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Interested in Slovenia Green Pannonian Route? Wait until October

We’re happy to see your interest in the new cycling tour – Slovenia Green Pannonian Route. At the moment, the organized tour details are not yet finalized, so if you’d like to be notified when we publish the program & open the reservations, leave us your email.

Expect our e-mail somewhere in mid-October when the launch of the new tour will take place and when we’ll also be ready for planning season 2023. 😉

You’ll be one the first who’ll get the information about the new tour.

Interested in Slovenia Green Wellness Route? Wait until October

We’re happy to see your interest in the new cycling tour – Slovenia Green Wellness Route. At the moment, the organized tour details are not yet finalized, so if you’d like to be notified when we publish the program & open the reservations, leave us your email.

Expect our e-mail somewhere in mid-October when the launch of the new tour will take place and when we’ll also be ready for planning season 2023. 😉

You’ll be one the first who’ll get the information about the new tour.

Interested in Slovenia Green Kočevsko Cycling Loop?

We’re happy to see your interest in the cycling tour – Slovenia Green Kočevsko Loop. This tour is only done on request and it is completely tailor-made to fit your needs. So please feel free to drop us an e-mail and we will get back to you with an offer. 

Slovenian actor discovers the Slovenia Green Gourmet Route in a new video documentary

Dear lovers of cycling, nature, and gastronomy! Please take time and see this new nearly 30 minutes long documentary about exploring Slovenia’s best restaurants and Slovenia Green-certified accommodations – on a bicycle. Even if we know all those places very well, we just couldn’t stop watching. One word: beautiful! Seven words: we can’t wait to ride there again!

The Bike Slovenia Green Gourmet Route (BSGGR) is the perfect itinerary for ever-evolving global travelers who demand everything: pleasure, adventure, and responsibility. Find the itinerary, dates, and pricing click here. Welcome!

Visit GoodPlace is extending Travelife Partner status

We happily announce that we at Visit GoodPlace are staying committed to sustainable and responsible tourism development by extending our Travelife partner status. 

We will continue to grow our passion for active and green tourism by following Travelife standards. Those standards are compliant with the UN’s Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria and OECD’s Social Responsibility Guidelines that are here to improve environmental, social and economic issues. 

Our team worked hard to meet the strict Travelife standards and to manage and develop our business operations and cycling tours in a way that they:

  • Support and benefit the development of local communities
  • Reduce the negative impact of tourism on the environment and cultural heritage
  • Include fair business practices, labour conditions and support human rights
  • Make our cycling tours fun and memorable and our customers happy

It’s important to us to be a part of this and to make a positive impact in the world with our tours. For that reason we must say thank you to all our past (and future customers) who trusted us and decided to take a step towards more sustainable travelling. 

Top 5 things to do while cycling in Slovenia

Cycling in Slovenia should be on the bucket list of every person who loves spending their holidays actively while also discovering the beautiful and diverse nature of a country, its rich historical and cultural heritage and trying tasty local and gourmet food.

To make your decision to go cycling in Slovenia easier, we’ve created a list of 5 things you can do here while cycling:

1) Discover medieval towns and castles

Slovenia is full of small towns and castles that are truly worth visiting. You can cycle across the picturesque medieval village Štanjel where magical weddings take place, or Slovenia’s oldest town Ptuj with its beautiful castle and the oldest wine cellar. Even Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, gives a medieval vibe with its castle and small cobblestone streets. 

You can also visit Lipica town where Slovenian Lipizzan horses have been bred since the 16th century, or take a stop in Piran, a romantic city on Slovenian coast, that offers a great panoramic view of the sea and a soothing fresh and salty smell of the ocean. 

medieval-village-štanjel

Picturesque village of Štanjel lies in the heart of Vipava valley

2) Visit natural wonders

Slovenia will leave you speechless with its magical Alpine valleys, astonishing waterfalls, turquoise river Soča and its gorges, breathtaking peaks of the Julian Alps, the Tuscany-like wine region of Goriška Brda and the green region of Rogaška Slatina that’s renowned for its mineral water. 

On top of that, you’ll hardly avoid cycling among pristine forests while cycling in Slovenia because they cover 54 % of the country. The forests are home to many species of animals, such as brown bears, wolves, deers and lynxes.

soča-valley-while-cycling-in-slovenia

Several scenes from the movie Chronicles of Narnia were filmed in Soča valley

3) Swim in picturesque lakes and rivers

There’s an opportunity to take a refreshing swim almost behind every corner while cycling in Slovenia. One such occasion is in Bled and Bohinj lakes that are located amongst the Julian Alps and offer breathtaking mountain views. Another one is in Kočevje lake that’s one of the cleanest lakes in Slovenia and enables full relaxation after cycling among virgin forests.

