Hrušica: Karawanks Tunnel, Dobršnik Gorge and Via Ferrata

Above Hrušica lies the Dobršnik Via Ferrata, a climbing route in a remote gorge that rises towards the Karawanks. Together with the historic railway tunnel, the cultural centre and regional events, the town presents clearly distinguishable natural, cultural and event-related highlights.

Nature

The Dobršnik stream has carved its way into the southern slopes of Hruščanski vrh, forming a picturesque gorge characterised by waterfalls. The Dobršnik Gorge has seven waterfalls, the highest of which is 22 metres high. It is described as the largest group of waterfalls in the Karawanks. Accordingly, this landscape is characterised by both the stream's erosion and the individual waterfalls, as well as their place within the Karawanks.

The Dobršnik Via Ferrata is rated difficulty B; in the upper section, it also reaches grade C. It is 270 metres high and 1,000 metres long. The approach from the designated car park to the start of the via ferrata takes approximately 15 minutes, while the climb itself takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes. The Dobršnik Via Ferrata is closed from 31 October to 1 April. The information on difficulty, dimensions, approach time, climbing time and seasonal closure is therefore directly part of this via ferrata's character.

History

At the portal in Hrušica, the Karawanks railway tunnel is 7,976 metres long. It connects Slovenia and Austria. A celebration marking the 120th anniversary of the first train passing through the Karawanks railway tunnel was held in front of the tunnel portal in Hrušica. The tunnel is thus presented both as a cross-border structure and as the setting for an explicitly commemorated anniversary.

Culture

The renovated Hrušica cultural centre is a multipurpose hall that can host cultural and sporting events. In the building, a stairlift enables people with disabilities to access the upper floor. The investment also included the creation of several rooms for the activities of the Hrušica Cultural and Sports Association. Thus, in addition to the event space, the structural renovation also encompasses use by the local cultural and sports association and access to the upper floor.

Events and routes

More than 80 selected vehicles took part in the Hrušica Hillclimb 2025; the event was held for the fifth consecutive time in 2025. The hillclimb follows the road to the Mala Mežakla landfill. The sixth consecutive edition was announced for 2026. The information clearly distinguishes between the 2025 edition that took place and the event announced for 2026.

A carnival procession travelled from Hrušica to Jesenice and back; it was held again after a break of more than 30 years. The “Po Jesenicah” cycling tour also passes through Hrušica, following quieter side roads and, in some sections, gravel roads. Thus, the townscape features both a local procession and a designated cycling tour, as well as the motor-racing hillclimb, representing events and recreational movement.

More destinations

More travel destinations: Breznica, Mojstrana, Žirovnica, Zgornja Radovna, Gozd Martuljek, Kranjska Gora, Jesenice, Podkoren.

To the higher-level travel overview: Jesenice.