Vršič Pass (1611 m), named Kranjski vrh in the past, is the highest road crossing in Slovenia, connecting the outdoor centers of Kranjska Gora and Bovec. The high mountain road, known today as Ruska cesta, stretches 24 km from Kranjska Gora to Trenta and features 50 serpentines: 24 on the Kranjska Gora side (paved) and 26 on the Trenta side.
In the past, a path traversed the pass, used by people from Trenta for trips to Austrian Villach and by Kranjska Gora residents heading to the pastures. The road began widening in 1909, and during World War I, it was expanded to support the Isonzo Front. Built by 10,000 Russian prisoners of war under harsh conditions in the winter and spring of 1916, the road saw significant tragedy, with more than 300 prisoners and a few guards perishing in landslides. To commemorate them and their suffering, a Russian chapel was erected on the Kranjska Gora side, near the 6th serpentine, and was fully renovated between 2005 and 2006.
The route starts at Lake Jasna in Kranjska Gora, an idyllic spot for summer relaxation with views of Razor (2601 m) and Prisank (2547 m). The journey continues past several huts, including Mihov dom, Erjavčeva koča, and Tičarjev dom, up to the summit.
Prisank Mountain hides two natural windows with attractive, protected paths leading through them, and near Poštarski dom, you can see “the petrified face of the Pegan girl”.
For hikers, one of the stages of the Alpe Adria Trail, which connects Grossglockner in Austria 3798 m with the Adriatic Sea, leads along the former route, which goes right over the top of the pass.
The ascent to the top of the pass at Poštarski dom (1737 m) is long and strenuous, but the summit rewards hikers with stunning views. During the summer season (1. 6. – 30.9.), food and drinks are available at Poštarski dom.
Following the ascent, a gentle serpentine descent leads along the old path to Tončka hut, then continues along the mountain path to little Tamar and the gravel road back to Lake Jasna.
An interesting gentle serpentine descent follows the old path to Tončka hut, then continues along the mountain path to little Tamar and the gravel road back to Lake Jasna.
Next is the ascent to the beginning of the descent after the Kinder Surprise. This is the second official single track in the Kranjska Gora destination. The descent is relatively demanding and officially marked as extreme, and it is not recommended in muddy or wet conditions. However, it is quite enjoyable, featuring various "park" elements in the central section.
The descent ends when you cross the stream and join the gravel road, which leads to the bike path to Mojstrana.
Slovenian Alpine Museum (650 m) - Kranjska Gora (810 m) - Vršič (1,611 m) - Poštarski dom (1737 m) - Lake Jasna (840 m) - Kinder Surprise (1030 m) - Log (790 m) - Slovenian Alpine Museum (650 m)
Start from the parking lot in front of the Slovenian Alpine Museum. Proceed in the direction of the village Dovje, and at the main crossroads in Mojstrana, turn left opposite Hostel Lukna - 600 m from the starting point. Drive past Triglavski gaj park (macadam road), continue over the blue bridge spanning the Sava Dolinka River, ascend briefly, and then turn left onto an asphalt bike path.
Continue past the cycling stop (Wi-Fi point, Sonček stop) towards Kranjska Gora (800 m). Follow the bike path, crossing three bridges over the Sava Dolinka River and passing several small rest areas. Upon reaching Kranjska Gora, the bike path merges with the road. The road initially passes the cemetery. Continue straight, and when you reach the bridge over the Pišnica River, turn left onto the macadam road before the bridge. Follow this road past Hotel Korona, where it transitions into a path. The Pišnica River will be on your right throughout. The path leads to Lake Jasna. Cross the main road and follow the right side of the lakes, continuing past both lakes. At the end of the lakes, the path reconnects with the Vršič road. Follow this road to the top of the 1611 m pass.
From the top of the pass, descend slightly to the huts selling souvenirs, then turn left uphill towards Tičarjev dom. Pass it on the right and continue along the macadam road up to Poštarski dom (1737 m). Here, the descent begins along the old path to Vršič. The descent is easy and serpentine and does not exceed the difficulty of S1, which ends at Tonka's hut.
Beyond the hut, reach the main road, turn right, and about 100 m down, take a left across the meadow (path) into the forest (signposted Kranjska Gora). Upon entering the forest, cross the stream the path descends steeply. The path traverses wooded, rocky terrain and crosses the stream multiple times (S2 from S3). The path comes out a little further from Koča na Gozdu. Cross the main road again (mountain houses on the right), turn right, then immediately left downhill (signposted Kranjska Gora). You'll arrive at the Russian Chapel (virtual tour available via the app), and continue past it down to the road near the 6th serpentine (S2).
A little further on from the serpentine, turn right through the fence. Descend and move parallel to the road where Mihov dom is located. The path reaches the macadam road leading to a larger parking lot below. Here, turn right and cross the footbridge over the stream. Continue across the small Tamar mountain to the crossroads for Krnica and Kranjska Gora. Turn left for Kranjska Gora and follow the right bank of the Pišnica stream down the macadam road.
The road merges with the main road just before Lake Jasna (bridge over the Pišnica River on the left). At this crossroads, turn right onto the main road and continue to the lakes. At the end of the lakes, where the road begins to descend towards Kranjska Gora, turn right uphill. The slope initially has asphalt, then turns to macadam. Proceed to the serpentine and then left all the way straight to the beginning of the Kinder Surprise (1050 m) descent.
The descent starts on easier terrain (S1). After transitioning to the ridge section, it becomes steeper with technical parts (S3). Once past the ridge, the descent features various “park” elements, adding to the fun (S2-3). The descent ends when you cross the stream and join the macadam road, which takes you to the bike path. Turn right for Mojstrana. Cycle to the large arched railway bridge, continue past the Lučka cycling station, and before the next bridge, turn right onto the cart track. Follow this track along the Sava River (on the left). The cart track takes you across meadows and ends at a fork in the path. The cart track climbs steeply uphill. Ascend, cross the meadow, and then descend. The cart track transitions into a path, which is mostly passable. About 2 km before Mojstrana, rejoin the cart track near the Na Boru River. Follow the cart tracks on the left side of the meadows towards Mojstrana. Before reaching Mojstrana, pass a large rock (on the right) and the former factory (on the right). When the cart track joins the asphalt road, turn right uphill. At the top, take the first street on the right, follow it to the end, then turn left and immediately right. Continue under the wall of Grančišče (the road descends) to the crossroads behind the main road. Turn left, and you will soon arrive back at the Slovenian Alpine Museum.
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