Photo: Tomo Jeseničnik
Vršič Pass
The most famous, highest and most popular mountain pass in Slovenia connects Gorenjska and Primorska. The road leads through the heart of the Julian Alps, featuring 50 hairpins along with spectacular views. The road connecting Kranjska gora with Bovec is especially popular with motorcyclists, as well as among cyclists, who ride it during the annual race across Slovenia.
Photo: Boris Pretnar
Pavličevo sedlo Pass
The road connects two tourism gems: Jezersko and the Logar Valley, the loveliest of our Alpine valleys. The road ascends from the Logar Valley to the highest border crossing in Slovenia, the Pavlič Pass, with an altitude of 1338 metres. Part of the road to Železna kaplja (Eisenkappel) takes you through Austria, but throughout its length you will be rewarded with a well-maintained road and numerous scenic overlooks with views that just demand to be photographed.
Photo: Jošt Gantar
The Road to Predmeja
For rallying fans, this has been the most spectacular of Slovenian roads ever since 1989, when the Saturnus Rally was first held here. The narrow road, cutting through sheer rock, through tunnels and along the edges of cliffs, was built more than a hundred years ago. The 14-kilometer stretch between Ajdovščina and Predmeja has become legendary.
Photo: Ajdovščina.si
The Road to Rakitna
In close proximity to Ljubljana is a road that runs through the wooded slopes from Podpeč to the karst plateau of Rakitna, which lies at an altitude of 800 metres. Due to the fairy-tale forest and the nicely laid out hairpins, the well-maintained road has become popular with advertising producers. Besides, it is located in the immediate vicinity of Ljubljana.
Photo: Visit Ljubljana
The Predvor–Jezersko Road
Running alongside the Kokra River, this road leads to one of the prettiest mountain villages right in the middle of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps. The ancient route connecting Carniola and Carinthia is very picturesque; Mother Nature seems to have been especially generous here. Once you arrive at the goal, you find yourself in an extraordinary scene that looks like a piece of paradise. If you’re lucky, a herd of sheep will be there to complete the impression.
Photo: Tomo Jeseničnik
The Road to the Mangart Pass
At 2055 metres above sea level, this is the highest road in Slovenia. The road is popular with both tourists and film makers, and even though its last section is currently closed, many still risk a drive to the top. It features 17 bends and five tunnels in 12 kilometres, and it concludes with the famous loop.
Photo: Jessica Dales
The Road to Soriška Planina
According to many, Sorica is one of the most beautiful villages in Slovenia. It is also the most cinematic of them, having featured in numerous films. The road leading from Železniki to Bohinjska Bistrica abounds with spectacular views opening up in every direction. In the right weather, you will be able to see all the way from the Karavanks to Triglav. The road ends on the other side, next to what many consider the loveliest lake in Slovenia.
Photo: Anton Žvanut
Črni Kal–Dekani
The descent from the Karst edge features plenty of scenic viewpoints, of which Socerb Castle is the most famous. The view from here stretches from Trieste with its surroundings, across the Slovenian coast, and all the way to the heartland of Istria. The construction of the motorway lightened the traffic load on the road, making it a veritable paradise for automotive pleasure seekers.
The Temenice–Bogenšperk Valley
The road leading from Šmartno pri Litiji to the Temenica Valley offers genuine driving pleasure. The observation spots let you see far across the Lower Carniola and Zasavje, as well as admire the Alpine peaks. Especially spectacular are the village of Javorje at an altitude of 560 metres and the final landmark at the picturesque, nicely restored castle of Bogenšperk.
Photo: Iztok Medja
The Road to the Ledine Plateau
The steep and picturesque road connects Idrija with the Poljane Valley. The expansive plateau separates the Idrijca and Žirovnica rivers, which have carved a strikingly dynamic relief. Along the way, you are sure to be enchanted by the village of Ledine, one of the most beautiful villages in the Idrija area.
Photo: Marko Šinkovec
This list features a premium selection of interesting roads, but the complete list is much longer and also includes more thematic routes that will take you through wine-growing regions and natural parks and to romantic spots and medieval towns. In Slovenia, this is all wrapped up into an attractive package that the country’s geostrategic position makes easily accessible. Slovenia is like a geopark in the very heart of Europe.
The article has been created in cooperation with the event & marketing agency Toleranca marketing d.o.o, whom you can contact if you need additional information. They have the most extensive repertoire of locations, special venues and event ideas in the region.