We also recommend taking a bath in the Soča or Kolpa river. Soča is known for being very cold, but it’s also known for being the prettiest Slovenian river because of its emerald color. Kolpa river on the other hand is our warmest river and is surrounded by calm nature and greenery.

swimming-in-lake-bled

Lake Bled is a perfect stop to take a swim and to try the famous “kremšnita” cake

4) Taste the finest local wine and food

Slovenia is known for its wine-making tradition, internationally awarded wines and the oldest vine in the world that still produces fruit. For this reason the 400 years old vine is listed in the Guiness Book of Records. While cycling in Slovenia try the traditional Slovenian wines such as red Teran and Refošk wines or white Rebula or Rumeni muškat wines.

Talking about must-try local food, don’t miss:

  • the sweet cottage cheese rolled dumplings called “štruklji
  • the Karst prosciutto with its authentic flavor and a hundreds of years old tradition
  • the famous Bled cream cake “kremšnita
slovenian-food-and-wine

Slovenia is known for its excellent wine, cheese and Karst prosciutto

5) Visit Michelin star restaurants

While cycling in Slovenia you can visit six Slovenian Michelin star rated restaurants that got their first stars in 2020, just after Michelin’s first visit to Slovenia. Michelin’s visit and Slovenia being selected as the European Region of Gastronomy of 2021 prove that our country is one of the top culinary destinations.

A must-visit restaurant is a two Michelin star Hiša Franko owned by Ana Roš, who was named world’s best female chef in 2017. This restaurant is ranked 38th among best restaurants in the world. Another must-visit is a one Michelin star Gostilna pri Lojzetu that’s located in the 17th century mansion in Vipava valley and runs since the late 19. century. It’s chef is the fourth generation of this family restaurant.

slovenian-michelin-star-restaurants

Hiša Franko is ranked 38th among best restaurants in the world

Check out this amazing cycling tour

Recently Visit GoodPlace created a new 11-days long Bike Slovenia Green Gourmet Cycling Tour that joins cycling in Slovenia with tasty culinary experiences. 

What you see and do in this tour:

  • visit medieval cities and natural sights (ex. Soča, Goriška Brda, Štanjel, Ljubljana, Ptuj)
  • try traditional Slovenian wine and food
  • visit famous Slovenian Michelin star restaurants

About the tour:

  • Suitable for almost everyone
  • Guided or self-guided
  • Organized accommodation and meals
  • Experienced guides 
  • Free cancellations up to 30 days before departure (Learn more)
cycling-in-slovenia-gourmet-tour

Cycling among vineyards, trying excellent local food and wine, discovering old cities and more

Top 5 local dishes on Slovenia bike tours

Slovenia is full of hidden gems, unique experiences, and picturesque adventures. No one knows them better than our Visit GoodPlace experts and that’s why they’ve curated a list of activities, trails, sights, and roads that you should visit during your Slovenia bike tours.

The exceptionally diverse landscape of Slovenia and a mix of influences from Italy, Austria, and the Balkans are reflected in a colourful gastronomic offer. The varied traditional dishes do, however, have one thing in common – they are made of seasonal, locally grown ingredients. As a team of sustainability advocates, we find this very important. Here are some of our favourite culinary specialties, which you can taste during our Slovenia bike tours.

Karst Prosciutto

Cold cuts are popular Slovenian appetizers and Karst prosciutto is definitely a local favourite. The specialty of this geographically protected meat product lies in the centuries-old tradition of salting and drying. The prosciutto is praised for its rich aroma, intense ruby colour, juiciness, firm structure, and salinity. On our Slovenia bike tours cycling through local villages in Karst and tasting prosciutto which mixes best with a glass of local Teran wine surely is one of the highlights.

prosciutto

Idrija stuffed dumplings

Idrija stuffed dumplings or žlikrofi are little pasta pockets filled with potato, bacon, onions, and spices. They are cooked in water and served as a warm appetizer, side dish, or one-course meal. Local housewives used to cook žlikrofi for their husbands who worked in a nearby mine. Since 2010, Idrija dumplings have also been officially protected by geographical origin. Even though you can order this delicacy in many great restaurants across the country, we recommend you to taste žlikrofi in Idrija. You can have them at Hotel Jožef.

žlikrofi_vgp

Bled cream cake

Bled cream cake, locally known as kremšnita, was invented in 1953 in Hotel Park, where, until today, over 20 million cream slices have already been sold. The legendary cake consists of three different layers – butter dough crust, vanilla cream, and whipping cream. We agree with locals, who like to say that you cannot truly experience the beauty of Lake Bled, its island, and castle, without trying the famous kremšnita.

Tolminc cheese

We are huge fans of alpine dairy farms under the Tolmin mountains, where the famous Tolminc cheese is produced. It is a type of hard full-fat cheese made of raw cow’s milk. So, whenever our Slovenia bike tours bring you to the beautiful Soča Valley, don’t miss your chance to taste this homemade treat. We invite you to also try Bovec cheese, the local rival of Tolminc, which has a distinctive aromatic, slightly spicy taste and is mostly made of pure sheep milk.

tolminc cheese

Cottage cheese rolled dumplings

During our Slovenia bike tours, Štruklji are a must-try. Well-known all over the country, these tasty dumplings are made of different kinds of dough and over 100 different sweet and savory fillings, with the most popular being cottage cheese. To try the best štruklji in Slovenia, you should hike or bike to Kofce mountain pasture, where you can choose among a variety of traditional and less traditional flavours, for example with dark chocolate and raspberries. We recommend buckwheat štruklji with walnuts.

