Gravel Slovenia – Alps to Adriatic
Epic Transitions: gravel cycling tour from glacial lakes and alpine forests to sunlit wine valleys and coastal cliffs— crossing entire landscapes under your own power
Water in All Forms: Pedal past still alpine lakes, trace winding rivers, and arrive at the salt-scented shores of the Adriatic Sea.
Stories in the Terrain: From cliffside castles to forested railway paths, follow age-old routes through borderlands, past stone villages, and into the heart of history.
Wild & Varied Gravel: Flow across spruce-covered plateaus, through open karst, pastures, and valleys—each day revealing new textures beneath your wheels.
Cultural Encounters: Pause in timeless towns, ride through landscapes that shaped legends, and finish in a coastal port rich with character and heritage. First Hand Experience
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Departure
Daily from May 9 to October 10, 2026
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Starting Point
Bled
Total Distance
377km (419 km with optional Day 1 tour)
Activity Level
Challenging
From the Julian Alps to the Adriatic Sea on Gravel
Ride across Slovenia from the high alpine lakes of Bled and Bohinj to the Adriatic coast near Trieste. This self‑guided Gravel Cycling Slovenia tour blends Slovenia’s most varied landscapes—spruce‑covered plateaus, medieval towns, karst valleys, vineyards—and ends by the sea.
With daily ascents of 800–1,200 m, the route suits gravel riders with solid fitness who enjoy long, varied days in the saddle. Surfaces are mixed—smooth gravel, quiet asphalt, forest tracks, and village lanes—delivering a steady sense of discovery and flow.
Ideal for cyclists seeking a multi‑day journey across Slovenia’s iconic regions, combining scenic routes, local culture, and the quiet satisfaction of riding from the high Alps all the way to the sea.
Itinerary
Welcome to Lake Bled, where turquoise waters reflect snow-dusted peaks and every corner whispers adventure.
After settling into your hotel, the day is yours: stroll the lakeshore, hike up to Mala Osojnica for a breathtaking view, or simply relax and take it all in.
Your gravel cycling tour begins! Leave the lakeside behind and begin a steady climb into the vast forests of Pokljuka, a high alpine plateau within Triglav National Park. The paved road soon gives way to smooth gravel as the ride opens into wide pastures and cool spruce woods. Midway through, you’ll reach Zajamniki—a hidden gem of wooden shepherd huts stretched along a panoramic ridge.
From there, the trail leads past Uskovnica, another traditional mountain pasture. After a flowing descent into Srednja vas, the ride glides toward the shores of Lake Bohinj—crystal clear and framed by towering cliffs. End the day with a gentle roll into Bohinjska Bistrica, tucked beneath the peaks of the Julian Alps.
From Bohinjska Bistrica, the ride begins with a steady climb toward Soriška Planina—but just before the pass, you branch off onto a long forest road across the Jelovica Plateau. This is pure gravel flow: wide, quiet, and carved through deep spruce woodland. After a descent, the route winds through Železniki and into Škofja Loka—one of Slovenia’s oldest and most charming medieval towns.
From there, open fields and rural lanes bring you to the outskirts of Kranj. The ride ends in Predoslje near the Brdo estate, a former royal residence nestled at the foot of the Kamnik Alps—serene, stately, and surrounded by nature.
The cycling day begins with a gentle roll from Brdo toward Preddvor, a quiet alpine town framed by the steep northern face of Mount Storžič. From here, a steady climb leads toward Možjanca and continues to Štefanja Gora.
After a winding descent, the route reaches Komenda—hometown of cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar, passing through the very roads that shaped one of the sport’s greats. The final climb leads into the wooded hills of Rašica. From the panoramic tower above the city, Slovenia’s bike-friendly capital opens up below—Ljubljana, with its leafy boulevards, riverside cafés, and laid-back energy, welcomes you at the end of a rewarding ride.
Leave the capital behind, rolling through the flat, green expanse of Ljubljansko Barje, a protected marshland rich with birdsong and open skies. Soon, the road begins to rise toward Rakitna on a winding mix of pavement and gravel.
