Identifying the best cycle route in Slovenia is a tough one. From north to south, and east to west, Slovenia...
Identifying the best cycle route in Slovenia is a tough one. From north to south, and east to west, Slovenia offers a rich variety of terrain, culture, and climate that deserves to be explored with intent and purpose, especially on a bike. Slovenia marks the crossroads between four geographical regions: the Alps, the Dinarides, the Hungarian plains, and the warm Mediterranean. After Finland and Sweden, it is the most densely forested area in Europe, offering beautifully shaded roads, clear crisp air and gorgeously green vistas (take a look at these photos of a bikepacking trip in Slovenia ridden by one of our team members!).
At Eat Sleep Cycle, we have carefully curated our programme of cycling tours in Slovenia to showcase the country’s best cycling routes for gravel and road. These tours feature highlights such as the capital city Ljubljana, the Sheppards Settlement, the Vrsic Pass, Lake Bohinj, Lake Bled as well as sampling local delicacies like homemade cheese in the Logar Valley. We have designed each Slovenia cycling tour to immerse riders in the country’s natural beauty, balancing challenging climbs with stunning scenic rides, and plenty of well-deserved moments to relax and indulge along the way.
The handpicked hotels at each new destination provide excellent hospitality and the opportunity to try local dishes, allowing our guests to sample the culture and traditions of the different regions they visit.
Lake Bled is often listed among Europe’s most picturesque destinations. Nestled in the foothills of the Julian Alps, this Slovenian gem is a haven for walkers, cyclists, nature lovers, wildlife and birds. The lake itself reaches up to 30 metres deep in some places, and is home to 19 different species of fish, including carp, sheatfish and lake trout. Lake Bled’s tectonic structure has given rise to thermal springs on its eastern side, with year-round temperatures of over 20ºC. In the centre of the lake sits its iconic island and historic church, while the dramatic Bled Castle perches high on a cliff nearby, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountainscape.
Lake Bled sits within the Triglav National Park, whose alpine terrain boasts incredible cycling routes through dense forests, rolling countryside and charming villages, is a veritable playground for cyclists of all disciplines —road, gravel and MTB— and skill levels. The area is rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore mediaeval castles, fairytale Slovenian villages, and local culinary traditions, such as local cheeses, stews, Carniolan sausage, cheese rolls, buckwheat pasties and roasted potatoes.
Yes! It is possible to cycle from Ljubljana to Lake Bled. The quickest point-to-point routes average out to between 59 and 60 km with around 560 m of elevation, following a more or less straight line between the Slovenian capital and the alpine lake. The ride requires stamina and experience, but for riders used to climbing in mountainous terrain, Ljubljana to Lake Bled should be a cinch.
The Eat Sleep Cycle Tour of Slovenia takes a slightly longer, more scenic route up to the dazzling Lake Bled and passes briefly over the Austrian border. The first leg of our seven-day tour spans two days, first riding up into the Logar Valley. This beautiful region features alpine glacial valleys that flow into the Kamnik-Savinja Alps in the north of Slovenia. It’s a long and steady climb and a great route to start to get a feel for the country. Day one will take us north around 87 km as we gain some 1377 m. Day two features two climbs towards Slovenia’s Jezersko region, with plenty of opportunities for coffee stops before reaching Lake Bled itself.
The Julian Alps are Slovenia’s mountainous heartlands; the ‘roads less travelled’ compared to the classic peaks of France, Italy and Spain. Nestled near the borders of Italy and Austria, this region is dominated by Mount Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak and a national symbol. The cherry on the cake of Triglav National Park, the Julian Alps feature a smorgasbord of cycling routes that cater to every level and discipline.
For climbing enthusiasts, the Julian Alps is a dream come true with iconic ascents such as the Vršič Pass and Mangart Saddle. The latter, for example, features a 10 km climb with nearly 1,000 metres of elevation gain and an average gradient of 8.8%, framed by soaring peaks and wildflower meadows that remind us of the Dolomites. But it’s not all about the climbs. Slovenia’s well-maintained bike paths also offer breathtaking cycling in the Julian Alps with stunning views of alpine lakes and serene valleys.
In the Soča Valley, for example, with its emerald rivers and charming villages like Bovec and Kobarid, riders can enjoy a more relaxed pace —Lake Bohinj, featured on our Slovenia Gravel Tour, offers a similar experience.
Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj are two of Slovenia’s most iconic lakes. The fairy-tale views from their shores and nearby mountains make these locations a paradise for cyclists. There are a range of loops and point-to-point rides around both lakes, from moderate spins to more challenging climbs. Around Lake Bohinj for example, a 15 km route takes riders from Bohinjska Bistrica over the Dobrava Meadows to Lake Bohinj and back, featuring 119 m of elevation gain, while one of our featured rides takes guests 65 km down to the lake from our accommodation —with a total of 1281 m elevation gain— to see the mountains mirrored in the Lake’s surface.
Around Lake Bled, our Slovenia Gravel Tour features a magical detour along the Triglav Bistrica stream, which flows from the glacial Vrata Valley. This scenic path leads to the Peričnik Waterfall, one of Slovenia’s natural wonders, where the 52 m wall of water thunders into the turquoise pool below. Another stunning ride around Lake Bled is of course the legendary Vršič Pass, one of Slovenia’s most famed climbs, stretching for 11.7 km and bridging 818 metres with an average gradient of 7%. Our version of the ride introduces guests to the 50 stunning hairpins and breathtaking views, before arriving into Bovec and recharging with a swim in the Soca valley.
As soon as you’re ready to travel we would love to show you around Slovenia! Check out our Slovenian Cycling Tours or give us a call now on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online for more info!
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