Top 5 photo spots on Slovenia bicycle tours

Slovenia is full of hidden gems, unique experiences, and picturesque adventures. No one knows them better than our Visit GoodPlace experts and that’s why they’ve curated a list of activities, trails, sights, and roads that you should visit during your Slovenia bicycling tours.

“For me, the best photos are not the ones that look perfect, but those with a story behind it. So I encourage you that if you decide to visit these photo spots, take time to really soak in the atmosphere. Make an adventure out of it. Choose biking or hiking and make the best out of our Slovenia bicycling tours. Make a picnic. Have fun. These are the things you will remember when you will browse through your travel photos.”– Romina Gerbec

Zelenci springs

Slovenia has been named the greenest country in the world because of its sustainability efforts however there is another reason for that. The country is literally green. It is covered with green forests, meadows, rivers, and lakes, which will keep you company during Slovenia bicycle tours. Yes, you read that right – many waters in Slovenia have this turquoise colour, ranging from shades of green to shades of blue. Zelenci has green in its name (zelena means green in Slovene). There is a wooden lookout tower nearby so everyone can make a good shot of the place.

Mangart Saddle

Topping out at 2,072 meters, the road to Mangart Saddle is the highest lying road in Slovenia. The ride is an adventure on its own. You can drive up there in your own car, but it’s highly recommended you take the shuttle bus, so you don’t have to meet cars on the narrow road and it’s also more environmentally friendly. If you’re a true adventurer and a sports head, you can take your bike and challenge yourself on one of the hardest Slovenia bicycle tours. Once you reach the saddle, you can enjoy the view of the Log Koritnica Valley on one side and the view of Lakes of Fusine in Italy on the other. It’s one of my favourite spots for taking photos.

Kolovrat

Mount Kolovrat is a ridge that rises above Soča Valley and lies on the Slovenian-Italian border. It is accessible by car, but I strongly recommend visiting this point while riding on our Slovenia bicycling tours. From the top of Mt. Klabuk, you can take a photo of the Julian Alps and if you turn the other way, the Adriatic sea will shine in the distance. The 360 view is spectacular. It’s one of those places I visit regularly, all year round, and I never, ever leave without taking a photo (or ten).

Ljubljana Gornji trg

When in Ljubljana, take a walk through a vibrant and picturesque old town or enjoy a more relaxed bike ride on your Slovenia bicycling tours. There are many opportunities for “postcard images”, well worth this list, but my choice is Gornji Trg (the upper square). The place is not as busy as the main streets of Ljubljana’s Old Town, so you can get a nice shot of charming buildings. A cherry on top is the chandelier hanging above the square.

Ojstrica Lake Bled

You were probably expecting lake Bled to appear on this list at some point. For a suburb shot of Bled island, castle, and the mountains at the back, climb up a small hill named Ojstrica (it takes around 20 minutes). This one can be one of the most exciting stops during the Slovenia bicycle tours. If you enjoy taking photos of sunrises, get there early and enjoy the view of spectacular colours reflecting in the water.

Author: Romina Gerbec, head of marketing

Romina is our digital marketing ninja. Her team possesses skills that range from graphic design to social media advertising, which helps our boutique travel agency more visible on the world wide web. She believes that every successful marketing story starts with a good product or service. However, a good-looking photo can’t hurt either, she says. If you enjoy taking photos (or browsing through them after your holidays), you should not miss these photo spots when you visit Slovenia.

Top 5 panoramic roads on your Slovenia cycling holidays

Slovenia is full of hidden gems, unique experiences, and picturesque adventures. No one knows them better than our Visit GoodPlace experts and that’s why they’ve curated a list of activities, trails, sights, and roads that you should visit during your Slovenia cycling holidays.

At Visit Goodplace, we all love to bike. But while some team members are big fans of hard-core mountain biking, I prefer easy touring along quiet roads and scenic gravel paths. Cycling on such panoramic roads enables me to truly enjoy the incredible views offered by the dynamic landscape which makes it a perfect cycling holidays destination. Here are my top picks.– Katja Defrančeski

Parenzana old railway track

Although Parenzana railway track doesn’t include many high-altitude points, its seaside location provides for a range of magnificent views of the coast. When it was still in operation in the early 1900s, the track was used for transporting passengers, salt, olive oil, Istrian stone, wine, and other goods between Poreč and Trieste. Today it is transformed into one of my favorite paths, winding between vineyards in the hinterland of the Adriatic coast. I especially like the old train tunnels on the track, which truly take you back in time and it’ll definitely be one of the highlights of your Slovenia cycling holidays.

Tours: Istria to Adriatic

Below the Julian Alps

When you cycle from Kranjska Gora to Bled, you are in for a treat. There is a dedicated cycling path connecting these two lovely places and it is full of little bridges and of course, amazing views of the Julian Alps. This pleasant path leads to the village of Mojstrana, where it enters one of the prettiest alpine valleys in Slovenia, the Radovna River Valley. I love the part of the route when you arrive in wide green pastures scattered with a few small farms.

