Trans Slovenia 03

Pohorje is a 1543 meters high natural oasis with vast forests, clearings and pastures, unspoiled waters, the largest butterfly in Europe and other precious animal species. This lush area represents the main recreational area for many locals and other Slovenians. It is especially popular among mountain bikers.

The city of Maribor is situated at the foothills of Pohorje. Biking starts along an unpaved road towards the upper station of the Pohorje cable car. You can also shorten the stage by using a cable car from the valley. Alternatively, you can begin the day with some exciting MTB trails in Bike Park Pohorje. 

The trail takes you you past the Areh and Ruška koča mountain huts to Osankarica and further on the natural reserve of Črno jezero (Black Lake). The first stage of this Slovenia bicycle tour comes to an end at Rogla ski center. 

Gravel: 50%
Single trail: 40%
Asphalt: 10%
Optional: Bike Park Pohorje

After a rather demanding first stage, the day after starts in a more relaxed way. It opens with a descent along one of the easy paths of the Rogla Bike Park. The trail eventually reaches the highest peak of Pohorje, Mt. Črni vrh (1543 m), which reveals majestic views over the surroundings. This is followed by a downhill ride to the Mislinja Valley, leaving the Pohorje massif behind.

In the next part of biking in Slovenia, you pass by the city of Slovenj Gradec, the unofficial center of the Slovenian Carinthia. The route continues towards the Drava Valley, where you turn upwards again. The mountain bike adventure of the day ends in Jamnica, right next to the Jamnica Single Trail Park.

Gravel: 55%
Asphalt: 30%
Single trail: 15%
Optional: Rogla Bike Park, Jamnica Single Trail Park

The third day of the Trans Slovenia bike trip starts with some excellent single trails in the Jamnica Single Trail Park. When you return to the valley, it is time to go underground. Biking from one valley to another through the abandoned tunnels of the Mežica mine is unforgettable. 

The unique underground experience is nicely contrasted by the second half of the day. The route leads from Črna na Koroškem to Mt. Raduha and eventually reaches a beautiful panoramic road high above the Logarska Valley. You might want to take a short break here and enjoy the views over the mighty peaks of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps. The stage ends in the tranquil village of Podolševa. 

Gravel: 50%
Asphalt: 45%
Single trail: 5%
Optional: Single Trail Park Jamnica, Petzen Flow Trail

Biking carries on along the panoramic road for a while before a you gently ascend to the Pavličevo sedlo mountain pass. A scenic asphalt road then crosses the Austrian border, but soon after riding across another mountain pass, Jezerski Vrh, the route comes back to the Slovenian side. The trail continues down to the high glacier valley of Jezersko. Among Slovenia cycle routes, this is one of the lesser-known ones. With its untouched nature, authentic culture and limited numbers of tourists, the valley is a true hidden gem. 

If you are eager for more biking, you should finish the day with a round trip past the crystal-clear Planšarsko lake to the Ravenska Kočna Valley.

Asphalt: 80%

Gravel: 20%

Day 5 of this Trans Slovenia bike tour is all about adventurous mountain biking in the Karavanke mountains. This stage includes biking across the pastures below Košuta, Slovenia’s longest mountain ridge. On clear days, the views from here reach all the way to the highest peak of Slovenia, Mt. Triglav, as well as the Ljubljana basin. A stop at the Kofce mountain hut is highly recommended if you want to try the best “štruklji” dumplings in the country.

In the second leg of the day, the route runs along the Tržiška Bistrica stream towards the spectacular Dovžan gorge. A visit to the gorge is almost like a journey through time, since its walls hold   fossilized remains from 300 million years ago. The final stop of the day is the town of Tržič.   

Gravel: 70%
Asphalt: 25%
Single trail: 5%

On the following day the route turns back to the hills. First you climb the high slopes of Mt. Begunjščica, from where you continue past the village of Podljubelj. An uphill ride is rewarded by a delicious meal at the Preval mountain hut.  

A thrilling descent with numerous incredible view-points awaits you in the next part of this MTB Slovenia stage. Reaching the final destination of the day, the famous Bled, it would be a shame not to visit the tiny island in the middle of the lake, explore the Bled Castle overlooking the town, and taste the famous Bled cream cake known to locals as “Kremšnita”.

Asphalt: 45%

Gravel: 35%

Single trail: 20%

The ultimate part of this Trans Slovenia mountain bike trip includes yet another scenic ride. The route runs through what is arguably one of the most beautiful alpine valleys in Slovenia, the Radovna river valley. Since it is a part of the Triglav National Park, the largest protected area in Slovenia, mass tourism is limited here. 

The next destination on the way is the charming village of Mojstrana, which is a starting point for many hikes and home to a modern Alpine museum. After passing by the legendary FIS ski slope of Podkoren, you will soon arrive to Kranjska gora, your final stop and a popular ski and outdoor resort. Those who still want more MTB fun, can visit a local bike park. 

Asphalt: 75%
Gravel: 25%
Optional: Bike Park Kranjska Gora

After a late breakfast and an optional ride (or walk) around Kranjska Gora, we’ll take you and your bike back to Maribor (the drive takes approx. 2,5 hours).