Hrušica brings together two very different perspectives: the cross-border Karawanks Railway Tunnel and the waterfall-filled Dobršnik Gorge, with a via ferrata above the village. The tunnel portal is in Hrušica; the railway tunnel connects Slovenia and Austria and is 7,976 metres long. The area’s attractions offer different ways to plan a stay, from nature and outdoor activities to history and culture.
Tunnel History in Hrušica
In June 2026, a celebration was held in front of the tunnel portal to mark the 120th anniversary of the first train passing through the Karawanks Railway Tunnel. For travellers interested in transport history, this provides a tangible historical connection to Hrušica. The commemorative event recalls the first train’s passage; the tunnel itself connects Slovenia and Austria.
Dobršnik Gorge and Ferata Dobršnik
The Dobršnik stream has cut into the southern slopes of Hruščanski vrh, forming a picturesque gorge with a series of waterfalls. It features seven waterfalls, the tallest of which is 22 metres high. The Dobršnik Gorge is considered the largest group of waterfalls in the Karawanks.
The Ferata Dobršnik via ferrata, above Hrušica, leads through a remote gorge that rises towards the Karawanks. The via ferrata has a vertical height of 270 metres and is 1,000 metres long. Its difficulty is rated B, reaching C in the upper section. For planning purposes, the approach and the climb can be considered separately: the approach from the designated car park to the start of the via ferrata takes about 15 minutes; the climb itself takes around one hour and 15 minutes. Ferata Dobršnik is closed from 31 October to 1 April, so bear this in mind when planning your visit.
Cultural Centre and Events
The renovated Hrušica Cultural Centre is a multipurpose hall that can host cultural and sporting events. A stairlift provides people with disabilities access to the upper floor. If you would like to include an event in your trip, check the specific dates in advance.
More than 80 selected vehicles took part in the Hrušica Hillclimb 2025; the event was held for the fifth consecutive year in 2025. The hillclimb route followed the road to the Mala Mežakla landfill. A carnival procession travelled from Hrušica to Jesenice and back. It was held again after a break of more than 30 years.
Cycling in Hrušica
The “Po Jesenicah” cycling tour passes through Hrušica. It follows quieter side roads and, in part, gravel tracks. If you are choosing between the cycling tour and the via ferrata, their practical planning details differ too: the via ferrata has a stated climbing grade and duration, while the cycling tour specifies the road and track surfaces.
Discover more destinations: Rodine, Breznica, Podkoren, Mojstrana, Zgornja Radovna, Kranjska Gora, Rateče, Gozd Martuljek
Back to the main travel overview: Jesenice.
