One of the most popular cycling challenges in Slovenia is cycling up the Vršič Pass from Kranjska Gora. It is a popular challenge among cyclists and has become more accessible with the advent of e-bikes. Its popularity is also reflected in the many cycling events held throughout the year. In mid-August, I wanted to see if I could still cycle up the pass. It was my third time making the climb. The weather was sunny but a little too hot, and I was far from being alone on the road.
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The Cycling Attraction of the Vrsic Pass
Every day during the summer months, the road up to Vršič Pass is busy with cyclists, motorcyclists and cars. The charm of cycling up the pass comes from many different aspects.
- The nature experience – You cycle through an incredibly beautiful alpine landscape, surrounded by towering peaks that become even more impressive as you climb higher.
- The challenge – Cycling up the pass involves an 800-metre climb. It is a fun challenge and brings a great sense of satisfaction when you finally reach the top.
- The community – You are not alone when cycling up the pass, and you are not alone at the top either. There are always plenty of other cyclists around to share the experience with.
Juriš na Vršič is an annual cycling competition in which participants race road bikes up the pass. The fastest rider to reach the top wins. The event takes place on the last Saturday in August or the first Saturday in September. The current record is 31 minutes and 50.3 seconds, set by Anže Hočevar in 2026.
Red Bull Goni Pony
This is a completely different kind of event, where the focus is on having fun, dressing up and showing off. The Pony is a bicycle that was manufactured by the Rog factory in Ljubljana between 1965 and 1985. In recent years, manufacturing of the bike has started again due to its popularity, partly because of this cycling event.
The Pony is a tall, foldable bike with small 20-inch wheels and just one gear, making it suitable for short city rides. It is far from an ideal bike for cycling up the Vršič Pass. And that is precisely the point of the challenge.
Participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes and dress in colourful clothes. However, modifying the bikes themselves is strictly forbidden.
Primož Roglič is one of Slovenia’s top professional cyclists, having competed in and won several major races around the world. He rides for the Red Bull–BORA–Hansgrohe professional team and often takes part in Goni Pony, as the race is organised by Red Bull. His participation adds an extra dimension to the event.
You can read more about Goni Pony on the event’s website.
The Ascent of Vršič Pass
The total elevation gain from Kranjska Gora to the top of Vršič Pass is 815 metres, over a distance of around 13 kilometres. The average gradient is approximately 7%, while the maximum gradient is around 13%, but only for a short section of about 100 metres.
The steepest kilometre is located just before Tonkina Hut and is known as Roglič’s Kilometre during the Goni Pony race, named after professional cyclist Primož Roglič.
My ride up the pass started at Lake Jasna, just above Kranjska Gora. It was the third time I had cycled up the pass. The first time was about 40 years ago, and the second was five years ago.
The second time I cycled up the pass, I was overtaken on one of the steeper sections by a guy who was cycling three times as fast as I was — while talking on the phone. I was pissed off and thought, “I can’t be in that bad shape.” That motivated me to keep going. At the top, I met the same guy again and realised that he had been riding an e-bike. Good for my ego! :-)
This time, everything went well. My fitness is better than it has been in a long time. I stopped several times on the way up, including at the Russian Chapel. The entire climb took about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Without the stops, I would probably have made it in just over an hour.
Things to Consider
- Choice of bike – Depending on your fitness level, different types of bikes can work well. If you are really fit, you can use a road bike; otherwise, a mountain bike with suitable gearing is a better choice. If you are unsure about your endurance, or if this is your first time cycling uphill as a workout, an e-bike can be a good alternative, giving you some assistance on the climb.
- Equipment – A bicycle helmet, sunglasses, water and some snacks, such as energy bars, are good things to bring. Expect to drink about a litre of water per hour. If you don’t want to carry all your water from Kranjska Gora, there are huts along the way where you can buy water and other drinks.
- Money – The huts usually accept cards, but it is always a good idea to carry some cash with you.
Where to Rent a Bike
If you don’t have your own bike with you, there are several places in Kranjska Gora where you can rent one.
- JB Rent – Located close to the ski slopes in Kranjska Gora. Here you can rent all types of bicycles.
- Extreme Vital – Aimed at more serious cyclists who have higher demands when it comes to their equipment. It is located in central Kranjska Gora.
- Intersport Bernik – Another rental company that mainly rents mountain bikes and e-bikes.
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Getting to Kranjska Gora
From Ljubljana, it is about 85 kilometres to Kranjska Gora, part of the journey is along the A2 motorway towards Jesenice. You leave the motorway at Jesenice and continue on regional road 201 for about 25 kilometres.
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More to See and Do
- Russian chapel - You can read about the Russian Chapel in our blog post about the Vršič Pass.
- Mihas Hut - A cosy hut located along the road between Kranjska Gora and Vršič Pass. It is a great place to stop for a cup of coffee and enjoy the views of the mountains across the Krnica Valley.
- Lake Jasna - Lake Jasna is located just after Kranjska Gora on the way up to Vršič Pass. Stop to admire the view or enjoy a coffee or lunch at one of the restaurants. You can read more about Lake Jasna in our dedicated blog post.
Places to Stay
There are many places to stay around Vršič Pass, ranging from small cottages and alpine huts to luxury hotels, something for everyone. Below is a selection.
- Milka Boutique Hotel - Milka is both a high-end restaurant and hotel next to lake Jasna below the Vršič pass.
- Erjavčeva Hut - Located just below the Vršič Pass on the Kranjska Gora side, the hut offers fantastic views of the valley below and the surrounding mountains, including Prisojnik, Škrlatica, and Dolkova Špica.
- Tičarjev Hut - An alpine hut located on the Vršič Pass.
Where to Eat
Here are some options for dining and drinks near Vršič Pass.
- Milka - A 2 star Michelin restaurant that focuses on modern & classic dishes taking their ingredients from the surrounding alpine environment. You can reserve a table on their website.
- Tičar Hut - Alpine hut located on the Vršič pass. They serve typical Slovenian alpine food.
- Erjavčeva Hut - This hut also serves traditional Slovenian alpine food. Have a look at their webiste for information about their menu.
