Juliana Trail Road Cycling Loop
Iconic climbs: Conquer the legendary Mangart Saddle, trace the forested slopes of Pokljuka, and climb through battle-scarred Dražgoše to the panoramic ridge of Jamnik—this is Slovenia’s alpine road cycling at its finest.
The Heart of Slovenia by Road: This is not just a cycling tour—it’s a full immersion into the mountain soul of Slovenia, from the deep woods of Pokljuka to the turquoise bends of the Soča River.
A Ride Through Landscape & Legacy: Pass through places shaped by both nature and history: traditional ironworking towns, wartime memorials, and timeless alpine hamlets.
Smooth Roads, Stunning Views: Carefully chosen low-traffic asphalt routes lead you across mountain passes, past glacial lakes, and through Slovenia’s most scenic alpine corners.
A Complete Alpine Journey: This tour captures the essence of Slovenia’s high mountains—physically rewarding, scenically rich, and deeply memorable. First Hand Experience
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Departure
Daily from May 9 to October 10, 2026
Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Starting Point
Bled
Total Distance
319 km
Activity Level
Sportive
Conquer the Julian Alps – Slovenia’s Ultimate Road Cycling Loop
Take on Slovenia’s most legendary climbs in just a few days. The Juliana Trail Road Cycling Loop is a compact yet epic journey around the Julian Alps—three demanding stages packed with alpine passes, high plateaus, glacial valleys, and unforgettable views.
From the emerald lakes of Bled and Bohinj, across the switchbacks of Pokljuka and the mighty Mangart Saddle, to the hidden ridges of Jamnik, every ride delivers both challenge and reward.
Carefully designed for passionate road cyclists, this short adventure captures the very essence of Slovenia’s alpine cycling—iconic climbs, smooth roads, and scenery that will stay with you long after the ride ends.
Itinerary
Welcome to Bled—Slovenia’s most iconic mountain town. With its emerald lake, clifftop castle, and backdrop of snow-dusted peaks, it’s the perfect place to begin your journey.
Enjoy a relaxing evening and rest your legs—the road ahead is waiting.
Ease into the adventure with a peaceful ride westward from Lake Bled, gliding along a gentle cycle path that leads to the tranquil shores of Lake Bohinj. From the lakeside, the landscape shifts: alpine meadows and forested slopes rise around you as you enter the upper Bohinj valley. Your first major climb begins in the village of Jereka. Past charming hamlets and fragrant woodlands, the road opens into a thrilling descent into the pristine Radovna Valley.
After a punchy climb and swift descent into Mojstrana, the final stretch takes you along a dedicated cycle path through Gozd Martuljek and into the alpine resort town of Kranjska Gora,
Framed by the towering peaks of the Julian Alps. For those hungry for more, the legendary switchbacks of Vršič Pass await (+20 km / +780 m ascent)—Slovenia’s most iconic climb and a rite of passage for road cyclists.
Your day begins on a high note as you roll out of Kranjska Gora and into Italy, following a quiet cycle path to the charming town of Tarvisio. Then, the ascent begins toward Lago del Predil—a jewel-toned alpine lake cradled by sheer cliffs and pine forests.
From here, it’s upward to Predel Pass and back into Slovenia, where the legendary Mangart Saddle awaits. This is cycling at its most epic: hairpin turns, narrow tunnels, and jaw-dropping views above 2,000 meters.
The route flows with Soča river tracing its course through canyons, pastures, and ridges all the way to Kobarid.
One last descent carries you into Tolmin, where alpine serenity greets you at the day’s end.
The final ride begins in the misty morning calm of the Soča Valley. Pedal past the riverside villages of Tolmin and Most na Soči, before entering Baška Grapa—a hidden corridor carved between steep hillsides and sleepy farms.
A gentle incline becomes a hearty climb toward Petrovo Brdo, lifting you into a realm of meadows and deep forest. The road is spiralling down to the ironworking town of Železniki.
From here, the next ascent begins through the historic village of Dražgoše, rich with wartime history and surrounded by forested ridges and distant hilltop vistas.
The route then winds through Radovljica, one of Slovenia’s most charming old towns, before returning gently to Lake Bled.
You’ve completed the Julian Alps loop, and every climb, descent, and vista now forms a part of your personal story.
Wake to the soft light over Lake Bled and savor your last breakfast in this alpine paradise. Whether you're catching a transfer or staying a little longer, take a final stroll along the shore or enjoy one more lakeside coffee. You've journeyed through Slovenia's most majestic landscapes—and the memories are yours to keep. For onward trips, consider our Emerald Tour.
Price
Price per person based on two people sharing:
Date of Day1 sets the trip's season.
(Currency converter)- Four 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: 210 EUR;
Season B: 230 EUR.. - Single room – Applies when a person is traveling together with other persons in a party.
Season A: 160 EUR;
Season B: 180 EUR. - Bike rental 130 EUR for three days *. Every additional day 50 EUR per bike.
*Bike rental period starts at 9:00 on day two of the tour and ends at 18:00 on day four.
- 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 Bled
Season A: Double Room 110 EUR. Single room 210 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 125 EUR. Single room 215 EUR. - 4* Hotel in Kranjska Gora
Season A: Double Room 115 EUR. Single room 195 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 125 EUR. Single room 210 EUR. - 3* Hotel in Tolmin
Season A: Double Room 95 EUR. Single room 155 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 100 EUR. Single room 165 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
319 km
The route follows mostly low-traffic asphalt roads and well-maintained cycling paths, with scenic climbs, alpine passes, and long valley descents—perfectly suited for road cycling.
For experienced cyclists in very good shape, used to sustained climbing and long days in the saddle. The route includes 3 consecutive mountain stages with daily elevation gains of 1,700–2,900 meters. Road bikes with compact gearing are recommended.
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: Hotel Kompas 4* in Kranjska Gora
- Day 3: Hotel Dvorec 3* in Tolmin
- Day 4: Hotel Astoria 3* Superior in Bled
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
Simple, use one of the above options or – cycle away: consider one of our other cycling trips in Slovenia!
Available Transfers
Ljubljana Airport – Bled
1–3 persons 90 EUR
4–8 persons 130 EUR
Ljubljana City – Bled
1–3 persons 130 EUR
4–8 persons 170 EUR
Villach – Bled
1–3 persons 170 EUR
4–8 persons 200 EUR
Klagenfurt Airport – Bled
1–3 persons 200 EUR
4–8 persons 240 EUR
Lesce Bled Railway Station – Bled
1–3 persons 20 EUR
4–8 persons 30 EUR
Trieste Airport – Bled
1–3 persons 375 EUR
4–8 persons 425 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 bikes are equiped with:
- 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