Kranjska Gora and Vršič mountain pass
Kranjska Gora is a pretty alpine village with a wide range of restaurants, shops, bars, spas, pools and other amenities within easy reach. Kranjska Gora is also Slovenia's most famous mountain resort, partly due to hosting annual ski jumping at the world's highest jumping centre at Planica, and World Cup skiing on the Podkoren slopes. You can take a walk through the village, to the ski slopes or walk to stunning Lake Jasna 10 minutes from the centre. Hike to a beautiful Tamar Valley, where you can indulge your taste buds with homemade food in a sheperd's hut (6 km one way, hiking shoes needed). On the way you will pass Planica Nordic Centre.
If you want to have a nice view, take a ride to Vršič, the highest mountain pass in Slovenia with an elevation of 1,611 metres (5,285 ft). It connects Upper Carniola with the Trenta Valley in the Slovene Littoral. The road across the pass, now known as Russian Road (Ruska cesta), was originally built for military purposes in the early 19th century and followed an earlier trade route. The Vršič pass is considered an excellent starting point for excursions to surrounding peaks. Several mountain lodges are located near the pass: the Erjavec Lodge (Erjavčeva koča; 1,515 m or 4,970 ft), the Tičar Lodge (Tičarjev dom; 1,620 m or 5,310 ft), Mike's Lodge (Mihov dom), the Forest Lodge (Koča na Gozdu; 1,226 m or 4,022 ft), and the Postman's Lodge (Poštarska koča; 1,725 m or 5,659 ft). Stop in one for lunch or just a drink.
The road through the pass rises from Kranjska Gora in a series of 50 hairpin bends, traverses the top of the Vršič pass, and descends into the Trenta Valley one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. With its emerald Soča River, narrow gorges, waterfalls and towering peaks of the Julian Alps, the area attracts nature lovers, hikers and advanture seekers around the world. During winter Vršič pass can be closed, so check before you go.