Slovenia Bike Tours

Top 5 Most Beautiful Cycling Routes in Slovenia

1. Lake Bled Circular
The circular route from the shores of Lake Bled guides you on a magical journey of discovery through some of Slovenia’s most picturesque scenery and on to ancient sites. Lake Bled is arguably the most stunning lake in Europe, surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Julian Alps and punctuated by charming villages. Dating back to 1004, Bled Castle takes center stage on the lake and is worth visiting to see the monthly exhibitions in the tower gallery. Continuing on the cycle route, pass through sleepy hamlets before reaching the crumbling Kamen Castle at the gateway to the Draga Valley. From the top of the Romanesque tower are uninterrupted views of the forests and mountains. Continue on to the Zavrsnica Reservoir and the Sava Dolinka River returning to Lake Bled.

2. Triglav National Park
Laying claim to being Slovenia’s only national park, Triglav National Park is the country’s largest protected area and incorporates the eastern side of the Julian Alps and Slovenia’s tallest peak, Mt. Triglav, which stands at almost 10,000 feet. Cycle along alpine valleys and past glistening lakes where you’ll come across diverse flora and fauna. Triglav National Park is particularly rich with bird species such as hawks, eagles and more rare birds of prey. There are plenty of opportunities to take a well-earned rest and drink in the natural beauty of the park.

3. Cross the Border to Venzone
Riding along peaceful lanes interrupted only by vineyards, orchards and ancient churches, the cycling route from Venzone to Udine is embraced by the most breath-taking scenery. You’ll travel below imposing mountains and along the foothills of the Friuli hills where you can visit traditional villages such as Tavagnacco, Treppo Piccolo and Osoppo. Discover the local’s way of life and sample authentic dishes before continuing your journey to Udine. This cultural city is a maze of old streets leading to vibrant piazzas where you can while away an hour or two at one of the cafes or traditional osterias.

4. Explore the Julian Alps
This wonderful mountain range is every cyclist’s dream with a combination of high mountain passes, forest tracks and tranquil roads. From gentle rides to more challenging climbs, this is diverse cycling at its best. And the scenery is equally as diverse with a mixture of pretty meadows, alpine peaks and cultural villages. As well as single-track trails where you usually find the locals, there are also plenty of secret corners begging to be explored. Follow trails along valleys and rivers and you’ll likely find a beautiful waterfall or lake. Lake Bohinj is especially scenic and makes the perfect pit stop for a swim or visiting the Church of St John.

5. Grado
It’s easy to see why Grado is known as the ‘Sun Island’ and you may well be tempted to spend the day relaxing on its sandy beaches simply soaking up the lovely views over the sea to Croatia and Slovenia! But a cycle along the coast through the Cavanta nature reserve to the delta of the River Isonzo reveals this region’s incredible landscapes and hidden trails that will delight any rider.

Where is Slovenia?

Slovenia is a small, picturesque country located in Central Europe. It is bordered by Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Hungary to the northeast, and Croatia to the south and southeast. To the southwest, Slovenia also has a short coastline along the Adriatic Sea, giving it access to the Mediterranean. Its central location makes it a crossroads of various cultures and a gateway to both the Alpine and Mediterranean regions.

Does Slovenia have good cycling?

Slovenia is an excellent destination for cycling, offering a diverse range of terrains and breathtaking scenery that caters to cyclists of all levels. The country’s compact size means you can easily move from the stunning Alpine regions to the rolling hills of the wine country, or from picturesque lakes to the Adriatic coast, all within a single trip.