Slovenia is swiftly becoming one of Europe’s top cycling destinations. This friendly nation, nestled between the Adriatic, Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, offers a rich tapestry of landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Julian Alps to the rolling vineyards of Styria, and the sun-kissed coastline. Is Slovenia good for cycling? From us, it’s a […]
Slovenia is swiftly becoming one of Europe’s top cycling destinations. This friendly nation, nestled between the Adriatic, Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, offers a rich tapestry of landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Julian Alps to the rolling vineyards of Styria, and the sun-kissed coastline. Is Slovenia good for cycling? From us, it’s a resounding yes. But let us show you why…
Cycling in the Julian Alps
The Julian Alps are the cream of the crop for breathtaking road cycling in Slovenia. This untamed alpine playground is a not-so-hidden gem for cyclists, attracting visitors from all over the world to its stunning peaks and glistening lakes. Tucked beneath the borders of Austria and Italy, the dramatic mountain range is crowned by Mount Triglav, the country’s highest peak and an enduring national symbol. As the heart of Triglav National Park, the Julian Alps boast an incredible variety of cycling routes, offering a special sense of magic beyond the well-worn routes of France, Italy, and Spain.
For riders looking for a challenge, ascents such as the Vršič Pass and Mangart Saddle provide hours of endurance-testing climbing. The Mangart Saddle, for example, stretches for 10 km with nearly 1,000 meters of elevation gain and an average gradient of 8.8%. Surrounded by jagged peaks and wildflower meadows, the views may remind visitors of the Dolomites. But these tough ascents, coupled with smooth, scenic routes that wind past calm lakes, through forests and valleys, are unique, demonstrating Slovenia’s natural beauty and diversity.
Slovenia’s bike-friendly culture
Slovenia’s commitment to cycling is evident as soon as you set foot in its stunning capital, Ljubljana, which even has a successful BicikeLJ bike-sharing programme. Beyond the city limits, the country boasts an extensive network of well-maintained bike paths and trails that crisscross the country’s landscapes. Drivers are considerate and there is generally a great deal of respect for traffic rules, making Slovenia an ideal destination for a cycling holiday.
The nation’s passion for cycling is undeniable, evidenced by the resounding success of Slovenian cyclists on the global stage. Champions like Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič have brought international acclaim and ignited a surge in local enthusiasm for the sport. The success of these unstoppable professionals has inspired more young people to join cycling clubs and participate in races, leading cycling to become a firm, modern feature of Slovenian culture.
Cycling the Adriatic Coast
Slovenia shares a small but stunning portion of the long Adriatic coastline, which also spans Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and all the way down to Greece. Though Slovenia’s stretch is just 46 km long, it is no less impressive than its neighbours’, with beautiful towns such as Piran and Koper, the former boasting some incredible Venetian architecture. Riders cycling this coastline often start their journey in the Italian city of Trieste, having begun the famous Parenzana Trail.
This beloved route follows a former narrow-gauge railway line and meanders from Italy into Slovenia before continuing down into Croatia. The cycle paths are well-maintained —another sign that Slovenia takes cycling seriously— and offer plenty of opportunities to stop off and sample local food, such as školjke na buzaru (mussels in a rich garlic and white wine sauce) in Piran, or a slice of gibanica, a layered pastry served across the region.
The Eat Sleep Cycle Slovenia cycling tours
We’ve scoured the globe for some of the most exciting, beautiful and culturally rich cycling destinations, and Slovenia is a firm favourite among the Eat Sleep Cycle team. We have two Slovenia cycling tours, one road, one gravel, that aim to show our guests the best riding this country has to offer.
First up, our seven-day Tour of Slovenia. This cycling tour is principally aimed at more experienced road cyclists who want to explore the country’s most beautiful routes. We set off from the capital city, Ljubljana, heading north to the Logar Valley, famous for the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. The tour then heads west, featuring a visit over the Austrian border, a recovery day around Lake Bohinj, wine tasting and traditional Bled Cake, with plenty of kilometres and elevation in between.
Next we have our seven-day Slovenia Gravel tour. The routes stick mainly to wide, compact gravel roads with some quiet stretches of tarmac, so it’s a tour that’s adventurous but not too challenging. Our guests will explore routes through Velika Planina, the Logar Valley, and Jezersko, passing through dense forests, visiting Europe’s largest shepherds’ settlement, sampling culinary traditions and culminating in the awe-inspiring Lakes Bled and Bohinj.
Our selection of Slovenia cycling tours also includes the option to ride these routes independently, without a guide, setting your own pace as you go. These self-guided cycling tours include accommodation, daily luggage transfers, and a detailed digital Road Book, containing routes, route descriptions and our recommendations for places to stop along the way and enjoy in the evenings.
Want to find out more about cycling in Slovenia?
As soon as you’re ready to travel we would love to show you around Slovenia! Check out our Slovenian Cycling Tours, give us a call on +34 972 754 301 or contact us online for more info!
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