Slemenova Špica (1,909 m) is a picture-perfect alpine summit located right in the heart of the Julian Alps, near the famous Vršič Pass. Yes, the Goat loves this kind of scenery — it truly feels like home.
One of the most spectacular and popular Slovenian hikes, Slemenova Špica, offers breathtaking panoramic views without requiring technical skills or via ferrata gear. While nearby peaks like Mala Mojstrovka demand cables and exposure, Slemenova Špica is best known for its gentle, grassy southern approach — making it accessible and rewarding for almost everyone.
Hiking directions to Slemenova Špica (1,909 m)
Slemenova Špica sits at 1,909 m in the central Julian Alps. It has two very different faces:
- The southern side is gentle, grassy, and dotted with small alpine lakes (especially on the north side of Mala Mojstrovka).
- The northern and northwestern slopes drop steeply — almost vertically — into the beautiful Tamar Valley.
Thanks to its unique location, this viewpoint is famous for offering one of the best panoramas of the iconic Jalovec peak and the surrounding giants of the Julian Alps. The trail is marked as “undemanding” (easy–moderate), short, and extremely popular year-round, thanks to its easy access and breathtaking views in every season.
Slemenova Špica peak (1,909 m) from Vršič Pass (1,611 m) – via normale
The ascent begins at the parking lot on Vršič Pass. Follow the marked hiking trail toward the intersection for Mala Mojstrovka and Slemenova Špica. At the junction, turn right onto the scenic, well-marked path that leads directly to the summit. For the descent, you can return the same way or combine routes via Slatnica Saddle.
Starting point and access
Vršič Pass (1,611 m) or the parking lot next to Erjavčeva koča hut (1,525 m). The hut is located on the “Ruska cesta” (Russian Road) from Kranjska Gora–Bovec, just below Vršič Pass.
From the Ljubljana–Jesenice motorway, take the exit toward Kranjska Gora and continue on regional road 201 to Kranjska Gora. From Kranjska Gora, follow road 206 toward Bovec and drive up to Vršič Pass (1,611 m). Total distance: ~210 km Driving time: ~3 hours.
Trail description
Vršič Pass (1,611 m) → Vratca Pass (1,807 m). At Vršič Pass, look for the signposts pointing to Slemenova Špica, Hanzova pot, and Dom v Tamarju. The first part of the path is shared with several routes and already offers beautiful views of the Špik group (Škrlatica, Prisojnik, etc.) and the Vršič area. The trail climbs steadily and soon reaches Vratca Pass (1,807 m) — an important crossroads. From here:
- Left: Mala Mojstrovka via Hanzova pot (~2 h)
- Right: Slemenova Špica (~45 min) and Dom v Tamarju (~2 h). Turn right toward Sleme and descend gently for a short distance.
Vratca Pass → Slemenova Špica. The pleasant path continues with a short ascent to Slatnica Saddle (1,815 m), where a less obvious intersection appears — turn right toward Slemenova Špica. Immediately after, you step onto a wide grassy plateau. Here opens probably the best view of the sharp, pointy Jalovec and the steep walls of Mojstrovka rising dramatically above you. In winter, the plateau is often covered in snow — magical! From here, you are just a stone’s throw from the summit, with the ground dropping steeply into Tamar Valley far below.
Slemenova Špica peak (1,909 m)
This wide-shouldered, rocky-grassy summit offers a true taste of the Julian Alps with little difficulty. Its gentle southern approach attracts beginners year-round, while experienced hikers often tackle the steeper northern side. The 360° panorama is spectacular, with Špik, Škrlatica, Jalovec, Mangart, Visoka Ponca, Mala Mojstrovka, Robičje Ridge, and numerous smaller peaks all in view.
Descent
The same way you came up is the easiest and safest. You can also combine trails around Slatnica Saddle for a small variation.
Route Summary
- Peak: Slemenova Špica (1,909 m)
- Starting point: Vršič Pass (1,611 m)
- Total duration: ~2.5–3 hours (including breaks)
- Ascent: ~300 meters
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail type: Out-and-back
- Conclusion. This grassy viewpoint, perched near Slovenia’s highest mountain pass, Vršič, offers pure alpine joy: breathtaking nature, a scenic, well-marked trail, and forests that are green in summer and snow-white in winter. Starting high at Vršič Pass, the hike is short and gentle, with towering walls and stunning views accompanying you every step of the way. It’s the perfect outing for anyone wanting to experience the beauty and power of the Slovenian mountains with minimal effort—ideal for families. Bring everyone along, enjoy nature together, and create lasting memories. Slemenova Špica is, without a doubt, one of the best easy ways to do just that. After the hike, enjoy a meal nearby. Whether in mountain huts or gostilnas in Kranjska Gora, good food is always within reach.