Heathen Maiden, Rock formation in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
The Heathen Maiden is a natural stone formation on the north face of Mount Prisojnik that displays the profile of a female face when viewed from certain angles. The features lie across the steep rock wall and can be seen from mountain cabins positioned along the Vršič mountain route.
Old Slovenian tales describe a young woman whose ability to predict the fate of unborn children prompted other mountain dwellers to curse her into stone. This ancient legend has become intertwined with the actual rock wall and continues to shape how people understand this mountain region's past.
The rock formation is deeply woven into local storytelling and serves as a natural landmark that connects visitors to traditional mountain narratives. It shows how communities see faces and meaning in the landscape around them, turning geology into folklore.
The formation can be best observed from two mountain cabins: Poštarski dom and Erjavec lodge, both located along the Vršič route. Your viewing angle and the time of day affect how clearly the facial features become visible, so try different positions for the best view.
The natural weathering patterns in the rock create remarkably precise facial features that appear almost sculpted, even though they formed entirely through erosion. This accidental geometric perfection makes it hard to believe that nature alone carved such sharp, clear outlines.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
