From Kranjska Gora to the Vršič Pass at 5,285 ft (1,611 m), it’s 7.7 miles (12.4 km) at an average 6.5% and 2,664 ft (812 m) of climbing, according to CyclingCols. Climbfinder gives 11.8 km and 815 m. Quäldich (10.3 km and 749 m) and salite.ch (9.25 km and 761 m) start measuring higher up, which is why they get a higher average, 7-8%.
What the climb is like
- Leaving Kranjska Gora. The first miles climb gently up the Pišnica valley through the forest, past Lake Jasna.
- The hairpins. Then the series of hairpins that made the road famous begins, up the wooded slope. At around 3,900 ft (1,200 m), beside the road, is the Russian Chapel, a small wooden Orthodox church built by the Russian prisoners.
- Finish. The hairpins continue to the pass, now with the limestone walls of the Julian Alps all around. CyclingCols gives a 14% maximum and Climbfinder 12.7% over 100 m.
On the other side, the road switchbacks down toward Trenta and the Soča valley.
History
It’s the highest pass in Slovenia and in the eastern Julian Alps. Today’s road was built during World War I to supply the Isonzo front: the Austro-Hungarian army forced some 10,000-12,000 Russian prisoners of war to work on it between 1915 and 1917. That’s why it’s known as Ruska cesta, the Russian Road. In all, it has 50 hairpins between Kranjska Gora and the Soča valley.
When to go, water and traffic
The upper part is cut off by snow for much of the winter; the cycling season runs from late spring to early fall. In summer there’s heavy tourist traffic. Fill your bottles in Kranjska Gora; there are mountain huts on the climb and at the pass.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 6.8 mph (11 km/h) on 8%; on a 34x30 you’ll pedal around 77 rpm. A 34x30 gets you up comfortably, and a 34x28 is enough if you’re strong. Compare in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Start early to avoid traffic.
- Stop at the Russian Chapel: it’s just a few steps off the road.
- If you descend toward the Soča, combine it with the Mangart, near Bovec.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Vršič from Kranjska Gora?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 57 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 07 min at 2.5 W/kg and 44 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
How many hairpins does the Vršič Pass have?
The road has 50 hairpins between Kranjska Gora and the Soča valley, counting both sides.
Why is the Vršič called the Russian Road?
Because it was built between 1915 and 1917 by some 10,000-12,000 Russian prisoners of war, forced to work by the Austro-Hungarian army to supply the Isonzo front.