Hiking Vršič Pass to Slemenova Špica
Slovenia
I’ve done my best to make this guide accurate and useful, but I’m a hiker sharing what worked for me, not a professional guide. Always read the full Terms of Use first. This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Over the last two years I’ve been to Vršič Pass multiple times, and the Slemenova Špica hike may be the best moderate route accessible to most hikers. After an initial climb, the trail emerges over a saddle with spectacular views of the north face of Mala Mojstrovka (2,332m | 7,652ft), and the Slemenova Špica plateau. From there it meanders on a well-maintained track before a final short climb to the summit of Slemenova Špica (1,911m | 6,270ft), offering 360° views of the Julian Alps.
In short, amazing views for relatively little effort.
Overview
Quick Stats
- Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Moderate | Non-technical
- Distance: 5.8km | 3.6mi
- Time: 3 hr
- Elevation: ^ 400m | 1,312ft
- Highest Point: 1,911m | 6,270ft
- Trailhead: Vršič Pass
- Fee: Free
- Parking: Vršič Pass (free, limited)
- Public Transport: Free shuttle bus
When to Hike
The best time to hike to the Slemenova Špica summit is between June and October, when the trail is clear of heavy snow. The summer months offer sunny weather, warmer temps and the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms. Early fall is a bit quieter, still generally nice temperatures and beautiful fall colors, especially from the golden larch.
Start early whatever the month. The parking at the top of the pass fills quickly, the earlier shuttles get you on trail before the crowds, and finishing by early afternoon keeps you clear of summer storms on what is a fairly exposed ridge.
Getting There
The trailhead sits right at the top of Vršič Pass and can be reached by bus or your own vehicle, from either the Trenta and Bovec side or from Kranjska Gora.
- Personal Vehicle
The road over the pass is a scenic drive with steep hairpin turns and multiple switchbacks. It can be done with larger vehicles (see bus below) but can be a little anxiety inducing and stressful. The road is typically open from June to October and closed through winter.
- Local Bus
A free seasonal shuttle runs from Boveč to Kranjska Gora. Full details in the Public Transport tip below.
Worth Bringing
This is a pretty straightforward hike with no technical sections. The first climb can be a little slippery, especially on the way down, as there are lots of small rocks. A good set of trekking poles may be useful but aren’t required. You’ll always want appropriate hiking shoes, boots or trail runners, and a liter or two of water.
Here are my complete day hiking essentials.
Trail Map for Vršič Pass to Slemenova Špica
Trail Conditions
The trail is a well traveled path with mostly packed dirt, the first climb is a bit rockier and has loose gravel. There is one section in the middle that is close to a cliff edge but the trail itself is plenty wide.
For comparison: this is step up from the the Vršič Pass loop and in a different category entirely from Mala Mojstrovka, which is reached by a long, difficult via ferrata from the same saddle and needs the gear to match.
Tips
Water
There are no water sources along the route and during the summer months it can be quite warm. Bring 1–2 liters of water per person.
Food
I’d recommend bringing a few snacks for the route. Another option would be to pack a lunch for a picnic just shy of the summit.
Parking
Parking at Vršič Pass is free but limited. In 2026, there is a major renovation to the parking area which may alleviate some of the congestion. Additional paid parking can be found at Erjavčeva koča. The trail can be started from the paid parking lot but will involve more elevation gain.
Public Transport
A free shuttle bus that seats about 40 riders runs every hour. The route runs Bovec – Trenta – Soča Source – Vršič – Kranjska Gora, with additional stops along the way. The timetable can be found here. After traveling to the top of the pass five times with a camper van over the last two years, I honestly can’t believe I never took the bus until now. I highly recommend this option.
Weather App
The best weather app for Slovenia is ARSO.
Slemenova Špica Hike Trip Report
We left our camper van at the Triglav National Park ranger station in Trenta and hopped on the 8:00 bus, making our way to Vršič Pass by 8:35. This was a family hike with my wife and two young boys (4, 6). After driving to the summit multiple times in a 30-year-old manual transmission camper van, the shuttle bus proved to be a great decision.
At the pass, we headed to the trailhead, just a short distance north of the stop, and began the hike. The beginning of the trail is marked by some loose gravel and a relatively steep climb. It didn’t last long and the boys were fresh and ready to go. Motivated by the search for red circular blazes, the kids were eager to find the next one and continue further on.
Forty-five minutes in and we were at the saddle, leaving the view of the pass and moving into new territory marked by 2,000m peaks. Here, a junction: right to our destination, left to the summit of Mala Mojstrovka, which requires a difficult and long via ferrata to the top. We took a break and spotted some climbers on their way up. Quite impressive, to say the least.
At this point the trail meanders a bit north through trees while the ever-present high peaks present themselves. The path, packed dirt, relatively flat and wide, with the occasional rocky section to climb over, led towards a bit of cliffside walking. Not difficult or vertiginous, but a little nerve-racking with little ones running around.
The trail ascended a bit more before another junction. We headed right and upwards for a brief climb before it emerged into a grassy meadow, the perfect spot for a scenic picnic. Then a final short climb up some gravel steps to the summit.
At the summit we took a few photos and enjoyed the area a bit. Huge valleys and a beautiful ridgeline. A beautiful scene for the effort!
I’ve done a few hikes at the pass, the Vršič Pass loop and the climb up Mala Mojstrovka from the south. This route was my favorite, and was ideal with our kids.