Tours: Bike Slovenia Green, Around TNP, Trans Slovenia 02

From mountain to vineyards

On your Slovenia cycling holidays, you shouldn’t miss this route, which is another one of my beloved cycling roads. is the one leading from the Soča Valley across the scenic Kolovrat mountain ridge all the way to the famous Goriška Brda, the wine capital of Slovenia. Along this panoramic route, you can admire panoramas in all directions. In front of you, there are the rolling hills covered in vineyards, behind you the Alps. On the left, you have the Soča Valley and on the right the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Tours: Bike Slovenia Green, Trans Slovenia 01

The Karst route

If you want to discover the Karst on your Slovenia cycling holidays, I recommend you to cycle from Komen to Lokev. Even though Karst is all about the underground caves, you will be able to observe its unique natural phenomena on the surface as well. There is something special in the combination of red soil, refreshing wind, and typical villages on hilltops that offer some lesser-known, but no less breath-taking vistas.

Tours: Trans Slovenia 01

Solčava panoramic road

The Solčava panoramic road is well-known as one of the best Slovenia cycling holiday tours. Despite that, it is never crowded. It takes you along the pearls of the natural and cultural heritage of the Solčava region, including the famous Logarska Valley. The first time I cycled on this route, I was simply taken away by the views of the mountain peaks above and pristine valleys below me. Along the panoramic road, you can also visit some excellent highland farms, where they are producing everything nature offers with a lot of love.

Tours: Trans Slovenia 03, Trans Slovenia 04

Author: Katja Defrančeski, COO

Katja has 10+ years of experience in managing projects in tourism. If you decide to book a tour with us, she will make sure that everything will work out exactly as planned. She is the energetic, organized, experienced person that every office needs. In her free time, she (surprise, surprise 🙃) enjoys cycling, especially if it is accompanied by amazing views, rich culture, and good food. Take a look at her list of the top 5 panoramic roads, which offer much more than just good Slovenia cycling holidays.

Five tips for green travelers while biking in Slovenia

Slovenia is full of hidden gems, unique experiences, and picturesque adventures. No one knows them better than our Visit GoodPlace experts and that’s why they’ve curated a list of activities, trails, sights, and roads that you should visit during biking in Slovenia.

Visiting one of the greenest destinations in the world means to travel responsibly. By following these simple tips, you can make sure to leave a positive impact. Join us and explore biking Slovenia in a sustainable way. – Jana Apih

Respect the wilderness.

Please help us to protect the delicate biotic balance of natural areas by keeping to the existing biking and hiking Slovenia trails. When you enter the territory of wild animals, be alert. Don’t attempt to feed them and keep your distance. If you are feeling romantic, please don’t stomp on the grass and pick flowers. Meadows bursting with wildflowers feed honey bees, our heroes of pollination. I also encourage you to use environmentally-friendly cosmetic products (including sunscreen), as they don’t damage fragile ecosystems.

wildlife watching bear

Take care of natural resources.

Preserve Slovenia’s pristine waters by having a quick shower instead of a bath and turning off the tap while brushing your teeth. Don’t leave lights and electronics on when you leave your room. Use air-conditioning sensibly and opt-out of daily room cleaning. If you are looking for a way to boost your immune system, I recommend you to experience the amazing benefits of an occasional cold shower which will be refreshing especially after a long biking session.

Don’t be wasteful.

During biking in Slovenia, you can drink tap water of excellent quality wherever you go, so I urge you to say goodbye to single-use plastic bottles. You can further decrease the amount of waste by packing reusable bags and avoid unnecessary plastic items such as straws. Make sure to separate your waste before depositing it at designated places. When visiting natural areas, take your rubbish with you to the next settlement. This includes cigarette buds.

Cyclist in Soca Valley

Help local communities to thrive.

Support local farmers by ordering delicious food made of seasonal ingredients. While biking in Slovenia and exploring the various beauties, you will be pleasantly surprised by the diversity of our cuisine. When searching for gifts for your loved ones at home, purchase local handicrafts instead of imported mass-produced souvenirs. I can also give you an insider tip on how to win Slovenians over – just learn a few simple Slovene words and try to use them. We absolutely love that!

Share the green frame of mind.

While biking in Slovenia, educate others to be responsible travelers. If you see someone unintentionally doing something that is detrimental to the environment or to the local people and culture, mention it in a friendly way. Remember, our actions can have a big impact on the world while we travel. Make sure it is a positive one.

Around Triglav National Park Kranjska Gora mountains view

Author: Jana Apih, sustainability expert

Jana is one of the authors of the Green Scheme of Slovenian tourism (Slovenia Green), which was declared the most efficient national scheme for the development of sustainable tourism and for which Slovenia has won a number of international awards. Jana is managing the Institute Factory of Sustainable Tourism GoodPlace. This is a leading Slovenian organization in the field of sustainable tourism. If you take advice on how to act more responsibly while biking in Slovenia, take it from her. She put down 5 tips for you.

