VRŠIČ PASS
Slovenias high mountain pass will have you stopping every 5 minutes to enjoy the views or recover from the 50 hairpin bends.
VRŠIČ PASS
Located in our favourite part of Slovenia, the Julian Alps in Triglav National Park. The pass rises to 1611 meters and has 50 hairpin bends to get the adrenaline pumping. 25 hairpins on the way up and 25 on the way down. The views from the top of the pass across the Julian Alps is incredible. We crossed the pass a total of 4 times during our time in the national park and it gets better with each pass.
As it is the highest pass in Slovenia and the gateway to what we would consider some of the best hikes and most beautiful parts of Slovenia it is well worth a visit. An excellent starting point to hike and climb many of the surrounding peaks The road is closed during winter though due to snow and the risks that come with that. Please check before travelling if the pass is open as it can be closed for up to 5 months of the year.
Built as a supply road during the Great War, many Russian prisoners died during its construction. This also gives the pass its other name, The Russian Road.
We stayed in Bovec and used the pass to reach Kranjska Gora, a beautiful town located in the north of Triglav National Park and surrounded by beautiful glacial lakes.
The pass itself is narrow, steep and tight on the hairpins. Some of the locals wizz around but generally everyone is happy with you taking it at your own pace. There is no rush and it’s not a race, better to arrive alive.
WHAT TO SEE ALONG THE PASS
THE RUSSIAN CHURCH
Built by the Russian prisoners during The Great War and serves as a war memorial. It is a beautiful building that looks almost like it is covered in feathers due to the wooden shingles used on the outside. In autum the colours from the trees perfectly match the colour of the church.
KRANJSKA GORA
A beautiful Alpine resort town surrounded by incredible nature and glacial lakes. The views of the Julian Alps across the lakes are perfect.
ZELENCI NATURE RESERVE
A bit of a hidden gem, this little nature reserve has some of the greenest emerald water we have ever seen. Stay for sunset and watch the magic that happens over the mountains and this small lake. Read our Zelenci guide here.
GRAND CANYON OF SOCHA
Our favourite canyon in Slovenia, the incredible colour of the water, white sand banks and dramatic canyon walls make this a must stop. It can be a little tricky to find from the main road but there is parking and you will end up spending longer here than you planned.
