10 Best Cycling Tours & Destinations in Slovenia

Slovenia, recognised as ‘Europe’s most sustainable country’ is encouraging cycling as a form of tourism. The country’s geography is extremely diverse making cycling in Slovenia a totally otherworldly experience. Whether you are looking for coasts or high mountains, Slovenia offers both. Due to its Mediterranean climate, cycling is possible here all year round.

Keep reading to learn which are some of the best cycling trails in Slovenia.

Here is a list of the top 10 best routes for cycling in Slovenia:

1. Juliana Bike Trail

Juliana Bike Trail is one of the most beautiful biking destinations in Slovenia, passing through some of the most beautiful corners of Julian Alps. Both recreational as well as mountain bikers find this destination quite interesting. The mountain biking loops will take you through forest trails and local roads where you can witness nature and beautiful landscapes.

• Distance: 290 km
• Route: From Bohinjska Bistrica to Goreljek to Kranjska Gora to Bovec to Tolmin to Zakojca to Podbrdo and back to Bohinjska Bistrica.
• Activities: Visit Boka and Kozjak waterfalls and enjoy cycling trips.
• Best Time: April to October

2. Drava Cycling Route

The Drava Cycling Route stretches from Drava River and passes through various other countries like Austria and Croatia other than Slovenia. A key highlight of this cycling route is the oldest Slovenian town Ptuj and Ormoz, which cyclists can explore while pedalling around. This route is completely suitable for families who want to enjoy cycling adventures together.

• Distance: 145 km
• Route: From Dravograd to Radlje ob Dravi to Maribor, to Ptuj to Ormoz.
• Activities: Rafting, swimming, rowing, visiting castles, enjoying local gastronomic specialities and cycling.
• Best Time: March to October

3. Trans Karavanke MTB Trail

Karavanke is like a magnet for mountain bikers. While cycling here, you will get to experience the original wild environment along with stunning views. Most of the path leads through forests on sun-facing slopes of the Karavanke mountain range.

Although the average temperature mostly drops down below 0°C, this route is extremely famous among avid cyclists.

• Distance: 145 km
• Route: Jezersko to Tromeja
• Activities: Visit to Slovenian Alpine Museum, kayaking, climbing, cycling adventures
• Best Time: April to October

4. Rudolf’s Biking Trail

This trail is suitable for mountain bikes as there are several wooded sections along unpaved terrain. Most of the trail passes along the Krka River with vine-clad hills full of vineyards present throughout. The region mostly enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, making it suitable for cycling and other outdoor explorations throughout the year.

• Distance: 37 km
• Route: Ljubljana to Novo Mesto to Otočec
• Activities: Visit Krka and Temenica rivers, Novo Mesto recreational airfield, Luknja Castle and cycling.
• Best Time: April to November

5. Dolenjska Circle

This is one of the best routes if you are looking for Slovenia cycling tours for advanced physical fitness. While cycling you can enjoy the natural beauty of the region and explore the idyllic castles settled along this route.

Other than that, while travelling from Otocec Castle, you will pass by a family farm that offers a calm environment. Its daytime temperature is quite tolerable, with an average ranging around 27°C.

• Distance: 62 km
• Route: Ljubljana - Novo Mesto to Otočec
• Activities: Visiting Otocec Castle and Struga Castle, dipping in the warm Klevenz thermal spring and cycling.
• Best Time: All year round

6. Slovenian Alps

If you are an experienced cyclist planning to go on Slovenia road cycling, then Slovenian Alps are a must. With multiple cycling route options available, you can enjoy some of the most spectacular views of its towering mountain ranges.

Moreover, the temperature during the summer season remains at a range of 20°C or 25°C, making it an ideal cycling getaway destination in Slovenia.

• Distance: 1800 km
• Route: There are a number of routes namely The Circular Tour, Trail to Mountain  Vrsic and The Three Countries Tour. These routes have different starting and ending points.
• Activities: Rafting, taking a tour of Lake Bled and going on cycling trips.
• Best time: April to October

7. Mystic Pond

The Mystic Pond is one of the best routes that you should not miss in Slovenia. Here you will explore the first found glacier on Pohorje, Lake Jezerc. While travelling through this route, you can furthermore admire the beauty of the Alps.

There are places where you can relax and indulge in local delicacies and charge your e-bikes as well on your way.

• Distance: 49.5 km
• Route: Around Pohorje
• Activities: Visit Lake Jezerc, outdoor museum of forestry and go on a cycling adventure
• Best time: April to October

8. Strekna

One of the best routes to try out in Slovenia, Strekna is suitable for families with children as well as elderly as well as couples. The best part about this cycling destination is its traffic-free roads and cycling paths. While cycling, you can admire the views from Pohorje and Urslja Gora.

• Distance: 24 km
• Route: Around Pohorje hills
• Activities: Take a tour of Lake Bled, Postojna and Predjama cave and enjoy a cycling trip.
• Best time: July to September

9. Parenzana

When you search for a cycling tour in Slovenia, one of the top locations that will come is Parenzana. This trail connects a total of three countries, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. The Slovenian part of the trail is suitable for both trekking bikes and mountain bikes. While cycling, you can stop at various coastal towns such as Piran, Koper and Izola.

• Distance: 32 km
• Route: Trieste to Porec
• Activities: Visit Lighthouse Park, Manzioli House, Church of St. Mary Haliaetum and enjoy cycling.
• Best time: All year round

10. Bela Krajina

Bela Krajina is one of the best locations for cycling in Slovenia. This trial will let you explore white birches and wine-growing hills. All in all, you will surely be mesmerised by the green beauty of the banks of Kolpa River. Other than that, you will also get to try out the local cuisines and learn about the customs.

• Distance: 200 km
• Route: There are a number of routes in Bela Krajina like Kolpa River cycling route, Bela Krajina Circle route, etc.
• Activities: Enjoy fun activities like canoeing, water slides, kayaking, rock climbing and cycling.
• Best Time: All year round