoners in World War I; the Russian Chapel is along the route.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Vršič Pass (Vršič)
The Vršič Pass, at 1,611 meters, is the highest road pass in Slovenia and the highest in the eastern Julian Alps. The road leaves Kranjska Gora, climbs with 24 tight switchbacks on the northern side, many paved with stone, and descends with another 26 on the southern side to the Trenta Valley and the Soča River. Each hairpin has a sign with its number and altitude.
The road was built from 1915 by the Austro-Hungarian army to supply the Isonzo front, using the forced labor of thousands of Russian prisoners of war. In March 1916 an avalanche buried part of the camp and killed more than a hundred prisoners and guards. The survivors built a wooden Russian-style chapel by the road, dedicated to Saint Vladimir, next to a pyramid-shaped grave. For that reason the northern stretch is called Ruska cesta, the Russian road.
At the top, the pass lies between Prisojnik and the Mojstrovke peaks, with views of the surrounding massifs. Several mountain huts by the road open in the summer season, and trails lead from the pass to nearby peaks. In winter, snow and avalanche risk usually close the high section, and cars can only reach the Koča na Gozdu hut.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour’s drive from Kranjska Gora to Trenta without stops; half a day to a full day including the Russian Chapel, stops at the hairpins and a walk on the pass.
Best time
From June to September, with the road open and the huts operating. In summer the road is busy at midday; leave early. In spring and autumn opening depends on snow: check the road status on the day with the official traffic service.
How to get there
The road starts in central Kranjska Gora, passes Lake Jasna and reaches the pass after about 13 km. In summer a seasonal bus links Kranjska Gora with Bovec via the pass.
Tip
Prepare before you go: the road is narrow and steep, with cyclists and motorcyclists in summer. Parking at the top is limited, and mountain weather changes quickly; bring warm clothing even on hot days.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Vršič Pass (Vršič)
What is the altitude of the Vršič Pass?
1,611 meters. It is the highest mountain road pass in Slovenia.
How many hairpin bends does the Vršič road have?
Fifty: 24 on the Kranjska Gora side and 26 on the Trenta side. Each one has a sign with its number and altitude.
What is the Russian Chapel at Vršič?
A wooden Orthodox chapel beside the road on the northern side, built by Russian prisoners of war in memory of comrades who died in an avalanche in March 1916.
Is the Vršič road open in winter?
Generally no. Snow and avalanche risk usually close the high section in winter, and cars only reach the Koča na Gozdu hut. Check the official traffic service before you go.