Hrušica: Tunnel, Waterfalls and Via Ferrata

For a stay in Hrušica, you can focus on two very different themes: the Karawanks Railway Tunnel and the Dobršnik Gorge with its via ferrata. There are also events, a cultural centre, and a cycling route that passes through Hrušica.

Tunnel History and Events

At the Hrušica portal, the Karawanks Railway Tunnel is 7,976 metres long and connects Slovenia and Austria. In June 2026, a ceremony was held in front of the portal to mark the 120th anniversary of the first train passing through the tunnel. Both the commemorative site and the occasion are therefore directly connected to the tunnel.

More than 80 selected vehicles took part in the 2025 Hrušica Hillclimb, which was held for the fifth consecutive year. Its route followed the road to the Mala Mežakla landfill. Another type of event is the carnival procession, which went from Hrušica to Jesenice and back. It was held again after a break of more than 30 years. These details show different connections to the area: a vehicle event with a specified route and a revived procession.

The Dobršnik Gorge and Via Ferrata

The Dobršnik stream has carved into the southern slopes of Hruščanski vrh, forming a picturesque gorge characterised by waterfalls. The Dobršnik Gorge has seven waterfalls; the highest is 22 metres tall. The gorge is considered the largest group of waterfalls in the Karawanks. This landscape provides the setting for the Dobršnik via ferrata, a climbing route above Hrušica in a remote gorge that rises towards the Karawanks.

The via ferrata is 270 metres high and 1,000 metres long. It is rated difficulty grade B, reaching grade C in the upper section. Two separate time estimates may also help with your planning: the approach from the designated car park to the start takes about 15 minutes, while the climb takes about one hour and 15 minutes. The first estimate is for reaching the start; the second is for the climb itself. The via ferrata is closed from 31 October to 1 April.

Cultural Centre and Cycling Route

The renovated Hrušica Cultural Centre is a multipurpose hall that can host cultural and sporting events. A stair lift enables people with disabilities to access the upper floor. Thus, in addition to the natural and tunnel attractions, the village also has a venue for events, including both cultural and sporting activities.

A cycling route also passes through Hrušica: “Po Jesenicah” follows quieter side roads and, in some sections, gravel tracks. The surface is therefore not uniform throughout. If you include this route in your travel plans, you can take the types of roads and paths mentioned into account when choosing your route.

Discover more destinations: Breznica, Žirovnica, Mojstrana, Jesenice, Rateče, Gozd Martuljek, Podkoren, Kranjska Gora

Go to the main travel overview: Jesenice.