Top hidden sights in Slovenia

Slovenia is full of hidden gems, unique experiences, and picturesque adventures. No one knows them better than our Visit GoodPlace experts and that’s why they’ve curated a list of activities, trails, sights, and roads that you should visit during your cycling in Slovenia.

You probably already know by now that Slovenia boasts numerous amazing natural and cultural attractions that can be explored during our cycling and hiking in Slovenia tours. While the most popular places such as Lake Bled, Ljubljana Castle and Postojna Cave are well-known to visitors, there are still plenty of hidden gems waiting to impress you. Here are my favourite, off-the-beaten-track sights in Slovenia, which you can admire away from the crowds.” – Teja Korošec

Peričnik Waterfall

Slovenia is rich in water sources, so waterfalls are not an uncommon sight. It is difficult to say which one is the most beautiful, as they are all unique. I simply love to observe the force of nature and feel the water droplets on my skin. Still, my favourite stop during cycling in Slovenia must be the 52-meter high Peričnik Waterfall, which can be found en route to the Vrata Valley, close to the village of Mojstrana. Its particularity lies in the fact that you can walk behind, providing for a truly incredible experience. During winter, the waterfall sometimes freezes into a remarkable ice sculpture.

Tours passing by Peričnik Waterfall: Trans Slovenia 02, Around Triglav National Park, Salzburg to Venice.

Fort Hermann

During cycling in Slovenia, I recommend everybody traveling through the upper Soča Valley to visit the remains of Fort Hermann, a fort built by the Austrians at the end of the 19th Century, which was severely damaged by the Italian artillery during WW1. Except for the locals, few people know about it, so a highly authentic experience is guaranteed. It will take you about half an hour of easy hiking to reach the fort from the valley. On the way, you will pass through a 100-meter-long illuminated stone tunnel. Exploring the fort ruins is a real adventure, but you have to be careful. I advise you to bring a flashlight.

Tours passing by Fort Hermann: Walk of Peace, Trans Slovenia 01, Around Triglav National Park

Walls of Piran

With its narrow cobbled streets, Venetian architecture, and the sunny Adriatic coast, Piran is definitely one of the most photogenic places which you can visit during cycling in Slovenia. In search of the best views, many people walk to the St. George’s Parish Church, which I have to admit is impressive in its own manner. However, what most do not know is that the medieval Walls of Piran offer an even more breath-taking panorama. This is definitely my preferred spot to watch the sunset behind the sea. The walls are open from 8 AM to dusk and the entrance only costs 2,00 EUR.

Tours passing by Walls of Piran: Istria to Adriatic, Trans Slovenia 01, Trans Slovenia 02, Trans Slovenia 04

Planšar Lake

I’m sure you have heard about the picturesque lakes of Bled and Bohinj, and maybe even about the intermittent Cerknica Lake and the magical Triglav lakes. Since it is my favourite, I believe it is time you were also introduced to the Planšar Lake in Jezersko. The little heart-shaped lake, also known as the lake of love, was actually artificially built by locals in memory of a larger glacial lake that had drained away. In my opinion, the lakeside offers one of the most stunning views over the majestic peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. As it is still under the radar for most visitors during cycling in Slovenia, I can assure you to find plenty of peace here.

Tours passing by Planšarsko Lake: Trans Slovenia 03

Škocjan Caves

When cycling in Slovenia, the underworld of Slovenian Karst is surely a must. Most tourists will visit the Postojna Cave, but I invite you to rather discover its less famous, but even more astonishing counterpart, the UNESCO-protected Škocjan Caves. This one-of-a-kind natural phenomenon will amaze you with underground galleries, halls full of giant stalactites and stalagmites, and the largest subterranean canyon in Europe. Every time I gaze into its depths, I feel like I’m in a Lord of the Rings movie.

Tours passing by Škocjan Caves: Bike Slovenia Green, TS04, TS02

Author: Teja Korošec, head of operations

Teja holds a master’s degree in tourism management. She is involved in many projects at both Visit GoodPlace and our NGO, so multitasking is her thing. She is a strong advocate of nature conservation and loves hiking. Travelling has been an important part of her life and she always seeks authentic experiences. Here is a list of her favourite sights which you can visit during cycling in Slovenia. These are for the ones who like to go off the beaten track and leave the crowds behind.

A possible exotic winter experience on your Slovenia cycling holidays

Ready for some kitschy photos? Yes, winter mountain biking in Slovenia can be demanding, and sometimes our workdays start very early, even long before sunrise! Partly due to the short day available in the field, but sometimes also just to enjoy the colourful views from the top of the mountains over which our trails lead. And we shouldn’t forget to mention pure fun while descending along winter trails – MTB in Slovenia can be fun in wintertime, too!

Waiting for the sun…

Almost there…

Here comes the sun!

