10 Spectacular Places to Cycle in Slovenia

Hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling trails in Slovenian Istria help visitors stay active while enjoying their vacation at the seaside. The main coastal cities are a starting point to eight organized cycling trails. One of the trails runs through the area where Istria’s traditional wine, Refošk, is produced. The Trail Along the Land of Refošk Wine starts in Koper and takes cyclists over the hills of the Istria region where they can enjoy beautiful views of the Gulf of Koper. Along the way, the trail passes vineyards and the small wine cellars where Refošk wine is produced.

Three Valleys (Mežiška Valley, the Dravska Valley, and the Mislinjska Valley) and three mountain ranges (Pohorje, the Karavanke, and the Savinja Alps) make up the northern Slovenian region of Koroska. Six cycling trails are marked in the region. However, it is the Trail Around Mt. Peca (2125m) that stands out from the others. More than five out of fifty kilometers of this trail are located underground. The underground part of the trail runs through old lead and zinc mines and can be accessed with a tour guide. The trail is classified as easy and is suitable for families.

The Slovenian Alps offer several long-distance cycling routes appropriate for experienced cyclists in excellent physical shape. The Circular Tour starts in Kranjska Gora and via the 232 km long trail connects the starting point with Bled, Bohinj, and the Soča Valley. When cycling on the Trail to Mountain Vršič (1611 m), cyclists can enjoy spectacular views of the Slovenian Alps. The longest trail in the area is part of The Three Countries Tour, it is 410 km long, and it connects Austria, Slovenia, and Italy.

The banks of the Mura River, in the northeast part of Slovenia, offer five different trails. Two of the trails start in the Austrian town Sicheldorfu, from where cyclists can cycle either towards Hungary or towards Croatia. On both trails, a small detour to the nearby towns of Murska Sobota or Beltinic is recommended. The third trail on the banks of the Mura river runs through Gornja Radgona, Radenci, and Banovci. Cyclists can also choose to take the trail amid the vineyards or experience the off-road trail which is suitable for more experienced cyclists.

The Dolenjska region in the south of Slovenia offers fourteen cycling trails. The Trail to the Family Farm Šeruga allows cyclists to enjoy the beautiful nature of the area and to experience the traditional food and drinks of Dolenjska. The trail starts in Šmarjeske Toplice and heads towards Castle Otočec. The castle on the river Krka is one of the most beautiful monuments in Slovenia. From the Otočec Castle, the trail continues to the Family Farm Šeruga. The Farm offers a calm environment for rest and delicious traditional food. After the visit to the farm, the trail heads back towards Šmarjeske Toplice.

Otočec Castle, 8222 Otočec, Slovenia

Family Farm Šeruga, Sela pri Ratežu 15, 8222 Otočec, Slovenia

Bela Krajina offers fifteen organized cycling trails. This region is well known for pristine nature and its rich cultural heritage. Damelj Cycling Path is 65km long and is the longest of all of Bela Krajina’s cycling trails. It starts in Črnomelj and takes cyclists over low hills, meadows, pastures, along Kolpa river, through the town of Vinica, and back to Črnomelj. The shortest of the cycling paths in the region is Lebica-Krupa Cycling Path. The trail starts in the town of Semič and crosses a shallow karst area, follows the Krupa river, and returns to Semič. On this trail, cyclists can observe beautiful Karst creations like sinkholes, smaller springs, and stone commons.