Trans Dinarica – A Cycling Adventure through the Dinaric Karst

Discover the Slovenian part of the international cycling trail that takes you across the Dinaric world of the Western Balkans and has already impressed many cyclists and achieved global media coverage.

An epic cycling journey through the Western Balkans

Welcome to a unique long-distance cycling adventure that takes you across the Dinaric-Karst world of eight Western Balkan countries. The route of the trail mainly runs on roads and paths that prioritise nature parks and pristine nature and avoid well-known tourist destinations.

Since its inception, it has attracted widespread coverage by global media, such as the New York Times, CNN Travel, BBC, Time Out, and Outside magazine. In 2024, the famous travel guide book publisher Lonely Planet recognised the trail as an excellent travel experience and placed it on its Best in Travel list. Cyclists are also enthusiastic: in its first year and a half, the trail attracted more than 15,000 cyclists from all over the world.

The Trans Dinarica begins in Slovenia, on the edge of the Alpine world, and takes cyclists across the Karst region towards Croatia.

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Trans Dinarica in numbers

Take a look at some interesting figures about the Trans Dinarica long-distance cycling route.

An icon of a measuring ruler indicating the total route length.

Total length

about 5,000 km

Route length in Slovenia

264 km

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Average stage length

50 km

Bicycle icon with a marked route and a flag.

Number of stages

Number of countries

Cycling is the right way to see the western balkans. This region is perfect for travellers who combine adventure, culture and a glass of wine at the end of the day.

Jan Klavora, a Trans Dinarica Cycling Route designer, Lonely Planet

Two cyclists ride uphill on a paved mountain road through green pastures, with snow-covered Alpine peaks in the background.

Trans Dinarica in Slovenia

Recognised as one of the world's leading sustainable travel destinations, Slovenia is encouraging people to explore its beautiful countryside by bike. With cycling craze thanks to the success of world-class riders such as Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič, Slovenia has a vibrant recreational cycling community and a growing network of cycling events and infrastructure.

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Photo: Matevž Hribar

The Trans Dinarica makes full use of the diverse landscape and its features. While many cyclists describe the Slovenian part of the Trans Dinarica route as one of the most beautiful, it also boasts the most cyclist-friendly infrastructure.

Cyclists ride along a paved riverside path, passing stone walls and crossing a modern suspension bridge in a green urban landscape.

In Slovenia, the Trans Dinarica mostly runs along well-developed cycling trails.

A turquoise river flows through a green gorge, spanned by a stone arch bridge and surrounded by forested hills.

Cycling can be combined with rides on trains that provide special carriages for bicycle transport. There are several railway stations along the route, making it easier for travellers on bikes to access it.

A group of cyclists with their bikes stands outside a rural house by a wooden table, gathered for a break or conversation.

The route is well served by (specialised) accommodation facilities, from campsites to hotels, as well as other services for cyclists, including restaurants, stores, bike shops and repair shops.

Two people cycle along a gravel path past a wooden pavilion, with a green meadow and trees in the background.

Connecting stages with major cities and international airports: Ljubljana, Villach, Trieste and their local airports.

A map shows the Slovenian section of the Trans Dinarica route, marked from the Alps through Ljubljana to the Karst and Dinaric areas.

The main route of the Trans Dinarica in Slovenia

The Trans Dinarica begins its journey across Slovenia on the very edge of the Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park – in Tolmin. The trail follows the stunning emerald-green Soča River to Nova Gorica, as part of which you can choose a more challenging option by taking the climb to Kolovrat and a route through the wine-growing region of Brda. The route then takes cyclists through the Karst to Brkini and leaves Slovenia near Ilirska Bistrica.

The main Trans Dinarica route is 264 kilometres long and divided into 4 stages.

Wander off-trail for more adventures

Two more options are available in addition to the main route:

The first takes you past Nova Gorica to the picturesque Vipava Valley, known for the largest number of indigenous wine varieties in Slovenia, and on to Postojna, where you can visit the Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle.
The second offers a climb from Most na Soči to the Trnovo Forest Plateau, followed by a ride to Postojna, where it joins the “Vipava” option.

From Postojna to Ilirska Bistrica, where the single route joins the main one, you cycle through the vast Snežnik forests, past the seasonal lakes of Pivka and over Volovja Reber.

Discover more details about the Slovenian Trans Dinarica routes

Let yourself be captivated by the Slovenian section of the Trans Dinarica route

It's not just the compelling descriptions that will entice you to cycle through Slovenia, it's also the stunning visuals of the route's diverse landscapes that await you.

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Don't get lost. Use GPS navigation for help

The course of the Trans Dinarica is only available in digital form, and there are no special markings on the route. A general route map for each country can be downloaded free of charge. This map shows the route of the trail, the vertical profile and basic technical data on the length and altitude of each stage.

Navigation info packs are available for each country and you can choose between the basic and the full pack. The fees paid for the packs have a sustainable function, as they will be used for maintaining the accuracy of the navigation packs and for updating routes in collaboration with local accommodation, food and service providers.

Of course, for each country you can also choose a guided cycling tour organised by local tour operators.

Choose your navigation on the Trans Dinarica

Places to visit along the way

Discover the unique character of the Slovenian travel destinations along the Trans Dinarica route.

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Soča Valley

Escape on an active break in the picturesque world of the Julian Alps, the Triglav National Park and the emerald River Soča.

Brda

Sun-Kissed Wine Country between the Alps and the Mediterranean

Nova Gorica and the Vipava Valley

The land of unique vines and first-rate cuisine between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea

Karst

The world of underground wonders, stunning natural phenomena and unique tastes.

Must-sees and stopovers

Prepare to be mesmerised by the stunning scenery as you cycle the Slovenian section of Trans Dinarica. Soak up the warm hospitality of the locals, who will treat you to the finest local cuisine and wines. Here are some of the sights you can look forward to along the way.

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Ten reasons to go cycling in Slovenia

Slovenia is a dream destination for cyclists, offering a variety of terrains and landscapes to suit all ages and abilities. Explore the range of cycling experiences on offer and discover why Slovenian cyclists rank among the best in the world.

Inspiration for cycling in Slovenia

Explore Slovenia by Bike

A bike is essential in Slovenia, and you'll soon discover that the best way to explore this part of Europe is with a gentle breeze in your hair. With bike rental available everywhere, it is just a matter of deciding where your adventure will take you.

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Long distance biking

Long distance trails are the perfect way to discover Slovenia by bike.

Slovenia Green Routes – sustainable cycling routes with a sustainable touch

Green cycling routes are the best sustainable way to discover Slovenia.

The most beautiful biking trails

Pick an unforgettable cycling experience on some of the most beautiful trails.

Top locations for cycling on colder days

Extend the cycling season into late autumn or even winter.

The Mediterranean & the Karst in Slovenia

Enjoy the warmth of the seaside sun caressing your skin or descend to the mysterious world of underground caves.

Top road cycling tours in Slovenia

Discover the best places in Slovenia that are worth visiting by road bikes.

Stories from Slovenia

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Trans Dinarica – A Cycling Adventure through the Dinaric Karst