Selfie

View towards Nanos, Mt. Triglav and Julian Alps from the top of Mt. Vremščica, one of the peaks of our Trans Slovenia bike tours

Morning colours

Into the light

Another early-morning winter postcard from Slovenia cycling holidays

Let the Mtb Slovenia…

… snow fun begins, mountain biking in Slovenia rules in wintertime, too!

If you liked this photo story make sure to check some of our Slovenia mountain biking tours below.

trans alpe adria mtb tour

Trans Alpe Adria

Mountain bike tour

Trans Slovenia 01

Mountain bike tour

TransAlp - Austria - biking - MTB

Trans Slovenia 02

Mountain bike tour

Check out top 5 MTB trails in Slovenia

Slovenia is full of hidden gems, unique experiences, and picturesque adventures. No one knows them better than our Visit GoodPlace experts and that’s why they’ve curated a list of activities, trails, sights, and roads that you should visit during your mountain biking in Slovenia.

Thanks to its dynamic landscape, beautiful Alpine scenery, abundance of superb single trails, and excellent bike park infrastructure, Slovenia continues to build its reputation as one of Europe’s top mountain biking destinations. It is therefore no surprise that many Slovenians are enthusiastic mountain bikers, myself included. I’m very proud of our well-connected and active MTB community.” – Matic Klanjšček

Single Trail Park Jamnica

Jamnica is a somewhat unusual park, as it falls under the category of »trail bike parks«. It includes 9 all-mountain and enduro trails and in total around 25 kilometers of marked, mostly natural trails suitable for all levels. Trails are interconnected with a special path made specifically to ease your return to the top. During the summer months, the forests of Slovenian Carinthia are full of sweet blueberries, which is another reason why this location is amongst our best MTB trails in Slovenia.

Downhill from Matajur

The stunning two-hour downhill ride from Mt. Matajur towards Italy is pure single trail fun and it’s definitely one of the best MTB trails in Slovenia that has a natural flow. The 12-kilometer trail is very clean, so you can ride through the woods fast. During the 1400-meter descent, you can admire some great views over the Friulian plains and the surrounding mountains. This experience has been described in the media as the MTB »ride of a lifetime« and I couldn’t agree more.

The natural oasis of Pohorje

This location offers one of the best MTB trails in Slovenia and even though I oftenly bike around the world, I always keep coming back to the lush spruce forests of Pohorje, a medium-height mountain range situated in north-eastern Slovenia. The main highlight of this place is surely Bike Park Pohorje. It invites three trails intended for different levels – red line, family line, and the legendary world cup black line for the bravest.

Along the ridge of Stol

There are two mountains with this name in Slovenia. While the Stol in Karavanke is really nice for hiking, the one close to Kobarid is especially attractive for mountain bikers. This scenic ridge offers gorgeous views of the Julian Alps and Soča Valley. The 7-kilometer trail demands some technical skills but still flows with no interruptions. It involves biking on different surfaces, from dirt and rocks to roots. One of the reasons why this ride is one of the best MTB trails in Slovenia is the fact, that at the end of the trail, when you reach the valley, you can refresh yourself in Nadiža or Soča river.

Golovec trails

One might think that, by leaving the mountains and approaching the capital city of Ljubljana, the MTB opportunities would be lost. But the truth is quite different. Ljubljana is in fact the only European capital that has direct access to some of the best MTB trails in Slovenia, including Golovec trails. When you try your skills on various trails, exciting turns, and jumps, you will feel like one of the locals.

Author: Matic Klanjšček, head of guides and cartography expert

Being a geodesist by profession, Matic had been active in the field of cartography and marine hydrography for a long time. From his youth, he was active in sports. He started with athletics, later on, he held a strong passion for alpinism which was eventually replaced by cycling.  In recent years, Matic has been focused on mountain biking – in his free time as well as professionally at Visit GoodPlace.  Spending a good portion of his time on bike trails, he knows all the best trails and he had a hard time picking a selection of the 5 best BTM rides in Slovenia. Have a look at his choices.

Winter mountain bike adventures

It’s this time of the year when one would think mountain biking in Slovenia isn’t the first choice of sport to practice outside in cold winter conditions. One couldn’t be more wrong! It’s true it’s hard to do longer multi-day stages of the Trans Slovenia route or other longer mountain bike trips, but climbing up the local mountains and enjoying snow descents along its many diverse trails is just super fun. Mtb Slovenia – never stop exploring!

Winter fun! On the top of abandoned ski slope, looking directly to the Julian Alps and its highest peak, Mt. Triglav

Sometimes, snow conditions and temperatures permitting, it can be just a normal winter day, spent together with friends biking in Slovenia

Anyone recognizes this mountain in a winter frame?

Fast-freezing descent

Following the trail

Where to?

With love from Slovenia cycling holidays

No matter the time of the day or the weather conditions, it’s just super fun to enjoy winter on a bike as well!

