Prisojnik's walls
Immense rock faces above the road.
Krzysztof Golik — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Krzysztof Golik — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Krzysztof Golik — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Dreamy Pixel — CC BY 4.0 · Krzysztof Golik — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Vršič Pass is the highest mountain pass in Slovenia, at 1,611 m in the Eastern Julian Alps. Linking Upper Carniola with the Trenta Valley, it counts among the country's finest drives and serves as an excellent starting point for the surrounding peaks. Vršič means little peak. The name first belonged to a nearby mountain and was only applied to the pass in 1911, while locals call it Na močilu. A rough trail once crossed here for logging, until the Austro-Hungarian military upgraded it during the First World War into a modern road, built by Russian prisoners of war between 1915 and 1917, hence the name Russian Road. Before the Second World War the pass marked the border between Italy and Yugoslavia. At the top and on the bends, views open onto immense rock walls including Prisojnik (2,547 m), with larches turning gold in autumn. Mountain lodges such as the Erjavec Lodge sit nearby, and trails lead towards Mala Mojstrovka (2,332 m) as well as shorter walks for those not climbing. The pass lies about 6.9 km from Kranjska Gora and 18.1 km from Bovec in a straight line, with a much longer winding road. It can close in winter or require equipment, so check conditions before setting out. Watch for cyclists as you drive, and bring a jacket even in summer.
Immense rock faces above the road.
Golden trees on the slopes in autumn.
Short walks and longer climbs from the pass.
Vršič Pass, Julian Alps, Slovenia
It can close for snow or require equipment, so check road conditions before you set out.
Because Russian prisoners of war built it during the First World War, between 1915 and 1917.