Old Ljubelj Pass is one of the oldest and most demanding mountain crossings in the Eastern Alps, where the natural barrier of the Karawanks has opened since antiquity into a narrow saddle between Carniola and Carinthia. The pass was already used in the Roman period, when it served as part of the road connection between Emona and Virunum. Later it became a key trade and transport route that for centuries shaped the flow of people, goods, and military movements across the northern border of Carniola.
The slope on the Carniolan side was extreme – gradients of up to 28% placed Old Ljubelj among the most difficult Alpine passes. The road was narrow, gravelly, and exposed to weather conditions, making the crossing a true challenge. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, with the rise of the automobile, new problems emerged: engines struggled with long ascents, and brakes overheated on descents. Drivers therefore used car chocks – wooden or metal blocks placed under the wheels so they could rest, cool the brakes, or prevent the vehicle from rolling backward down the slope. At certain points, special roadside niches were built for these safety stops.
Traffic conditions were so demanding that the pass was often usable only in dry weather. In winter, it was frequently closed due to snow and wind, so locals and carriers knew every curve, every exposed section, and every possible refuge. Despite the difficulties, Old Ljubelj remained important as it was the lowest pass in the central part of the Karawanks.
In 1945, the Ljubelj Tunnel was opened, gradually taking over the main transport function. The tunnel was built under extremely harsh conditions by internees from the Mauthausen concentration camp subcamp during World War II. The new route enabled a significantly safer and faster connection between Slovenia and Austria, while nature slowly began reclaiming the old road.
Today, the Old Ljubelj area is an important historical and natural site. Several sections of the former road are preserved, clearly showing its steepness and technical difficulty. The pass is a popular starting point for hiking tours in the Karawanks and also remains a place of historical memory, as a memorial complex to the former camp is located nearby.
Old Ljubelj thus combines the heritage of ancient routes, the challenges of early motoring, and the difficult history of the 20th century. It is a place where nature, technology, and historical memory meet in a narrow mountain saddle.