Cycling Alpine Slovenia

You will arrive in Bled, a world-famous town on the shore of a beautiful glacial lake. Defined by its unique island church sitting proudly in the middle of this immense body of water, surrounded by towering alpine mountains, and the castle perched high on a cliff standing guard over the town. One of our local representatives will meet you and take you for a welcome drink, deliver your information pack and ensure you have everything you need for your trip.

For the rest of the day, you can choose between a number of leisure activities in Bled. Visit the island church or hike up to the castle for a spectacular view of this glacial valley. In the evening you can try the local specialty – the cream cake – in one of the great little tea shops beside the lake.

Overnight: Lake Bled in a 4* hotel.

Distance: 27 km (+ 16 km optional side trip to Savica Waterfall).

Ascent: 110 m | Descent: 810 m

You will be transferred by bus up to the high plateau at Pokljuka (12 km). From here you can marvel at the views before gliding down to the shores of stunning Lake Bohinj, the jewel in the heart of the Triglav National Park. You will cycle through the many small alpine villages scattered across the valley until reaching the small lakeside settlement of Ribčev Laz (Fisherman’s Pass). Cycle around the lake to Savica Waterfall, source of the Sava Bohinjka River, and then take the cable car up to Vogel Mountain for a spectacular view into the Bohinj Valley and of Mount Triglav, the highest peak in the Julian Alps. Explore the forests surrounding the lake before spending the evening in one of the cosy village pubs and trying the local home-made honey brandy.

Overnight: Bohinjska Bistrica in a 4* hotel.

Distance: 49 km. Mostly flat with a slow climb up to Jelovica High plateau, pass of 750 m.

Ascent: 980 m | Descent: 1,130 m

Leaving Bohinj you cycle to the lovely village of Bohinjska Bistrica, where you can admire the picture-perfect backdrop. Then it’s up 750 m to the Jelovica high plateau (a “help out” lift to top of mountain pass is available for this part of the trip at extra cost of 30 EUR per person).

From the plateau, the route takes you through a deep forest which soon drops off into the Selška Dolina Valley leading to the green Škofja Loka hills. You then pass through a number of historic little villages until you finally arrive in one of Slovenia’s oldest and most charming towns, Škofja Loka. If you are not too tired you can cycle up to the hilltop castle overlooking town.

Overnight: Škofja Loka in a 3* hotel.

Distance: 42 km. Cycling across flatland.

Ascent: 250 | Descent: 190 m

Leaving Škofja Loka behind, you will head across the great Sora plain with the majestic peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps as your backdrop. If the weather is warm enough, you can take a swim a small lake in the pure, refreshing alpine water in the village Preddvor. This easy cycling day ends at the Brdo estate. The former royal and presidential residence is decorated with a beautiful park, where you can spend some time relaxing before dinner.

Overnight: Predoslje in a 4* hotel.

Distance: 30 km (+12 km optional side trip). Mostly flat with a few small hills.

Ascent: 380 m | Descent: 310 m

A ride through history, taking you along the edge of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps to Radovljica. In the morning you can pay a visit to Kranj, capital of Camiola and Slovenia’s fourth largest city. Your ride today will take you through the fascinating little village of Kropa, where you will find the iron forging museum dedicated to the history of the town’s blacksmith trade. You can even learn how to make your own nail! Finally, you will cycle along the edge of Jelovica high plateau to Radovljica with its beautifully preserved old town and an interesting beekeeping museum.

Overnight: Radovljica in a 3* hotel.

Distance: 50 km (+15 km optional trip to ski jumps at Planica). An easy, very slow climb (300 m) over 40 km.

Ascent: 630 m | Descent: 300 m

This route will take you along the edge of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps to the historic village of Begunje and the ruins of Kamen Castle. You will follow a cycling path that goes between the ranges of the Julian Alps and the Karawanke Mountains to Kranjska Gora, a popular alpine town famous for its ski resorts, but also a great base for many summer activities. Arrive early enough and you can head out to Lake Jasna, on the outskirts of town, for a beautiful sunset over the jagged peaks of the Julian Alps.

Overnight: Kranjska Gora in a 3* hotel.

Distance: 40 km (+8 km optional side trip to Vintgar gorge). A nice downhill ride with one pass of 150 m.

Ascent: 310 m | Descent: 620 m

For your final day you will head back into the heart of the Triglav National Park. The route takes you alongside the Sava Dolinka River and into the Krma Valley. This lush green valley leads through a peaceful forest littered with WW2 monuments and traditional farmhouses. You can have lunch in the mountain hut at the foot of Triglav, the mightiest mountain in the Julian Alps, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery deep in the heart of this alpine landscape. From here you will head through the Radovna Valley to the thundering rapids of the Vintgar Gorge, before riding back to the magical Lake Bled.

Overnight: Lake Bled in a 4* hotel.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked any additional services with us.