Around Triglav National Park Gravel Tour

Before the cycling tour officially begins, an overnight is organized in the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. An introductory meeting is held to present the tour details.

We recommend you plan enough time to explore this vibrant city. As one of the smallest and greenest European capitals, Ljubljana is also one of the most livable cities. It’s never crowded – but also never boring. 50.000 university students give it its youthful appeal, and as an economic and cultural hub of Slovenia, it has a lot to offer to locals and visitors alike. Car traffic is restricted in the center, leaving the leafy banks of the Ljubljanica River free for pedestrians and cyclists.

The day starts with a transfer from Ljubljana to Bohinj. The first cycling stage extends between two Slovenian gems, Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled. Many visitors to Slovenia say they have never seen a lake more beautiful than Bled – until they see Lake Bohinj, the largest natural lake in Slovenia.

From Bohinj, the route climbs to the Pokljuka Plateau, which rests at an altitude of 1,300 meters and serves as a starting point for many hikes. The forested plateau is dotted with shingle-covered wooden cottages that are typical for the Slovenian mountain pastures. Back in the old days, they were used as homes for shepherds or dairy production facilities. The highlight of the day is the Zajamniki mountain pasture in the central area of Pokljuka, known for its beautiful cottages and a perfect view over Lake Bohinj.

Reaching the final destination of the day, the famously beautiful Bled, it would be a pity not to visit the tiny island in the middle of the lake, walk to the impressive Bled Castle overlooking the town, or taste the famous Bled cream cake called “Kremšnita”.

On the second day of cruising around the Triglav National Park, a pleasant cycling road leads to one of the prettiest Alpine valleys in Slovenia, the Radovna Valley. The valley is well-known due to its unspoiled nature and a dramatic 1.6-kilometer-long Vintgar Gorge. Easy cycling is accompanied by views of mountain tops and cattle grazing on the surrounding meadows.

Next, the route passes by the village of Mojstrana, where a visit to the Slovenian Alpine Museum is highly recommended. The majestic Peričnik Waterfall is also just a few kilometers away. The route eventually reaches the final destination of the day – the mountain resort of Kranjska Gora, situated at the foot of the Julian Alps. Time permitting, a visit to the crystal clear Jasna Lake is a great idea. Another recommended option is visiting the Planica Nordic Center with the once-highest ski jumping hill in the world, or a stroll around the Zelenci Natural Reserve, a moorland famous for its distinctive colors and views.

From Kranjska Gora, the cycling continues across the Vršič mountain pass. The highest-positioned road pass in the eastern part of the Julian Alps with an altitude of 1,611 meters offers one of the best ascents in the region. For the most part, the tour avoids the main road and makes use of the gravel paths.

A thrilling descent leads to the Trenta Valley, one of the most remote, but also most appealing places in Slovenia. Trenta is the uppermost part of the famous Soča Valley, the first place in Slovenia to be proclaimed the European Destination of Excellence due to its sustainable tourism development. Flowing under the majestic peaks of the Julian Alps, the emerald green Soča is considered one of the most beautiful European rivers. In addition to a plethora of stunning natural sites, the valley is rich in WW1 heritage and war remnants are visible at every step.

The route follows the river to the town of Bovec, which is known as a paradise for outdoor activities. The rest of the day is dedicated to exploring this idyllic location or choosing from a wide variety of exciting outdoor activities provided by local agencies.

A large part of this picturesque cycling stage runs along the left bank of the Soča river, where keen canoeists and rafters take turns to tackle the rapids. The route passes the romantic Virje Waterfall, leading through the Bovec Valley. This site is also known as the magical world of Narnia, as it served as a setting for the Walt Disney production of “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”. There is another waterfall nearby, the majestic Boka, where hundreds of cubic meters of water flow deep into the valley.

After a mild ascent, the route passes by the delightful village of Drežnica, located directly below Mt. Krn. Drežnica is a center of parachute jumping and a starting point for many hikes. Only a few kilometers of a winding road remain before reaching the small town of Kobarid, best known for the 1917 WW1 Battle of Caporetto, where the Italian retreat was documented by Ernest Hemingway in his novel A Farewell to Arms. Today, Kobarid is a lively tourist hub.

Easy cycling continues along the river bank. The route passes small, laid-back villages before reaching the final destination of the day, the town of Tolmin. In its vicinity, one can find the lowest point of the Triglav National Park and one of the most popular tourist spots in the region, the Tolmin Gorges. For those with more energy to spare, a visit to this spectacular site is a must.

The cycling tour around the Triglav National Park is almost completed. After arriving in Tolmin, the last day offers a shorter, but diverse and exiting loop around the Tolmin basin, right at the foot of the surrounding mountains, yet all the time on the moderate plain of the Soča Valley.

A proper gravel loop offers scenic riding along and crossings of the rivers Soča, Tolminka and Zadlaščica, experiencing various natural and cultural sights along the way.

The short cycling day ends with the final transfer from Tolmin back to Ljubljana.

*Note: for those eager to do some more exiting gravel and road cycling, and to complete the whole loop around Triglav National Park on a bike all the way to Bohinj, the tour can be tailor-made with additional two cycling days added to the itinerary – from Tolmin over hilly Šentviška plateau to Cerkno, followed by riding below Mt. Porezen and over Soriška planina pass back to Bohinj.

The Around Triglav National Park cycling tour ends with breakfast in Ljubljana.