Located into theJulian Alpsheart mountain range with ends of the Vršić Pass, Mala Mojstrovka (2354 m)and Velika Mojstrovka (2366 m) is scenic and nature great hike.
The Julian Alps don’t shout. They don’t demand attention with flashy signs or crowded gondolas. Instead, they whisper—through wind over ridgelines, through snow softening under your boots, through still mornings where time feels suspended.
Mala Mojstrovka (2,333 m), despite its modest name—“Small Mojstrovka”—is not a lesser peak. It stands proud above Vršič Pass, inviting even beginner hikers to experience the thrill of an Alpine summit. For those who move with intention, taking in every texture of the trail, this hike reveals itself as a quiet masterpiece.
Setting Off: From Vršič to the Mountain
You begin at Slovenia’s highest mountain road pass—Vršič (1,611 m). There’s a hushed energy at the car park in the early hours. It’s a starting line, but not for a race. Just a gentle invitation to climb into the sky.
Whether you choose the technical via ferrata or the easier “via normale” trail, the mountain welcomes a range of experiences. We chose to ascend via Hanzova pot, a classic via ferrata tucked into the rock. From there, we would descend the softer path—via normale—closing the circle of effort with ease.
Crossing Vratca Pass: The Trail to the Sky
From Vršič, we follow a dusty trail winding under Šitna Glava, heading steadily toward Vratca Pass. Morning light filters through the dwarf pine, painting the rocks gold. As the trail opens to the pass (1,807 m), Mojstrovka’s crown comes into view—a rocky dome standing watch above the valleys.
A simple signpost shows us the split: left toward the Hanzova pot, right for the more relaxed ascent. We stop. Sip tea. Let the view soak in. Hiking slowly teaches you that the pause is part of the journey.
Hanzova Pot: Climbing with Focus
The via ferrata begins with a few iron steps bolted into the rock—a reminder that this is more climb than walk. We harness up. Cables and carabiners become our companions. The route is steep, with exposed sections clinging to the mountain’s face. But it’s well secured and never overwhelming. The thrill lies not in danger, but in your own breath as it echoes in stone corridors.
Up we go, using our hands and feet, inching higher with each careful movement. One moment, we’re inside a narrow chimney; the next, we step out onto a ledge and the whole Julian Alps unfold around us. Jalovec to the west. Prisojnik to the east. Triglav looming in the north.
Slowness here is not optional—it’s survival, mindfulness, and pure joy.
The Summit of Mala Mojstrovka
After a final scramble over loose scree and ledges, the ridge softens. The summit emerges almost casually—no fanfare, no signs. Just a quiet cairn, a summit register, and an amphitheater of mountains.
We sit. We snack. We watch the shadows move over the valleys below. The summit is silent except for the wind and the distant call of jackdaws. The Alps stretch like a stone sea in every direction. Škrlatica, Špik, Triglav. The border with Austria is visible in the haze.
Mala Mojstrovka may be accessible, but it doesn’t feel less wild. It just feels… possible.
A Gentle Descent: Via Normale
Our return route is a slow, shuffling descent through scree and scattered juniper. It’s softer on the knees and easier on the nerves. We pass hikers climbing up the same route, nodding hellos and swapping smiles that say: Yes, you’re going to love it up there.
On this descent, there’s time to notice the colors: orange lichen on limestone, alpine grass dancing in the breeze, and patches of late snow still stubborn in the shade.
Back near Luknja notch, we pause again—this time not from exertion, but from the pull of the moment. From here, Vršič looks impossibly far down, yet comfortingly close. We can see the parking lot now, but we’re in no rush.
Embracing the Slow Peak
Mala Mojstrovka is often called a beginner’s mountain. That might be true in a technical sense. But in the world of slow travel, it is much more: a meditative ascent, a beginner’s lesson in letting go of pace and embracing presence.
You can rush up and down this mountain in under four hours. Or you can let it shape your day.
Stop at the saddle. Linger at the summit. Watch the play of clouds. Bring soup in a thermos. Listen to the rocks speak.
Tips from the Goat
- Start early. Mornings are quieter, cooler, and the light is magical.
- Don’t skip the via ferrata if you’re comfortable with exposure. It’s a wonderful introduction to climbing with security.
- Layer up. Wind can be fierce even on summer days.
- Pause often. Let your legs and mind rest. This mountain isn’t about endurance. It’s about presence.
- Celebrate at the top. But save some awe for the descent.
Route Details
- Starting point: Vršič Pass (1,611 m)
- Summit altitude: Mala Mojstrovka (2,333 m)
- Ascent route: Hanzova Pot (via ferrata) – approx. 2.5 h
- Descent route: Via normale – approx. 1.5 h
- Total time: 4–5 hours (with breaks)
- Difficulty: Moderate (exposed sections on via ferrata)
Final Thought
The best peaks aren’t measured in meters, but in memories. Mala Mojstrovka proves that even a “small” mountain can leave a lasting impression—especially when climbed slowly.
In the Julian Alps, the summit is only part of the story. The rest is written in your footsteps, your glances, your stillness.
And that’s where the true height lies.