The Vršič Pass, with an elevation of, is a high mountain pass across the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia. It is the highest pass in Slovenia, as well as the highest in the Eastern Julian Alps. It connects Upper Carniola with the Trenta Valley in the Slovene Littoral. The road across the pass, now known as Russian Road (Ruska cesta), was originally built for military purposes in the early 19th century and followed an earlier trade route. The Vršič Pass is considered an excellent starting point for excursions to surrounding peaks.NameThe Slovene common noun vršič literally means 'little peak', a diminutive form of the word vrh 'peak'. The name originally referred to Mount Vršič (1738m), located about 200m east of the Vršič Pass. The name Vršič was not applied to the pass until 1911. The name of the peak was first attested in written sources as Werschez in 1763–87. Locally, the pass is known as Na močilu (first attested in 1763–87 as Muschizach or Mushizhach). The Italian name of the pass was Moistrocca.HistoryAfter World War I, from 1918 to World War II, the Vršič Pass was on the border between Italy and Yugoslavia. Since 1945, together with the Upper Isonzo Valley north of Gorizia, it was incorporated in Yugoslavia, and then in Slovenia.HikingThe Vršič Pass is considered an excellent starting point for excursions to surrounding peaks, including Mala Mojstrovka, Velika Mojstrovka, Planja, Prisojnik , Razor, Šitna Glava, Slemenova Špica, Sovna Glava, and Suhi Vrh, or shorter hikes in the immediate area.