
Mangart Saddle Road
Slovenia's highest road, offering a thrilling drive with jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Julian Alps.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid entry restrictions

Mangart Saddle Road
Best Time
Avoid entry restrictions

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Slovenia's highest road, offering a thrilling drive with jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Julian Alps.
"By far the most beautiful road I’ve ever driven on (so far)!"

🚗 Entry Fee & Parking
Expect a 6-10€ fee per vehicle. Parking is limited, so arrive early or be prepared to wait.
⚠️ Drive with Caution
The road is narrow with steep drops; drive slowly and be aware of cyclists and motorcyclists.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Julian Alps Views
Breathtaking vistas unfold at every turn, showcasing the dramatic peaks and alpine meadows of Triglav National Park.

Slovenia's Highest Road
Experience the thrill of driving or cycling Slovenia's highest paved road, reaching an elevation of 2,072 meters.

Summit Hiking Trails
From the saddle, embark on short hikes to nearby peaks for even more spectacular, unobstructed views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Mangart Saddle Road
Best Time to Conquer the Climb
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Entry Fee & Parking
Expect a 6-10€ fee per vehicle. Parking is limited, so arrive early or be prepared to wait.
⚠️ Drive with Caution
The road is narrow with steep drops; drive slowly and be aware of cyclists and motorcyclists.
🥾 Hike for the Best Views
The summit offers incredible views, but a short walk to nearby peaks elevates the experience.
💧 Pack Essentials
Bring your own food and water, as amenities at the saddle are scarce.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Entry Fee & Parking
Expect a 6-10€ fee per vehicle. Parking is limited, so arrive early or be prepared to wait.
⚠️ Drive with Caution
The road is narrow with steep drops; drive slowly and be aware of cyclists and motorcyclists.
🥾 Hike for the Best Views
The summit offers incredible views, but a short walk to nearby peaks elevates the experience.
💧 Pack Essentials
Bring your own food and water, as amenities at the saddle are scarce.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The winding road and summit views are incredibly photogenic; don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mangart Saddle Road for its absolutely stunning, unparalleled views of the Julian Alps, calling it one of Europe's most scenic drives. The challenging yet rewarding ascent is a highlight for cyclists and drivers alike, offering a true sense of accomplishment. However, the narrowness of the road and limited parking can be a drawback, requiring careful navigation and patience.
"Great place with stunning views at the top. The entry is 10e, and they control it so that there are enough spaces to park at the top. There are a lot of cyclist and motorcyclists on the way so need to be careful both driving up and down. Mostly it’s a one way road but there are plenty of areas where you can pass another car. You go up from approximately 1000m to 1800m in 11 km. The road has awesome views, but what you get on top is absolutely stunning. You should certainly take a walk up as the views are incredible."
Mateusz Olszewski
"Most scenic road of Europe? Maybe, but top 3.. no doubt, but do mind... Its not Switzerland! The road is a single track with some points to pass vehicles, it takes skill to drive here and mirrors are going to touch!
Parking space can be limited, but the view is awesome! Bring your own food and water and be amazed!"
Jurre Hoekstra
"Amazing place with stunning views. The highest road in Slovenia and a must go for cyclist. Entrance for 10eur for vehicles, bikes of course for free. Limited parking space at the top so you may havevto wait. From there at the top amazing views and a couple of hilking trails."
Łukasz Boroński
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mangart Saddle Road is located near Bovec in the Julian Alps, close to the Italian border. You can drive from Bovec, following signs for the Mangart Saddle. The road itself is a significant part of the experience.
The road is typically open from late spring to early autumn, depending on snow conditions. It's best to check local conditions before your visit, especially outside of peak summer months.
Absolutely! Many cyclists consider it a highlight, with some combining it with other challenging climbs like the Vršič Pass. Be prepared for a strenuous but rewarding ride.
The road is narrow, winding, and steep, with significant drop-offs. It's a single-lane road in many sections with designated passing areas. Drive with extreme caution.
Due to its narrowness and steepness, it's not recommended for large RVs or motorhomes. Smaller vehicles are best suited for this challenging road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee, typically around 6-10€ per vehicle. This fee helps manage access and maintain the road.
Advance booking is generally not required, but access is controlled. Arriving early or later in the day is advised to ensure entry, as they limit the number of vehicles.
The road is usually accessible during daylight hours, but access can be restricted during peak times. Arriving before 7 AM or after 2 PM is recommended to guarantee entry.
Bicycles are typically free to access the road. While specific motorcycle discounts aren't always advertised, they are a common sight and generally pay the standard vehicle fee.
If the road is at capacity, you may have to wait for vehicles to exit before you can enter. Arriving during off-peak times is the best strategy to avoid delays.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the breathtaking panoramic view of the Julian Alps. You can also embark on short hiking trails from the saddle to reach higher viewpoints.
Yes, there is limited parking available at the saddle. Due to its popularity, parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Facilities are very limited at the saddle itself. It's advisable to use restrooms before you ascend and to bring all necessary supplies.
While not guaranteed, you might spot alpine marmots or various bird species in the high-altitude environment. The focus is primarily on the stunning mountain scenery.
Yes, it makes an excellent day trip, especially when combined with other attractions in the Triglav National Park area like Lake Bohinj or the Soča Valley.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! The winding road itself, the dramatic mountain peaks, alpine meadows, and the panoramic summit views offer endless photographic potential.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) often provides the most dramatic light and softer shadows, enhancing the landscape's beauty.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating distant peaks or wildlife.
The summit itself offers the most expansive views. As you drive up, pull over safely at designated spots to capture the road's switchbacks and the unfolding mountain scenery.
Protect your camera from potential wind and dust. Be mindful of changing weather conditions, which can quickly alter the light and mood of your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴 Cyclists and Motorcyclists
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Drive: Navigating Mangart Saddle Road
Cyclists and motorcyclists particularly relish this route, often combining it with other iconic Slovenian mountain passes. The road surface is generally well-maintained tarmac, making it accessible for most vehicles, though its narrowness is the primary challenge. The drive is often described as one of the most scenic in Europe, offering a unique perspective on the Julian Alps. Remember to check road conditions, especially outside of the summer months, as snow can close the pass.
Key Takeaways for Drivers:
* Patience is Key: Allow ample time for the ascent and descent, as you'll encounter slower vehicles and need to navigate passing areas carefully.
* Vehicle Suitability: Smaller cars are easier to maneuver. Larger vehicles like RVs are not recommended.
* Safety First: Drive slowly, use your headlights, and be hyper-aware of other road users, especially cyclists and motorcyclists.
Summit Views and Alpine Adventures
The landscape at the saddle is rugged and alpine, with sparse vegetation and dramatic rock formations. It's a stark contrast to the green valleys below. While there are no major facilities at the saddle, the raw beauty of the natural environment is the main draw. Bring your own food and water to enjoy a picnic amidst this incredible mountain backdrop. The feeling of being on top of the world, surrounded by majestic peaks, is an experience that stays with visitors long after they descend.
Summit Experience Highlights:
* 360-Degree Views: Take in the vastness of the Julian Alps from multiple vantage points.
* Short Hikes: Explore trails leading to higher viewpoints for an even more immersive experience.
* Alpine Serenity: Enjoy the peace and quiet of this high-altitude environment.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit