Good to know From Monday, August 24, 2026, from 4:00 a.m. to Tuesday, August 25, 2026, until 6:00 a.m. the complete closure of the regional road to Vršič

The regional road over Vršič will be completely closed for 26 hours starting Monday, August 24, at 4 a.m., according to local authorities. The closure is due to asphalt work on sections of the state road R1-206, known as the Ruska cesta, between Eriko and Vršič, as well as the section from Vršič to Trenta. During this time, traffic will be redirected through Italy via border crossings at Predel and Rateče. Access from the Kranjska Gora side will remain open until Erjavčeva cottage, while parking near the pass during the closure will not be allowed. Local operators managing mountain huts around Vršič have expressed frustration over the lack of prior notice regarding the closure. They claim they were not informed of the planned shutdown, which has caused additional disruptions during the peak tourist season. In Erjavčeva cottage, staff noted that power cuts have already affected their operations, with some facilities remaining without electricity from midday to late afternoon. They are investigating whether these issues are connected to the ongoing asphalt work on the summit area, where approximately 90 parking spaces are being resurfaced. Operators also criticized the method of communication used to inform travelers. They argue that neither the hut managers nor the tenants were notified of the closure, despite the potential impact on guests staying at the huts. “Why would we need to be told? Guests who sleep in the huts will find their way,” one operator remarked. They warn that the combination of the closure and other challenges could lead to further losses, particularly as temporary closures of the huts are scheduled to begin in September. The closure is part of a larger infrastructure project aimed at improving road conditions on the Vršič route. Work includes the resurfacing of nearly 90 parking spots on the summit, a task that has been underway for several weeks. Authorities have indicated that the temporary closures of the huts will continue into the fall, adding to the uncertainty for visitors planning trips to the area. Travelers should expect more traffic congestion and longer travel times as the route is rerouted through Italy. Those arriving from the Kranjska Gora direction can reach Erjavčeva cottage but will not be able to cross the pass itself during the closure. Signs and variable message boards will be used to alert drivers, and the restricted area will also be marked at checkpoints from both the Italian and Slovenian sides. For tourists, the upcoming week will require careful planning. The complete closure means that all routes leading directly to Vršič will be unavailable, and alternative routes through Italy must be considered. Operators hope that the situation will stabilize once the work is completed, but they remain concerned about the cumulative effect of multiple disruptions during the high season.