Bikepacking tour of Slovenia - self-guided cycling trip

This bikepacking tour of Slovenia will take you from the heart of the Julian Alps to the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. Enjoy a week-long self guided biking trip through the most impressive sights of this tiny country. Explore the gorgeous nature of Triglav National Park, taste local wines, discover the karstic fields and relax on the Adriatic coast.

Day 1: ARRIVAL TO BLED

Get started with a relaxed walk around the Bled Lake, dip your feet in to cool off or even go for a swim. This beautiful lake boasts an island in the middle, so we suggest that you take the famous pletna boat that offers regular tours to the island and ring the church bell for good luck. Have lunch in one of the lakefront restaurants and don’t forget to try the local speciality – kremsnita. Enjoy the evening in Bled before starting your trip the next day.

Day 2: BLED – BOHINJ VALLEY

Stage distance: approx. 27 km + 16 km optional tour to the Savica waterfall
Breakfast. We will take you to Pokljuka plateau to facilitate your start. Before you start biking, take in the breathtaking views over the surroundings and breathe in the fresh air of the Pokljuka forests. From the plateau you will descend to the Bohinj Valley, the jewel of Triglav National Park. The route will take you through numerous alpine villages scattered throughout the valley until you reach the small settlement of Ribcev Laz on the shores of Bohinj Lake.
If you still have enough energy, take a detour to the other side lake to visit the Savica Waterfall or take the cable car up to Mount Vogel and enjoy a spectacular view of the Bohinj Valley and Mount Triglav, the highest peak in the Julian Alps and Slovenia. On your way back stop at one of the bars to sample the local homemade honey liqueur. Accommodation in the Bohinj Valley.

bikepacking tour of Slovenia

Day 3: BOHINJ VALLEY – PODBRDO – TOLMIN

Stage distance: approx. 56 km (or 35 km if you opt for a train to Podbrdo)
The route will take you over the Julian Alps, but if you prefer to save some energy for later days, you can take a train that runs through the Bohinj tunnel till Podbrdo. Then the bike trail will take you through the narrow valley alongside the mesmerizing Soča River. Before you end the day, you will also have a chance to cool off in its crystal water or visit the only monument in the world, dedicated to military cooks.

Day 4: TOLMIN – ŠMARTNO/DOBROVO

Stage istance: approx. 34 km / 46 km without transfer
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Mt. Kolovrat, which offers breathtaking views over Soča Valley. You can stop at the outdoor museum dedicated to the WWI battles that took place in these hills. Upon arriving to the first village, Mrs. Josephine will gladly invite you in her old-fashioned pub with a shady garden. From there you continue south until you reach Šmartno v Goriških Brdih, in the middle of the vineyards. This medieval village with narrow streets and Mediterranean houses will offer you some relax time while you can taste some local wine and have a chat with the locals.

Take a bikepacking tour from Bled to the Adriatic coast

Day 5: ŠMARTNO/DOBROVO – ŠTANJEL

Stage distance: approx. 53 km
After leaving the wine region of Goriška Brda, you will soon arrive at the ‘’southern Berlin’’. The iron curtain once divided the town of Gorizia between Italy and Yugoslavia. The curtain museum is now available to visitors right next to the railway station. Continuing further on, you will arrive to the smallest military museum in the world, a historic Yugoslav outpost. Visit the ancient Kostanjevica Monastery, resting place of the last French king. Continue to Vipava valley, another wine region of Slovenia, where your host Vid will gladly serve you some of his famous local wine.

Day 6:

ŠTANJEL – DIVAČA

Stage distance: approx. 48 km
Today the bikepacking tour continues to Lipica, the cradle of the famous white horses, Lipizzaner. This stud farm offers different options for the visitors: you can take a ride in the traditional carriage, visit the stables or watch the show performance. A butcher’s family owns the small-town hotels, but don’t let this fool you, the young master is a wine expert who will lead you through a presentation of some of the best red wines of this region.

Slovenia cycling tour

Day 7: DIVAČA – TRIESTE/MUGGIA

Stage distance: approx. 46 km
After breakfast you can visit the fascinating Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO Heritage site. Later, the trail takes a last descent with beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea, before reaching the charming old seaside village of Muggia on the outskirts of Trieste. This is where your bikepacking tour comes to its end. Park your bike and enjoy the rest of the day taking a boat to Trieste and visit the Miramare Castle. Or if you prefer to just lay back, an Italian cappuccino and a Bellini in the evening on of the piazza will seal this trip for sure.