Photos from Vršič

History of Vršič Pass

The connection between Kranjska Gora and Trenta was probably known already to the ancient peoples who lived in this area. The first visitors to the pass were most likely hunters, followed by shepherds. This led to the creation of the first paths across the pass, then known as Kranjsko Sedlo. In the Middle Ages, people began to settle in Trenta.

Life in this remote valley was extremely harsh, and the nearest route to civilisation led across Vršič Pass to Borovška vas, today’s Kranjska Gora. In exchange for cheese, wool, and skins, people obtained the essentials they needed to survive. In the 16th century, ironworking developed in Trenta, which led to deforestation. This continued until the 18th century, after which Trenta became quiet once again. Janez Vajkard Valvasor mentioned the mountains above Kranjska Gora in his book The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola, where he also described the route across Kranjsko Sedlo.

In the 19th century, the pass was mainly used by isolated shepherds and was only occasionally visited by scientists such as the physician Belsazar Hacquet. He described the foundries, the geological structure of the rocks, and the alpine flora, publishing his findings in Plantae Alpinae Carniolicae (1782). The area was also visited by notable figures such as the Englishman Humphry Davy, the French botanist Albert Bois de Chesne, and mountaineers Dr. Julius Kugy and Dr. Henrik Tuma. As visits to the mountains increased in the second half of the 19th century, locals began to earn a living as mountain guides, and timber trading also flourished.

Throughout history, the pass was known by various names, including Jezerca, Kranjski vrh, Mojstrovka Pass, and Apenverein. In 1901, the first hut, Vosshütte, was built on the pass; today it is known as Erjavčeva koča. Eleven years later, the Slovenian hut followed, now known as Tičarjev dom, named after the physician and mountaineer Dr. Josip Tičar.

Although the First World War was still in the future, the Austrians had already recognized the importance of this part of Slovenia. In 1907, military exercises were organized around Vršič, attended by Archduke Franz Ferdinand himself. Different military branches crossed the pass during these exercises, which led to the construction of an emergency road and several bridges, laying out the route for the future road.

Story from the Isonzo Front

Story from the Isonzo Front

20
Dec

Above the Vršič Pass in Winter

Above the Vršič Pass in Winter; Comfortably to Snow-Covered Peaks. The article in Planinski vestnik,...

08
Feb

Share Your Memories with Us!

Share Your Memories of Kranjska Gora, Vršič Pass, and Erjavčeva Mountain Hut!

28
Jan

Find Erjavčeva Hut on the map

Open in Google Maps

Erjavčeva hut

Private rooms and dormitory

Explore our 11 private rooms and dormitory accommodation.

View our rooms

Photos From Vršič pass in winter 2024, near Kranjska Gora

Foto by: Zlatko Jaklin

Gallery

Erjavčeva Mountain Hut on Vršič Pass with Guest Parking and an Electric Car Charging Station

16
Jun

New traffic regime on Vršič 2026: barriers, no parking at the top, and free buses

15
Jun

Weather in the High Mountains: Why a Rain Forecast Does Not Mean You Should Cancel Your Visit to Vršič

30
May

Erjavčeva mountain hut is open year-round. Reserve your stay and spend some time in the natural paradise of Triglav National Park (UNESCO), near Kranjska Gora, on the Vršič mountain pass in the heart of the park.

Reserve your stay