Slovenia

Intermediate riders start with a van transfer from Ljubljana to the picturesque Kamniška Bistrica Valley, renowned for its rugged mountains, crystal-clear streams, and lush Alpine forests. You ride south down the valley through a mix of forests and farmland. In the historic city of Kamnik (with its three castles, cobbled street, and quaint squares), you head west across the green and open lowlands north of Ljubljana. There are pretty, well-kept villages every few miles and traditional hayracks line the route. The final approach to Škofja Loka is on small roads through fields of wheat.

The Challenge route starts higher up the Kamniška Bistrica Valley and adds a hilly easterly loop through the forests east of Kamnik.

The Leisure route begins in Kamnik and then follows the Intermediate route into Škofja Loka.

Today’s rides feature rolling hills, mixed forests, and the occasional glimpse of the Julian Alps. You pass through many small, immaculately-kept rural villages.

The Intermediate route begins in Škofja Loka and follows the Selška Sora River Valley, gradually climbing toward Bukovica. Here you leave the valley and start a three-mile climb on small lanes that snake through forests and emerge onto Alpine meadows. The views of both the villages and the distant mountains are stunning. You are in the rural heart of the Slovenian countryside. You then descend back to the Selška Sora valley. After a more gentle climb up to Čepulje, it is an easy descent back down Škofja Loka.

The Leisure route follows the Intermediate route out of Škofja Loka but skips the climb up from Bukovica, rather heading directly to Čepulje and then enjoying the easy descent back to Škofja Loka.

The Challenge route follows more remote roads that climb up into the foothills of the Julian Alps. There are two sections of well-graded gravel on this route, including an interesting stretch along an old military road.

Today’s Intermediate ride starts in Škofja Loka and heads toward Kranj across rolling farmland. Kranj is a pleasant city in a dramatic setting (perched on a rocky ridge between two rivers) and lets you see authentic Slovenian life with few tourists. From Kranj, the route follows the Sava River, all the way to the village of Radovljica. From Radovljica, the journey continues along the Sava Bohinjka Valley up to Lake Bled. The riding is on a mix of small lanes and gravel paths which wind through the valleys. The countryside becomes increasingly rural, with open farmland giving way to denser woodland and a string of beautifully-kept villages. The charming hamlet Crngrob has a particularly beautiful pilgrimage church.

The Leisure route follows the Intermediate route but skips the detour into the city of Kranj.

The Challenge route follows the Intermediate route but adds on a very pretty diversion up a side valley after Kranj. In contrast to the routes in the main valleys, the gradients on this ride pitch up to 17% in places. One of the highlights of this ride is the beautiful hilltop church in Jamnik.

All today’s rides start with an easy cruise to the beautifully preserved, medieval village of Radovljica – known as the beekeeping capital of Slovenia. From Radovljica, the routes pass through the lowlands to the atmospheric ruins of the medieval Kamen Castle. You then enjoy a stunning ridge ride with fertile valleys to your right and the craggy Karawanks mountains to the left.

The Intermediate route continues on to Tržič, a traditional Alpine town with a compact historic center and colorful houses. From Tržič, you descend down the fertile Tržič Bistrica River Valley to Brezje, with its famous Basilica. A short cruise brings you back to Radovljica, from where you retrace your route to Bled.

The Leisure route loops back to Radovljica before Tržič – going via Leše – and rejoins the Intermediate ride at Brezje.

The Challenge ride follows the Intermediate ride to Tržič. Here it pushes deeper into the Karawanks Mountains: first up a narrow gorge and then in a wide easterly arc through rolling farmland before rejoining the Intermediate ride at Radovljica.

Today’s ride from Lake Bled to Lake Bohinj is one of Slovenia’s most scenic rides, following the emerald waters of the Sava Bohinjka River into the heart of the Triglav National Park.

The Leisure route follows dedicated bike paths and quiet lanes, passing through the occasional small village. You reach the town of Bistrica five miles before the lake. The final stretch of the ride is even more beautiful as you enter the Triglav National Park and ride through open meadows with the craggy Julian Alps in the background. You end at Lake Bohinj with iconic views up the lake.

The Intermediate route follows the Leisure route to Bistrica. Here, rather than heading directly to Lake Bohinj, the route heads north, climbing up a side valley to approach the lake via an impossibly idyllic set of villages including the hamlet of Studor.

The Challenge ride follows the Intermediate ride to Studor, but then adds on a northern loop with a ten-mile gravel climb through woodland to the Pokljuka Plateau. Most of the descent is paved with glimpses of Alpine villages and the valley beyond.

If you want to relax today, you can stroll to a nearby village for lunch, or head out onto the lake: swimming, kayaking or on a stand-up paddle board. There are also three beautiful hiking routes.

Leisure Hike: this is a pleasant stroll around the lake. Most of the trail is in the shade of trees but with plenty of great views across the lake. Pack a swimsuit and a picnic if you want to make a day of it. For those looking to shorten the walk, there is a small ferry that runs the length of the lake that will bring you back to your starting point.

Intermediate Hike: this hike heads up the Mostnica Gorge to the Mostnica waterfall. You hike up past the fast-flowing river that surges through the limestone gorge before emerging into an Alpine meadows complete with wild flowers and grazing cows. Just before you reach the waterfall, there is a mountain refuge serving excellent local food.

Challenge Hike: this is an all-day challenge with plenty of climbing. The route starts out easily enough, following the Leisure route around the north of the lake. From here, you have a steady climb – sometimes steep with rocky sections – to two waterfalls.

Cycling options also available.