Holiday apartment in Hrušica: tunnel history and the Dobršnik Gorge

Hrušica showcases its special features in two very different settings: at the Karawanks Railway Tunnel and in the Dobršnik Gorge. At the portal in Hrušica, the Karawanks Railway Tunnel is 7,976 metres long. It connects Slovenia and Austria and gives the locality a clear connection to history, transport and the alpine region.

History and culture

A celebration marking the 120th anniversary of the first train passing through the Karawanks Railway Tunnel took place in front of the tunnel portal in Hrušica. The Hrušica Hillclimb also brings a distinctive event theme to the locality: in 2025, more than 80 selected vehicles took part, and that year the event was held for the fifth consecutive time. The Hrušica Hillclimb follows the road to the Mala Mežakla landfill. The sixth consecutive edition was announced for 2026.

Another tradition is a carnival procession that travelled from Hrušica to Jesenice and back. It was held again after a break of more than 30 years. The renovated Hrušica Cultural Centre contains a multipurpose hall where cultural and sporting events can be held. A stair lift provides people with disabilities access to the upper floor. The investment also included setting up several rooms for the work of the Hrušica Cultural and Sports Association.

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 is 22 metres tall. In the Karawanks, it is considered the largest group of waterfalls. Hrušica is therefore not only centred on technical and cultural themes, but also on a gorge whose watercourses and cascades shape the natural environment.

The Dobršnik Via Ferrata is a via ferrata above Hrušica in a secluded gorge that rises towards the Karawanks. It is rated difficulty level B; in the upper section, it also reaches level C. The Dobršnik Via Ferrata is 270 metres high and 1,000 metres long. The access route 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.

Activities

Hrušica can also be incorporated into a route on two wheels. The “Po Jesenicah” cycling tour passes through Hrušica and follows quieter side roads as well as some gravel tracks. Thus, the local activities reviewed here offer different forms of exercise side by side: the organised Hillclimb along the road to the Mala Mežakla landfill, the via ferrata in the Dobršnik Gorge, and a cycling tour along side roads and gravel tracks.

Other places: Rodine, Podkoren, Breznica, Planina pod Golico, Jesenice, Zgornja Radovna, Rateče, Mojstrana

To the overarching travel overview: Jesenice.