Vršič Pass, SLOVENIA: After we have been in the area of the Vršič pass a few days ago, this time we want to go up the mountain on the opposite side. But this time we had no real information where to go. I had the information on my openstreet map that it could go to a mountain called Nad Sitom Glava without any problems.
So like the other hikers we first walked the main track to the left and then turned up to the right in time. From then on we were on our own. As we later found out, we had turned too early, but still a path went through bushes and over scree. It was a bit difficult to find the right way from below but we finally found it.
The path was quite steep and should really be taken by experienced hikers. At the top there is a ridge after which it goes steeply down. If you want to go down you have to be careful not to slip on the way so steep it is.
In this video, I go on a hike from Vršič Pass to Nad Sitom Glava, one of the striking peaks in the Julian Alps of Slovenia. The Vršič Pass, at 1,611 meters, is the highest mountain road pass in Slovenia and a gateway to countless alpine adventures. Starting here means being surrounded by dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and the atmosphere of high mountains. The hike to Nad Sitom Glava is a journey into rugged alpine terrain, breathtaking views, and the raw beauty of the Slovenian Alps.
The trail begins at the top of Vršič Pass, where the road winds its way over the mountains between Kranjska Gora and the Soča Valley. Already at the start, the scenery is impressive: jagged limestone cliffs rise all around, and the views stretch across ridges and valleys. The pass itself has a history of its own, built during World War I by Russian prisoners of war, and even today the Russian Chapel stands as a reminder of that past. But from the moment you set out on the trail, the focus is on the mountains themselves.
The path to Nad Sitom Glava quickly leaves the road behind and climbs into open alpine meadows before reaching rocky slopes. The transition is striking: one moment you are walking through grassy fields with wildflowers in summer, the next you are on steep scree paths surrounded by massive walls of limestone. The terrain is typical of the Julian Alps—sharp ridges, dramatic rock faces, and trails that demand both attention and appreciation.
As the climb progresses, the views open wider and wider. Looking back, you can see the road of Vršič winding down into the valley, with peaks like Prisojnik and Mojstrovka dominating the skyline. Ahead lies the rugged landscape leading to Nad Sitom Glava, a mountain that stands at 2,086 meters. Though not among the very highest in the Julian Alps, it offers commanding views over the surrounding range and feels wild and remote once you reach its summit.
The summit of Nad Sitom Glava rewards hikers with panoramic views across the Julian Alps. To the north, the ridges stretch back toward Austria; to the south, the Soča Valley cuts deep into the landscape; and all around are towering limestone giants that define the Triglav National Park. The sense of space and scale is overwhelming, and the quiet of the summit makes it a perfect place to pause and take in the scenery.
The descent follows the same trail back toward Vršič Pass, offering new perspectives on the peaks and valleys. On the way down, you notice details you may have missed on the climb: the patterns of the rock, the colours of alpine plants, the sound of streams running through hidden gullies. Hiking here is not just about reaching the summit but about experiencing the full rhythm of the mountains.
The hike is also a reminder of the raw character of the Julian Alps. Unlike some more developed mountain regions, the trails here remain close to nature. The paths are rugged, the weather can change quickly, and the sense of wilderness is strong. This is part of the appeal: a chance to experience the Alps in their natural, untamed form.
This video captures the impression of hiking to Nad Sitom Glava from Vršič Pass: the steep trails, the rocky landscapes, the panoramic views, and the atmosphere of Slovenia’s high mountains. It is not a step-by-step route guide but an overview of the experience and the feeling of being out in the Julian Alps.
For travelers, this hike is a perfect way to combine accessibility with adventure. Starting at Vršič Pass means the high alpine terrain is within easy reach, and Nad Sitom Glava offers a summit experience without requiring extreme technical skills. For anyone exploring the Julian Alps, this hike is a rewarding choice, showing both the grandeur of the mountains and the details of their wild beauty.