Visit Lake Cerknica, a seasonal lake that vanishes and reappears depending on the time of year. The final stretch leads you through the karst wonderland of Rakov Škocjan, where natural bridges, collapsed caves, and forested paths make for a truly unique gravel experience.
The day ends in Postojna, a town famed for its underground world—yet perfectly placed above it all for your night’s rest.
Begin with a gentle rise to Predjama Castle, perched dramatically beneath a limestone cliff. From there, the route rolls steadily toward Razdrto and then opens into the sweeping landscapes of the Vipava Valley. Surrounded by vineyards and wide skies, you’ll follow the winding Vipava River past quiet villages and through a changing climate—the warmth and rhythm of the Mediterranean beginning to show.
The ascent into the Karst Plateau brings a shift in tone: stone walls, scattered pines, and timeless views. The route passes through the historic town of Štanjel, a hilltop jewel of narrow lanes and weathered architecture, before descending gently to Kodreti, your quiet resting place for the night.
Your final ride begins in the quiet stone villages of the Karst, where the route rolls west toward Štorje and then south to Lipica, home of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses. From here, the descent begins—easing not just in elevation, but into a gentler, more Mediterranean mood.
You drop into the Rosandra Valley, a striking canyon carved by the Glinščica River. For part of the way, the route follows the old railway line, now transformed into a scenic path through tunnels and scrubby limestone hills. A final climb skirts the cliffs beneath Socerb Castle. Those who take the short detour (+6 km, +170 m) are rewarded with a dramatic view over the Gulf of Trieste—one last wide panorama before the sea. The ride finishes with a descent past the Laghetti delle Noghere wetlands, then gently rolling along the Osp River into Muggia, a coastal town of old-world charm and salty air. You’ve arrived—from high forests to the edge of the Adriatic.
After breakfast, your gravel cycling Slovenia tour concludes—leaving you with mountain memories, Mediterranean light, and the rhythm of the ride still in your legs.
Price
Price per person based on two people sharing:
Date of Day1 sets the trip's season.
(Currency converter)- Seven nights accommodation in 3* / 4* hotels in two bedded ensuite facilities room, on basis of bed & breakfast.
- Luggage transfer – one piece per person, max 23 kgs / 50 lb. Lufthansa airline dimensions. Every additional piece 30 EUR per trip, payable on spot.
- Tour description and maps in GUIBO application electronic form. One download per adult person. Every additional download 15 EUR.
- Local tourist and other taxes.
- Backup service (hotline) during the trip.
- Personal welcome meeting and bike handover upon arrival
- Single travelers – Applies when a person travels alone. Includes single room supplement.
Season A 385 EUR;
Season B 395 EUR. - Single room – Applies when a person is traveling together with other persons in a party.
Season A 335 EUR;
Season B 395 EUR. - 4* Hotel in Ljubljana City Center location supplement:
Season A and B 45 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 70 EUR.
Season C 60 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 90 EUR. - Bike rental 240 EUR for six days*. Every additional day 40 EUR per bike.
- Electric MTB 240 EUR.
*Bike rental period starts at 9:00 on day two of the tour and ends at 18:00 on day seven.
- Printed information package in English, including route notes and detailed maps, delivered upon arrival 30 EUR.
Price is per person per night.
- 4* Hotel in Ljubljana
Season A: Double Room 95 EUR. Single room 150 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 105 EUR. Single room 165 EUR.
Season C: Double Room 110 EUR. Single room 177 EUR. - 3* guesthouse in Štanjel Area
Season A: Double Room 75 EUR. Single room 105 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 75 EUR. Single room 105 EUR.
Season C: Double Room 85 EUR. Single room 115 EUR. - 4* Hotel in Muggia
Season A: Double Room 80 EUR. Single room 115 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 90 EUR. Single room 130 EUR.
Season C: Double Room 110 EUR. Single room 150 EUR.
- Third adult person in a double room on auxiliary bed: 10% discount. This discount only applies to third person only (not all persons in the party)
Entrance fees, lunches, dinners, additional transfers, not mentioned in tour program.
Route Profile
377km (419 km with optional Day 1 tour)
The route combines smooth gravel roads (40%), quiet asphalt roads (35%), and unpaved forest tracks (15%), with shorter sections on lightly paved roads (7%) and natural trails (3%). Most of the way follows well-maintained gravel and quiet country lanes, offering variety without being too rough or technical. Expect flowing descents, open plateaus, and occasional sections on forest paths and village lanes.
