Overview
Slovenia is a country of stunning alpine landscapes, pristine mountain lakes, cosy small towns and cities preserving the genuine Austro Hungarian architecture, and we are inviting you to explore its highlights on a short biking trip. This is an active holiday, which will let you experience the natural and cultural riches of Slovenia, as well as enjoy comfortable hotels and local hospitality. The cycling part is on secondary country roads with less traffic, as the daily distances are suitable for both beginner and intermediate cyclists. The trip ends in the capital city Ljubljana, so there are plenty of options in case you would like to extend your journey after the pleasant cycling days.
- Cycling on some of the most scenic roads of Slovenia
- Lake Bled
- Lake Bohinj
- The historic town of Škofja Loka
- The capital city, Ljubljana
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Lake Bled
You will arrive in Bled, a world-famous town on the shore of a beautiful glacial lake. Known for its unique island church sitting proudly in the middle of the crystal-clear lake, surrounded by towering alpine mountains, and the castle perched high on a cliff standing guard over the town, Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist attractions for a reason.
- Accommodation: Triglav Hotel or similar
Day 2: Lake Bled – Bohinjska Bistrica | 28km
You will be taken by bus up to the high plateau at Pokljuka, from where you can marvel at the stunning views before gliding down into the neighbouring Bohinj Valley, 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 settlement of Ribčev Laz (Fisherman’s Pass) lying next to the stunning Lake Bohinj. Cycle around the lake to Savica Waterfall, the 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 homemade honey brandy.
- Cycling distance for the day: 28km (additional 16km for the Savica Waterfall)
- Accommodation: Eco Hotel Bohinj or similar
Day 3: Bohinjska Bistrica – Škofja Loka | 50km
Leaving Bohinj you cycle to the lovely village of Bohinjska Bistrica, where you can admire the picture-perfect background. Then it’s up 750m to the Jelovica high plateau (a “help out” lift to top of mountain pass is available for this part of the trip at an extra cost of 15 EUR per person). From the top the route takes you through a deep forest which soon drops off into the Selška Dolina Valley leading to the Škofja Loka hills. The first stop is at the little alpine village of Sorica, set among low green hills. This is the birthplace of the famous Slovene painter, Ivan Grohar. As you ride into the village his statue will greet you, and you can visit his gallery where you’ll find a limited collection of his work. The next stop is at the historic iron-smelting town of Železniki, where you will find the remains of an old blast furnace dating from 1826. Stop in one of the village inns along the way and try the delicious trout. Finally you will arrive in Škofja Loka, one of the oldest towns in Slovenia. If you are not too tired you can cycle up to the castle on the hill overlooking town. Spend the rest of the evening wandering through the old streets of this historic medieval town.
- Cycling distance for the day: 50km
- Accommodation: Mini hotel or similar
Day 4: Škofja Loka – Ljubljana | 31km
Once settled into your hotel, you will visit the historic old town and marvel at the ornate, old-world architecture and lovely “fin de siecle” mansions. Then it’s a short walk or ride up to the mighty Ljubljana Castle, perched high on a hill and standing guard over the old town and city centre. From its tower you get a commanding view of Ljubljana’s heart and soul. As the sun goes down you can choose between relaxing with a drink in the many outdoor bars/cafes beside the Ljubljanica River, or take an evening stroll, enjoying the lights and vibrant sounds of the city and its charismatic people.
- Cycling for the day: 31km
- Accommodation: M Hotel or similar
Day 5: Departure
After breakfast, you depart on your own. Slovenia offers endless possibilities for exciting outdoor activities, so we will be happy to offer you an extension of your trip.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation is as listed in the itinerary, in 3 or 4-star hotels with en-suite facilities. We have carefully hand-picked all places and regularly monitor their quality. We have tried to choose accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
Click to view default hotels
*Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide you exact accommodation details upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included. In towns, each hotel has its own restaurant where you can taste international or Slovenian meals or you can also try Slovenian cuisine in other local restaurants, of which there are plenty on the route. When no restaurant location is available on route, lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops, or packed lunch can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before.
Difficulty and terrain
We grade this trip as Easy to Moderate, with routes ranging from 20 to 57km per day, mainly on undulating low-traffic roads and cycle paths. The routes are not technically difficult, however, you should be in good physical shape to fully enjoy the cycling. You can also rent an E-bike with us, which makes the trip accessible to everyone (read more about difficulty grades). We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
The tour can depart on each day between late March and mid-October. The flexibility of self guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your holiday on any date in the season – so please indicate desired starting date when booking.
Weather is best in July and August, still, accommodation availability is limited in these months, so better book well in advance.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Ljubljana.
By train or bus
- Transfers from Ljubljana to Bled are available by public transport or by private transfer (upon request).
Inclusions
Included
- 4 overnights in 3 and 4-star hotels, in double/twin rooms with en-suite facilities
- Breakfast each morning
- Luggage transfer – one piece, max 20kg (every additional item 10 EUR, payable on spot)
- Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions and road notes; maps with daily routes and optional hikes marked (sent digitally; printed documents available at extra cost)
- GPS tracks, that can be loaded on your device or smartphone application
- Local tourist and other taxes
- Personal welcome meeting and bike fitting upon arrival
- 24/7 phone support by our local office/representative in Bled
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- A supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Bike rental (standard trekking bike or e-Bike)
Bike Rental
We offer classic trekking bikes as well as E-bikes. All our bikes are well maintained and perfectly suitable for the roads you will cycle on. The rental rates include one back, side pannier per bike. One cycling odometer, one lock, one spare inner tube, one set of Allen keys and a basic puncture repair set per couple / pair of bikes. Bike rental period starts at 9:00 on day 2 of the tour and ends at 18:00 of day 4.
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