Snow curves

Crunching of frozen grass

Kamniško-Savinjske Alps, a Trans Slovenia perspective from the Karst region

On skis or bikes, fresh snow is best while biking in Slovenia in winter

If you liked this photo story make sure to check some of our mountain biking tours below.

trans alpe adria mtb tour

Trans Alpe Adria

Mountain bike tour

Trans Slovenia 01

Mountain bike tour

TransAlp - Austria - biking - MTB

Trans Slovenia 02

Mountain bike tour

5 reasons why bikers and hikers love accommodation on our tours

As you probably realized by now, there are numerous reasons to experience one of our epic Slovenia bike tours or come to our small green country for Slovenia hiking holidays. What first comes to mind, are surely the diverse hilly landscapes, vast forests and abundant water sources. Together with friendly locals and great food, they make up for a perfect outdoor destination. However, everybody needs a nice place to rest after fun daily activities. At Visit Goodplace, we take this very seriously. On our tours, we carefully select only the best accommodation providers, which our guests simply love. Let’s see why.

Cycle to a perfect rest

When you explore Slovenia by bike, your everyday needs change. You might want to wash your sportswear in the evenings, use bicycle maintenance tools, or buy a spare tire. You will probably also appreciate more information about local cycling routes. This is why on our Slovenia bike tours we always prioritize accommodation providers enabling you just that. Many specialized, cyclist-friendly providers can be recognized by a bicycle symbol indicating the extent and quality of what they offer to cyclists.

With hikers in mind

The same is true for our Slovenia hiking holidays. We always search for hotels, farm stays, guesthouses, mountain huts, and other accommodation providers that know how to meet the needs of hiking enthusiasts. These are usually marked with a sign showing one to five hikers. Their advantages include traditional cuisine adapted for hikers, facilities for washing and drying hiking equipment, provision of lunch packages, and plenty of information on public transport, sports shops, and weather forecast.

Responsible travel

Our mission is to create authentic and unique Slovenia bike tours and Slovenia hiking holidays for our guests while supporting responsible trade and nature preservation. With the aim of minimizing negative effects on the natural and social environment, we choose accommodation providers with sustainability certificates wherever and whenever possible. When you book Slovenia hiking holidays or a Slovenia bike tour with us, you can therefore be sure to sleep in the most sustainable accommodation available at the destination.

Boutique experiences

We wish our Slovenia bike tours and Slovenia cycling holidays to leave a beneficial impact on the local communities. For this reason, we prioritize boutique, family-run accommodation and avoid large hotel chains. Spending a night in a cozy guesthouse or a typical farm stay also results in a more authentic overall experience. You will get the opportunity to taste delicious homemade meals coming directly from garden to table and feel the real Slovenian hospitality.

Stay where you desire

Just like we tailor the itineraries of our Slovenia bike tours so that they fit all your wants and needs, we also invite you to choose your ideal accommodation type. Most of our guests prefer to stay in carefully picked guesthouses, boutique hotels and tourist farms, but we are more than happy to provide you with alternatives – from hidden mountain cottages, youth hostels and campsites to luxury apartments and five-star hotels. We can even spice up your Slovenia hiking holidays or other adventures with an overnight in one of the amazing glamping sites.

Ready for some more Trans Alpe Adria epic trails?

Time to move on! But hey, we arrived in the valley of the emerald Soča river, surrounded by many mountain peaks that offer enriched views and numerous cycling trails. Therefore, this time we will continue a little slower, only through the next two stages of the epic Trans Alpe Adria tour. They will take us from Bovec, over the ridge of Kobariški Stol mountain and down to the historical town of Kobarid, and further on below the top of mountain Krn and other peaks of the Julian Alps, all the way to the Tolminka river gorges and picturesque town Tolmin. From there, in the upcoming days, we will leave the Soča Valley and enter into a new, vibrant, and equally interesting landscape of the Cerkno and Škofja Loka hills and further on in the direction of Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia.

THE ridge with a view

Ready for some epic descents?

Facing the Krn mountain and one of the epic ascents waiting for us the following day

Changing the sides

A short stopover at the Kozjak waterfall near Kobarid

Climbing up towards the foothill of the Krn mountain

So many reasons to smile

Could be a Windows XP desktop, we guess …

Chasing the views

Down to the Tolminka river valley

Mountain flowers all around us

The church of the Holly Spirit in Javorca, filled with history of the First World War and the message of peace

If you liked this photo story make sure to check some of our mountain biking tours below.

trans alpe adria mtb tour

Trans Alpe Adria

Mountain bike tour

Trans Slovenia 01

Mountain bike tour

TransAlp - Austria - biking - MTB

Trans Slovenia 02

Mountain bike tour

Check out 5 outdoor activities that you should experience besides mountain biking in Slovenia

Slovenia is full of hidden gems, unique experiences, and picturesque adventures. No one knows them better than our Visit GoodPlace experts and that’s why they’ve curated a list of activities, trails, sights, and roads that you should visit during your mountain biking in Slovenia.