A sportive gravel tour designed for riders with solid fitness, used to long days and changing terrain. Daily stages range from 42–70 km with 800–1,200 m of climbing. Terrain includes gravel roads, forest tracks, pastures, and occasional short natural trails. Technically not extreme, but the length and elevation require endurance and good bike handling. Best suited for cyclists with prior gravel or road touring experience.
E-MTB option: The tour can also be completed with an electric mountain bike, making the climbs easier and the route more accessible to riders with moderate fitness.
Accommodation
Helia supports responsible travel. On our trips we therefore use small, authentic hotels and guesthouses with character operated by locals or their families. Here you can find the list of standard accommodation we primarily use on the trip. The actual hotels may differ from this list, depending on time of booking and rooms availability.
- Day 1: Hotel Astoria 3* Superior in Bled
- Day 2: Bohinj Eco Hotel 4* in Bohinjska Bistirca
- Day 3: Hotel Elegans Brdo 4* or Urša Guesthouse in Predoslje
- Day 4: M-Hotel 4* in Ljubljana
- Day 5: Hotel Kras 4* in Postojna
- Day 6: Guesthouse Hiša Posebne Sorte 3* in Štanjel Area
- Day 7: Hotel San Rocco 4* in Muggia
Travel Options & Local Transfer
Starting point of this trip is Bled in NW Slovenia.
Getting there
By plane:
The nearest airport is Ljubljana (LJU), served by several international airlines. From the airport, you can reach Bled by public transport (bus via Kranj, approx. 1.5 hours with one change) or book our direct transfer (approx. 30 minutes).
By train:
The closest railway station is Lesce-Bled, about 5 km from the town center. From there, you can continue by local bus or taxi. Train connections are available from Ljubljana, Villach (Austria), and Jesenice.
By car:
Bled is easily accessible via the A2 motorway (Ljubljana–Jesenice–Karavanke). Take the Lesce–Bled exit and follow signs to the lake (approx. 4 km). The drive takes about 40 minutes from Ljubljana and 25 minutes from Kranjska Gora. Most hotels offer private parking, while public parking near the lake is generally paid.
... and away
By plane:
The nearest airports are Trieste (TRS) and Ljubljana (LJU). Trieste Airport is about 45 minutes away by car, while Ljubljana Airport can be reached in about 1.5 hours. Both airports are served by international flights. We can arrange direct transfers from Muggia to either airport.
By train:
The closest major railway station is Trieste Centrale, about 10 km from Muggia. Regular buses and taxis connect Muggia with Trieste. From Trieste, there are train connections to Venice, Milan, and the wider European network.
By car:
Muggia is located just south of Trieste and is easily accessible by road. Paid public parking is available in and around the town, while some hotels offer private parking.
Not ready to stop pedaling? Keep the adventure alive – discover more of Slovenia on one of our other unforgettable cycling trips.
Available Transfers
Ljubljana Airport to Bled
1–3 persons 90 EUR
4–8 persons 130 EUR
Ljubljana City to Bled
1–3 persons 130 EUR
4–8 persons 170 EUR
Trieste Airport to Bled
1–3 persons 375 EUR
4–8 persons 425 EUR
Muggia to Ljubljana Airport
1–3 persons 275 EUR
4–8 persons 310 EUR
Muggia to Ljubljana City
1–3 persons 250 EUR
4–8 persons 290 EUR
Muggia to Bled
1–3 persons 275 EUR
4–8 persons 315 EUR
Muggia to Trieste Airport
1–3 persons 160 EUR
4–8 persons 200 EUR
Muggia to Trieste Centre
1–3 persons: 155 EUR
4–8 persons: 200 EUR
All prices per transfer, one way. Price includes transport of bikes.
Rental Bikes
Helia bikes are available in different sizes and unisex frame model:
All rented adult bikes are equipped with
- Pannier
- Helmet
Only for self-guided tours: per two bikes – one repair kit, one spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, Allen keys and tire levers. + one combination lock.
Other available rental bikes