Hike Slemenova špica from the Vrsic pass in Slovenia
One of my favorite hikes in Slovenia was the hike to ‘Slemenova špica’. When roadtripping through Slovenia, you’ll more than likely drive through the famous Vrsic pass. This is a winding road through the mountains with incredible views. From this mountain pass you can also do some incredible hikes, with Slemenova Spica being one you can’t miss! This particular hike is relatively easy and doable for almost anyone. At the top you’ll be treated to an incredible panoramic view. So, how do you get to Slemenova špica and what does this hike look like? I’ll explain it all here.
Find my full travel route for Slovenia here.
Triglav National Park and de Vrsic Pass
Triglav National Park is a national park in the North that covers a large part of Slovenia in the Julian Alps. At its center is Mount Triglav, the highest peak in the Julian Alps. To the west, the Soča Trail follows the green valley of the Soča River. The north has countless beautiful hikes, east is Lake Bohinj and surrounding peaks and all the way south there is Tolmin. Mountain huts are spread throughout the park. To explore the national park it’s best to divide your time between a few different spots to get access to different hiking trails.
If you’d like to stay at the top of the Vrsic pass, check out: Ticarjev Dom: This mountain hut is simple, but comfortable and it has a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
One of the most beautiful parts is the drive through the Vrsic pass. During this drive, you’ll be able to stop at different viewpoints. The winding road has about 25 hairpin bends that take you to an altitude of 1611 meters. From here you can start the hike to Slemenova Spica.
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Starting point of the hike to Slemenova Spica
You will start the hike at the top of the Vrsic pass. There is a sign that will lead you to the trailhead. The Vrsic pass is the road between Kransjka gora and Trenta. You can access it from either direction. There is parking at the top, but especially in the hight season, I’d recommend coming early. The parking fills up quickly! Find the red sign saying ‘Slemenova Spica’ and ‘Mala Mojstrovka.’ From there you will follow a path leading up.
What to expect from the hike
The entire hike to the top and back will take around 2,5 hours (it’s around 5.5 km). The first section of the hike leads you up for about 30 minutes until you reach a crossing. It’s not technically difficult, but definitely a good exercise. The views, especially with the morning light are beautiful. I wouldn’t want to do this part in the heat of the day though, so another reason to start early!
When you reach the crossing you’ll have a beautiful view of the hike towards Mala Mosjtrovka, which you can add on the way back if you’d like to do a longer more challenging hike. But for now, you’ll turn right. From here on out, the elevation gain is very manageable. There are several spots with amazing views along the way to sit down for a little snack to enjoy the view. The last part has fields with sheep walking around and a peak that give you an incredible panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
Go back past Mala Mojstovka
When you start hiking back from Slemenova Spica, you can choose to return the same way or add Mala Mojstovka. Keep in mind this route is a lot more challenging. The hike will take 3-4 hours if you add this in and you’ll have to climb up a slippery pebbled slope. This route takes you towards ‘Slatnica Saddle’ and ‘Mojstrovka’ to the earlier junction. If you found the original route to Slemenova Spica challenging enough, choose to go back the same way.