“Although mountain biking will always be my biggest passion, I enjoy other outdoor activities as well. Besides hiking, I particularly like water sports. Since I originally come from the Soča Valley, this is not surprising. Here is a shortlist of the outdoor activities I highly recommend you to try out when in Slovenia (with a bit of local bias).” – Jan Klavora

Rafting on Soča river

Once you see the emerald Soča for yourself, you will know why this is one of my favorite outdoor activities besides mountain biking. The river might not be the wildest or the fastest, but it is certainly the prettiest. When on a raft, you won’t only paddle and admire the surroundings. You will also strengthen team spirit and maybe even do some cliff jumping. Local sports agencies can organize safe and fun rafting on different sections of the river for you.

Canyoning on Pršjak

If you up for mountain biking in Slovenia and you are seeking more adrenaline, you shouldn’t miss canyoning. I can guarantee you that when you slide down the wild canyons and picturesque waterfalls into crystal clear-pools, you will feel like a playful child. There are several canyoning spots in Slovenia and especially Soča Valley, however, I advise you to go to Pršjak canyon, which is less crowded and even more adventurous than others. Don’t forget you need to be accompanied by a trained guide.

Stand-up paddling in Bohinj

When you are up for calmer water activity, head up to the tranquil Lake Bohinj in the heart of the Triglav National Park. You can easily rent a SUP board for an hour or a day. What I really like to do, is to paddle all the way to the center of the lake and then just relax and connect with nature. In early summer it is usually still possible to observe snow-capped mountains perfectly reflected in the water.

Paragliding above Bovec

Many mountain biking colleagues and other adrenaline junkies wish to see the Julian Alps and the Soča Valley from a bird’s eye view. Indeed, excellent thermal and wind conditions of the place combined with wonderful scenery create ideal conditions for paragliders. There are several take-offs in the Soča Valley and paragliders can choose a suitable position according to weather conditions. My top picks among take-off spots are Mangartsko sedlo and Kanin above Bovec.

Fly fishing in Soča valley

I’m not a big fisherman myself, but I have many friends who love fly fishing. Soča Valley is in fact a perfect place for it, as it has many streams and rivers in a relatively small area. All these waters are of excellent quality, meaning there is plenty of fish. The biggest magnet for fishermen is of course the autochthonous Soča trout. A large part of the fishing area is subject to the catch and release regime.

Author: Jan Klavora, CEO at Visit GoodPlace

Jan is responsible for the development of one of the most successful biking tourism products in the region – Trans Slovenia, Trans Dinarica, and Bike Slovenia Green, which was named one of the best products in 2020 by the Guardian and National Geographic. In addition to running Visit GoodPlace, he also helps destinations and businesses with the development of outdoor tourism products. He started his career as an outdoor guide in his hometown in the Soča Valley, so he prepared a list of the top 5 sports activities in Slovenia (apart from biking and hiking of course!).

Bike Slovenia Green Wine Route Coming Soon

Slovenia is full of hidden corners, beautiful mountains, and kind-hearted people. It is also the land of many wine-growing districts, which is the reason why Slovenians have a special love for wine. Slovenian vineyards lie in the very center of the European wine-growing zone and the result is as many as 52 different types of vines. Regardless of whether you like red, white, sweet, dry, or fruit wines, Slovenia offers everything.

On the Bike Slovenia Green Wine Route, the wine lovers will be able to get to know different varieties of wine and at the same time discover the beauties of Slovenia on a bike. The route will start in the Soča Valley and then turn towards Ljubljana through Goriška Brda, Kras, and Vipava, three extremely fertile wine districts, and end in Maribor with a stopover in Posavje. More information about the course will be revealed soon.

Green Friday deals

Welcome to Slovenia, a land known for its pristine nature and the efforts to keep it that way. A place, where, instead of impulsive shopping, we celebrate responsible practices that protect our natural environment. A place, where, Black Friday becomes Green Friday. Please follow the tips below and explore our country in an environmentally-friendly way.

Help to preserve the delicate balance in natural areas by keeping to the existing paths and trails. Cycling or walking outside the established paths can undermine the biotic balance.

Respect wild animals. When you enter their territory, please be alert. Do not attempt to feed wild animals and keep your distance.

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Be romantic without stomping on the grass and picking flowers. Meadows bursting with wildflowers feed honey bees, our heroes of pollination.

In Slovenia, you can drink tap water of excellent quality wherever you go. Please use a reusable water bottle and avoid using single-use plastic bottles.

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Recycle, Reduce, and Reuse. Try to decrease the amount of waste you produce, especially when it comes to single-use plastics. Make sure you separate your waste and deposit it in designated places. When exploring natural areas, take your rubbish with you to the next settlement. 

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Use environmentally-friendly cosmetic products (including sunscreen) that do not damage the delicate natural ecosystems.

Help us preserve Slovenia’s rich water resources by opting for a shower instead of a bath and turning off the tap while brushing your teeth.

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Avoid unnecessary energy use. Turn lights and electronics off when you leave your room and use air-conditioning sensibly. Opt-out of daily bed changing and room cleaning.

Support short supply chains by ordering local food made of seasonal ingredients and buying local handmade souvenirs.

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Educate others to be responsible travelers. If you see someone unintentionally doing something that is detrimental to the environment, mention it in a friendly way.

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Remember, our actions can have a big impact on the planet. Make sure it is a positive one.

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