The Julian Alps cover the north-west of Slovenia, with Triglav National Park — the country's only national park — at their heart. From the coastal area, it's about two hours to the mountains, making this a perfect day trip with an early start.

Vršič Pass

Slovenia's highest mountain road pass at 1,611 metres. The road was built by Russian prisoners of war during World War I, and that history shaped its character: fifty hairpin bends — twenty-four on one side and twenty-six on the other — some still paved with the original cobblestones.

Every bend is numbered and marked with its elevation. You can stop at almost any of them — the views shift constantly, from pine forests to bare rock faces.

The Russian Chapel

At the eighth bend on the Kranjska Gora side stands a wooden chapel, built by prisoners in 1916 in memory of their fellow captives who died in an avalanche during the road's construction. Estimates put the death toll at several hundred.

The chapel remains an active memorial, with commemorative ceremonies held here every year. It's one of those places where the region's history stops being an abstraction.

Source of the Soča

On the southern side of the pass lies the valley of the Soča river, famous for its extraordinary turquoise water. The colour comes from limestone particles in suspension and stays vivid along the entire course.

A short but demanding trail leads to the source: the final stretch goes up a rock face with a fixed safety cable — proper footwear and a head for heights are essential. The river emerges from an underground cave in the rock.

The Soča Trail runs along the valley — a route of around twenty kilometres, divided into sections that can each be walked independently.

More to see in the valley

The Tolmin Gorges, the Mostnica Gorge, the Boka Waterfall, and the World War I museums in Kobarid — the Isonzo Front ran through here, one of the bloodiest theatres of that war. The museum in Kobarid has won European awards and is considered a benchmark.

In summer, the Soča is the hub of rafting, kayaking, and canyoning in Slovenia.

Good to know

The pass is closed in winter. Usually from November through April or May; exact dates depend on snowfall. Check the status before you set off — otherwise you face a detour of a hundred kilometres.

The road demands attention. It's narrow, with tight bends and plenty of motorcyclists and cyclists in season. Less experienced mountain drivers will find it stressful.

Weather changes fast. The pass can be ten to fifteen degrees colder than the coast, with added wind. A jacket is a must even in July.

Fuel. Fill up beforehand — there are no petrol stations on the pass itself.

If you'd rather skip the hairpin bends behind the wheel, browse our mountain trips with a driver in the catalogue.

FAQ

When is Vršič Pass open?

Usually from May through October. The pass closes in winter due to snow; exact opening and closing dates depend on conditions and are announced by the road authority — check the status before you travel.

How many hairpin bends does Vršič have?

Fifty: twenty-four on the northern side and twenty-six on the southern. Every bend is numbered and marked with its elevation, and part of the road still has its original World War I cobblestones.

Why is the Soča river turquoise?

The colour comes from fine limestone particles carried down from the mountains. It stays vivid along virtually the entire river, not just near the source.