Driving the Vršič Pass and through Soča Valley is one of the best things you can do when visiting Slovenia, and I will tell you why. Get ready to turn on your car’s engine and drive up the serpentine roads of the Julian Alps, because the Vršič Pass is the most beautiful road in Slovenia. This route will serve you the most amazing mountain views, and eventually lead you to the Soča Valley, offering dramatic landscapes, deep gorges and rivers with emerald water. This post will guide you through what to expect when driving this route and some activities and beautiful spots to stop by along it.

What is the Vršič Pass?

Vršič Pass is the highest pass in Slovenia, reaching an elevation of 1,611 meters and located in the Julian Alps in the northwestern part of the country. There is a scenic road crossing this pass, known as the ”Russian Road”, since it was built by Russian prisoners during World War 1. The Vršič Pass is the most beautiful road in Slovenia and a roadtrip in the country is not complete without having driven this road. It was one of my favorite things I did during my roadtrip in Slovenia, including amazing mountain views, swimming in turquoise, cold rivers, walking on hanging bridges and hiking to a waterfall.

Which way to start the Vršič Pass from

You can drive the Vršič pass from two ways, either by driving from north to south, starting in Kranjska Gora, or south to north starting from the Soča Valley. My recommendation is definitely to start in Kranjska Gora and head towards the Soča Valley. You will have more majestic views, especially of the Trenta Valley and Triglav National Park, if driving downwards compared to upwards.

I would recommend to start driving in the morning, so spending the night in Kranjska Gora is a great option. Most of the hotels here are alpine resorts because of Kranjska Gora being a famous skiing destination during the winter. One of the most affordable accommodations is Hotel Alpina. It is good, located close to the town centre, but not too expensive.

Where to stop on the Vršič Pass

Lake Jasna – The artificial lakes

Your journey will start from Kranjska Gora and in just a few minutes from downtown, you will pass by Lake Jasna before you reach the mountains. Lake Jasna consists of two artificial lakes, both of an emerald color and swimmable. Start your trip by taking a plunge into one of these chilly lakes and then start driving up the serpentine roads.

Stop by the parking lot close to Tičar Lodge

There are several places where you can stop to park your car and check out the amazing views, and one of them is a parking lot close to a hotel called Tičar Lodge. At this point you will not have reached the top of the Vršič pass yet, you are still in your climb. Here you’ll get some beautiful views of the mountains stretching to the sky.

Watch the mountain views from Šupca viewpoint

Šupca viewpoint is a great photo spot, overlooking the Trenta Valley and mountains of Triglav National Park. The spot is close to the road and has a small parking lot, so you can easily stop to take some pictures.

Stop at the Kugy monument

The Kugy monument is located at the foot of the Vršič pass. It’s a large bronze figure, dedicated to Dr. Julius Kugy, discoverer and researcher of the Julian Alps. There is a small parking lot by the road, and from here you will have to walk a small path leading to the monument.

Driving through Soča Valley

Walk the hanging bridge Trantarske Fuzine

Welcome down from the mountains! After you have crossed the Vršič Pass you will reach Soča Valley and keep driving through that. Soča Valley is famous for its stunning natural beauty and framed by the Julian Alps that you have just climbed. One of the first stops in the valley is a hanging bridge marked Trantarske Fuzine on maps. This will also be your first encounter with the Soča River. There is a small parking lot close to the hanging bridge. Stop here to take some pictures, walk the bridge and jump on rocks along the river.

Swimming by the Great Soča Gorge

You will keep driving through Soča Valley for about 15 to 20 minutes. The Great Soča Gorge will be your next stop – one of the most beautiful sights on the river. It is a deep, rocky gorge carved out by the Soča River and a perfect spot to stop if you want to take a dip in the crystal clear turquoise water. I should prepare you though that the water is very cold. This due to the river running from the glaciers, so it’s practically ice water.

Exploring Napoleon’s Bridge, Brv čez Sočo and Kozjak Waterfall

Brv čez Sočo is another beautiful spot where you can stop to go for a swim in the Soča River. This place has a hanging bridge and is located on the way to the Kozjak Waterfall. Getting here requires you to cross the Napoleon’s Bridge, which is a beautiful stone bridge built in the 1750, offering beautiful views of the river. There is a parking lot short after the crossing of the bridge, and from the parking lot you need to walk for about 10 to 15 minutes to reach Brv čez Sočo.

Must know when driving the Vršič Pass and through Soča Valley

There are some things to take into consideration when driving the Vršič Pass, listed below:

• The Vršič Pass is closed in the winter months due to the risk of avalanches, so if you want to drive this road you should visit in spring, summer or fall.

• Keep your eyes on the road when driving. The views are amazing and it can be hard not to want to look at, but the roads are narrow and curvy, so make sure to keep your eyes on the road when driving and stop to take in the views.

• Slow down in curves. The curves are narrow as well and sometimes it can be a little tight to fit two cars turning at the same time. Make sure to drive slow close to the curves to adapt to oncoming cars.

• Drive on a low gear. When driving upwards, the hills can be steep and a low gear is necessary to give enough power to the engine to accelerate. We literally stopped in the middle of a hill when we were driving on second gear because it didn’t give power enough. When going downhill it is also important to drive on a low gear to naturally brake.

• If you want to stop to check out the views, make sure you are not parking your car in the way of other drivers. Make sure you’re not stopping around a curve or somewhere else where your car would be hidden and not visible for other cars. Stop only where there is space on the side of the road, like a small gravel field, to park your car.

If you are planning a full road trip through Slovenia, you can read more about the ultimate road trip itinerary here. After you have been driving the Vršič Pass and through Soča Valley, the next natural stop will be the wine region Primorje. Use this guide on how to spend three days there, discovering the Slovenian wine making.