The best way to explore Slovenia’s magnificently diverse countryside is by cycling through it. This amazing self-guided bikepacking tour will test your stamina and take you to the most unforgettable locations. You will cycle in the pristine outdoors, stop off at numerous locations cultural and natural heritage landmarks, and get a chance to stay at amazing glamping spots, tourist farms and authentic mountain huts. Saddle up and let the adventure begin!
Bikepacking involves cycling over a variety of surfaces and topography on a single route, and if you add some amazing locations to the journey, it can be the best way of exploring a foreign country. On this self-guided tour, you will cycle through a big portion of Slovenia, experiencing its unbelievable diversity as you go. The ride is slow enough to take in your surroundings and fast enough to see the countryside change before your eyes. The route is not the easiest, and although certain sections can be adapted, a fair bit of physical preparedness is necessary for this trip.
Traditionally, bikepacking involves camping, but as camps can be extremely packed during high season, this tour eliminates the hassle of pitching up tents by providing comfortable accommodations in the form of tourist farms and authentic mountain huts.
We can provide a bike, equipped with a rack and travel bags to carry your belongings. There will be plenty of opportunities for stopping off at important landmarks, detours, and fun side-activities like swimming or checking out the local cultural heritage. The great thing about Slovenia is it has an ample amount of shops on every step, so stocking up on supplies and refilling your water bottle won’t be a problem. In the event of needing repairs or any other issues that may occur along the way, we’re always at your disposal.
Spend the first day in Ljubljana exploring this lovely capital, getting ready for the cycling adventure starting the next day.
Your journey will begin in the capital Ljubljana. You’ll make your way across the Polhov Gradec Hills, where a lovely church (St. Jacob), located in this wooded elevated area, will present you superb views of the surroundings. Then you descend down to Þkofja Loka, a well-preserved medieval town. The route continues through the hills on the outskirts of the Ljubljana Basin to another cute church on Jamnik. Descending down to lovely Kropa will bring you to your first overnight stay at a tranquil glamping area.
The second day will be comprised of cycling through gorgeous Gorenjska villages, past Bled and its famous glacial lake. As you enter the El mundo alpino, you’ll witness immense changes in scenery. Then it’s time to enter the beautiful Radovna Valley and cycle to Lake Kreda. Riding through Mojstrana, an old mining settlement near Kranjska Gora, the trail will lead you to Slovenia’s sunniest village of Dovje.
Now it’s time to experience the Julian Alps at their finest. You’ll travel down the legendary cycling trail to Kranjska Gora and ride over the Vršič Pase to the southern side of the mountain range. You will then descend down into the Trenta Valley and reach the beautiful Alpine town of Bovec and the pristine emerald queen – the Soča River.
Waking up in Bovec, the beautiful scenery of Soča river will keep you company on the first part of the stage. In the ancient town of Kobarid you will leave the valley and continue on the ridge towards Slovenian Tuscany - Goriška Brda.
Cycling over the vineyard country of Goriška Brda once again transports into a completely different world. You will travel in the direction of the picturesque settlement of Solkan and its renowned bridge, pop over to the Italian side, and continue towards Ajdovščina, where you will stay the night at a pleasant tourist farm.
Your new destination will be Valle de Vipava, one of Slovenia’s main winegrowing regions. You will make your way through this stunning place to Ajdovščina before ascending the Nanos Hills and stopping off at the village of Col, a gorgeous settlement on the very edge of the karst plateau. From there, a peaceful ride through the woods will take you to Predjama and the biggest cave castle in the world. The Karst region is as unique as any you have seen so far. Past Postojna, the route will lead you to Rakov Škocjan, Slovenia’s oldest regional park.
On the final leg of your journey, you’ll visit Lake Cerknica, one of the largest intermittent lakes in Europe. Then it’s a quick ride around the lake and up to the forested area of Rakitna, around Mt. Krim, and down towards the spectacular Pantanos de Ljubljana. The nice and flat ride through the marshes will take you back to Ljubljana.
Congratulations! You just cycled around half the country! Time to relax and enjoy Ljubljana before continuing your adventure.
Why not spend a few more days in Slovenia? Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
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