Vrsic is the highest mountain pass in Slovenia at an altitude of 1661 m. It connects Kranjska Gora with Trenta, the upper part of the Soca valley. The winding road, which runs over Vrsic is 24 kilometres in length with an average ascent at 8.4%. The road is generally in good condition. There are 50 bends, 24 on the side of Kranjska Gora and 24 on the Trenta side. The road is large enough to cross path with the vehicles in the other direction and if you take your time, the bends are not that bad. There are many stops to enjoy along the drive. Small parkings are set up at various points when the road stops turning. The side of the road is often blocked by either wood ramps, metal ramps or rock square blocks. The road is opened an average of seven months per year (in winter it’s normally closed to all traffic). Most of the road across the Vrsic Pass was built during World War I by Russian prisoners of war to supply the Soca front. The Russian Chapel (built in memory of Russian prisoners of war who were buried beneath an avalanche and all others who died during the construction of the road), Buckwheat Girl, and Prisank mountain window are all sights to be seen on the way.
The Vrsic Mountain Pass is about 50 minutes drive from the Bled area and you can even extend your trip and visit the Trenta valley on the other side of the pass. It’s about 20 minutes drive to Trenta from the top of the pass.
Vrsic Pass is the highest mountain pass in Slovenia and is notorious for its 50 hairpin turns. (photo: Drazen Stader / slovenia.info)
Despite the very well-maintained roads, Vrsic Pass is inevitably a bit of a hair-raising drive. (photo: Boris Pretnar / slovenia.info)
The Vrsic road is 24 kilometres in length with an average ascent at 8.4%. (photo: Boris Pretnar / slovenia.info)
From the panoramic path at Vrsic Pass you can admire the almighty mountains of the Slovenian Alps. (photo: Boris Pretnar / slovenia.info)
A viewpoint with stunning views of the Slovenian Alps. (photo: Boris Pretnar / slovenia.info)
Ticarjev Dom mountain hut stands on the southern side of the Vrsic pass at an elevation of 1,620 metres. (photo: Boris Pretnar / slovenia.info)
There are many hiking trails around Vrsic Pass. (photo: Boris Pretnar / slovenia.info)
Vrsic Pass to Sleme and Slemenova Spica is a wonderful day hike to do in the Slovenian Alps. You start at the Vrsic Pass and hike to the summit of Slemenova Spica. Along the way, you get to walk through quiet, flower-filled valleys and enjoy spectacular views of the Julian Alps. (photo: Marko Sinkovec / slovenia.info)
Hiking trails around Vrsic Pass are relatively easy, and filled with breathtaking views, so perfect for active families and adventurous travelers. It’s a great way to get a taste of hiking in Triglav National Park without needing special equipment or doing a full day hike. (photo: Alan Kosmac / slovenia.info)
While you are here, throw a short hike into the mix and turn a great day into a spectacular day. (photo: Iztok Medja / slovenia.info)
On Mount Prisank above Vrsic is the myth-laden Buckwheat Girl. ‘She’ is a surprisingly well-formed face that has naturally appeared in the jagged mix of white and gray limestone, though folklore suggests it’s actually a nymph who was turned to stone. (photo: Iztok Noc / slovenia.info)
Also keep an eye out for the Prisank Window, a natural mountain opening that measures almost 80 meters high and around 40 meters wide. It is the largest natural window in the Julian Alps. (photo: Boris Pretnar / slovenia.info)
Most of the road across the Vrsic Pass was built in the First World War by Russian prisoners of war. The wooden Russian chapel on the north side of the pass was built in their memory. Near Bend 8, a parking is clearly indicated on the side of the road after the access point. Climb the few stairs to discover the wooden structure. (photo: Iztok Noc / slovenia.info)
Location:
Vrsic Pass Address: Trenta 85, 5232 Soca, Slovenia
Vrsic Pass Latitude and Longitude Coordinates: 46.43289, 13.74307
Vrsic Pass GPS coordinates: 46° 25′ 58.4292” N 13° 44′ 35.0556” E
Traditional region: Upper Carniola (Slovene: Gorenjska)
Municipality: Kranjska Gora
Directions from Apartments Fine Stay to Vrsic Pass (drive 42 km, 50 minutes)
Directions from Apartments Fine Stay Bled to Vrsic Pass (drive 51 km, 55 minutes)
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We ended an Austrian hiking trip in Schladming. Is it possible to drive the pass to Bled from there?