Alpine Passes

Mountain Roads of Europe

Vršič Pass

Vršič Pass

Prelaz Vršič

Slovenia · Julian Alps (Upper Carniola)

1,611m

Key Facts

Elevation
1,611m
Route length
26 km
Max gradient
14%
Hairpins
46
Driving difficulty
Demanding (4/5)
Surface
Fair (cobblestone on some hairpins)
Open
May - November (north side may close in winter)

Route & Map

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Route

SKranjska Gora
26 km · max 14%
Vršič Pass (1,611m)
Descent
ETrenta (Bovec)
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The highest paved pass in Slovenia with 50 hairpin bends (24 on the north side, 26 on the south). Built by Russian prisoners of war during WWI. A monument and Russian chapel commemorate the workers who died during construction.

Weather & Conditions

Driving Experience

Elevation Profile

587m843m1,100m1,356m1,612m0 km10 km20 km1,612m
845m gain
1,047m loss
810m → 1,612m → 608m

Difficulty

Demanding

4/5 — car driving difficulty

Based on steepness, elevation gain, hairpins, road length & surface quality

Hairpin Turns

46

A relentless sequence of switchbacks

When to Drive

May - November (north side may close in winter) (Best: July - September)

  • Open May - November (north side may close in winter). Check locally for exact opening dates as conditions vary each year.
  • Drive early morning (before 8 AM) for clear views, ideal light, and less traffic.
  • Steep gradients demand good brakes. Use low gears on descent to avoid brake fade.

Coordinates

Summit
46.4378°N, 13.7439°E
Start (Kranjska Gora)
46.4847°N, 13.7858°E
End (Trenta (Bovec))
46.3533°N, 13.7333°E
#iconic#hairpins#wwi-history#highest-slovenia#cobblestone

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Image: unknown / ismeretlen / neznano / Public domain