|
Vršič
Pass to Slemenova Špica
Monday, 16th July 2012
| Distance: |
6.5 miles |
| Total Ascent: |
1,820 feet |
| Total Descent: |
2,000 feet |
| Maximum Altitude: |
6,259 feet |
| Time: |
6 hours |
| Weather: |
Sunny for much of the day but quite cool at times |
We caught the local bus from Kranjska Gora to
the top of the Vršič pass, the only true Alpine road
pass. The paved road was built by POWs in the First
World War, when a good supply route south to the
Isonzo front was vital. Today it is popular with
tourists who drive or cycle up the 24 bends to the
top (and 26 down the other side). We quickly left
the road to climb steadily through dwarf pine and to
cross several quite steep scree gullies to reach the
saddle of Vratica. From here our path descended
slightly to reach a very pleasant balcony section
then crossed a large scree gully. As we continued
the path became rockier and ascended to reach the
high pasture just before the summit of Slemenova
Špica. After visiting the summit we returned to the
pasture to eat our 'first lunch' while taking in the
high limestone cliff face of Mala Mojatrovka which
the other group were climbing. Returning by our
outward route we made our way to the Dom at the pass
to finish our lunch.
Soon after leaving the Dom we met the 'Giant Girl'
in the rocks.
The Giant Girl
The giant face in the rock is explained by a local
legend. Very long ago a girl giant lived high on
Prosank and guided people over the pass in mist or
snow. One day she made a prophecy that a small boy
would grow up to hunt Zlatorog, the beloved
golden-horned ibex of Triglav. The idea was so
appalling that the girl’s sisters turned her into
stone, so she is doomed for ever to look sadly down
on the pass.
After admiring her features we walked a short
distance to the small summit of Sovna Glava to take
in the views. Returning partly along the same route
we headed off to follow the zig-zag route of the
only original Alpine Pass. This was a pleasant
grassy track that descended gradually to the next
Dom from where we caught the bus back to Kranjska
Gora. |
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Looking over Kranjska Gora from the hotel
As we set out on our route . . .
there are great views across the pass . . .
and ahead of us
Taking a break at the saddle . . .
more great views . . .
including the route we have just followed
One route contours across the scree . . .
but we take the alternative . . .
with views . . .
into the valley
The huge limestone walls . . .
of Mala Mojatrovka - the C+ route
The summit of Slemenova Špica . . .
with great views into the Planica valley
Mala Mojatrovka looms over us as we take a refreshments break
Having returned to the Vršič pass we check out the scree run 3
members of the C+ group came down
Lunch time at the Dom
The face in the rock . . .
known as the Pagan Girl or The Giant Girl
Taking a closer look at her
A distant view of the scree slope highlights the angle of the run
An old bunker . . .
had prominent views of the valley
The high limestone cliffs are never far away
Return to top
Return to
Introductory Page
|