Mala Mojstrovka (2332 m), The Hanzova pot trail

In the ridge above the Vršič pass you can find the three Mojstrovka mountains – Mala, Velika and Zadnja. From the southern, Trenta, side the ascent on all three peaks is relatively easy. However, the magnificent voids of the northern side are reserved for alpinists. The only equipped passage which allows hikers a safe ascent is the Hanza route. It is quite interesting that the most popular peak isn’t the highest Velika Mojstrovka but rather the lowest, and closest to Vršič, Mala Mojstrovka.

The Hanza pot trail was officially opened on 9. 8. 1926, almost a century ago. During the two world wars, there was a border between Italy and the former Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes running across the Vršič pass. Because of that the access to Mala Mojstrovka was out of limits for most Slovenes. So the Slovenian mountaineering association decided to find and equip a passage for hikers across the 400 m high northern face. The route was equipped by Ivan Vertelj – Hanza and his team from Kranjska gora. The route bears his name to this day.

From Vršič head on towards Sleme and Tamar. An alluring view of the northern face of Mala Mojstrovka opens up once you reach the Vratica saddle (1799 m), where the entrance to the Hanzova pot trail awaits. It only takes a 15 minute walk to the start of the route.

In the lower part of the face the route follows a steep and obvious ramp, veering upwards right. There are some steep climbing sections just above the ramp, the upper part of the trail offers relatively easy but exposed ledges which take you to the edge of the face. Follow a picturesque and dissected ridge all the way to the top of Mala Mojstrovka.

To get back down to Vršič, take the easier, south side trail.