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Long distance biking trails in Slovenia

Slovenian long distance trails are the perfect way to discover Slovenia’s beauty. The most popular trails run throughout the diverse landscape in various parts of Slovenia – along the Drava River, around the coast, up into the alpine world and along the Mura River.

Bike throughout Slovenia

Biking is one of the greenest ways to discover new landscapes. We are fully aware of this in Slovenia and so are constantly setting up new cycling connections. Long distance biking trails that are perfect for experienced cyclists and families have a special charm. They run across the picturesque countryside, past natural and cultural attractions. Some of them are part of international biking trails. And when you get tired, you can relax at rest stops along the way and find specialised cycling accommodation where you and your bikes will be well taken care of.

Top long-distance cycling routes in Slovenia

Discover the most popular long-distance cycling routes, where you can experience life along Slovenia’s major rivers, ride beneath the Alpine peaks or along the coast, and explore green destinations throughout the country.

A group of cyclists rides along a well-maintained riverside path, birds flying above the water, with a city, a bridge, and tightly clustered houses in the background.

Drava Cycling Route: from Pohorje to Pomurje along the Drava River

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Number of stages
132 km
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Route length in Slovenia
4
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Elevation gain
1,911 m

The Drava Biking Trail is a part of an international trail that begins at the source of the River Drava in Italy. In Slovenia, the River Drava will be by your side as you enjoy biking pleasures and challenges through the Libeliče or Vič border crossings to Maribor or even further, to Ptuj and Ormož – the total length is 129 km. The difficulty level of the trail is medium, and it mostly runs on local asphalt roads. It is suitable for recreational cycling on gravel bikes.

Cycle along the Drava River

Cyclists ride along a paved path through a narrow stone street of the old town, surrounded by greenery and the warm colors of the houses.

Slovenia Green cycling routes: a sustainable way to reach your destination

Cycling is, in and of itself, one of the greenest outdoor activities. Now you can enjoy cycling tours that take you through destinations bearing the Slovenia Green sustainability certificate. Six routes take you on a journey of culinary delights, in pursuit of well-being, through green towns, into the heart of the Solčava region, through the mighty forests of the Kočevje region and across the rolling Pannonian landscape. In short, these are routes worth taking the time to explore.

A sustainable and enchanting ride along the Slovenia Green trails

 

A family cycles along a gravel path by the calm sea, next to a wooden pier with moored sailboats and green hills in the background.

Parenzana: cycling with the scent of the sea air

The famous Porečanka (Parenzana) biking trail takes you along a short but diverse stretch of the Slovenian coast. It runs along the former railway line between Trieste (Italy) and Poreč (Croatia) for a total length of 130 kilometres and is perfect for biking and walking. On the Slovenian section between Koper and Sečovlje Saltpans, you can discover the Slovenian coastal towns and part of the Istrian hinterland. It’s perfect for a family tour or an active holiday.

Cycling along the old railroad track

Cyclists cross a wooden bridge over a turquoise lake, surrounded by forests and majestic mountain peaks in the background.

Cycling Route D2: A cross-country route from the Julian Alps to the Dolenjska Hills

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Length of the trail
242 km
Icon of three vertical bars of different heights indicating a medium difficulty level.
Difficulty
1,435 m
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Elevation gain
Moderate

The cycling route along the Sava River is one of the longest and most scenic cycling trails in the country, taking you from the foothills of the Julian Alps to the wine-growing regions in southeastern Slovenia. The most popular section is the one through the Upper Sava Valley, named after the famous ultra-marathon cyclist Jure Robič. From here, follow the course of Slovenia’s longest river toward Ljubljana and on to Brežice. In addition to the picturesque landscape, you will find numerous natural and cultural attractions that are well worth a stop.

Follow the course of the Sava River

 

EuroVelo Routes in Slovenia: cycling between the Pannonian Region and the Adriatic Sea

The EuroVelo network of long-distance cycling routes also has sections in Slovenia. Take a ride along the Slovenian coast on the Mediterranean Route (8) and discover the charms of the Prekmurje region and its villages on the "Iron Curtain" trail (13). The longest cycling route across Slovenia is the one that runs from the Baltic to the Adriatic (9), which takes you diagonally from the wine-growing hills of Styria to the coast.

Discover the EuroVelo cycling routes in Slovenia

A cyclist climbs a gravel path, with a meadow on one side and a valley covered in clouds on the other.

The Slovenian Mountain Biking Trail: the ultimate cycling transversal

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Length of the trail
1,800 km
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Number of stages
43
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Difficulty
50,000 m
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Elevation gain
1,691 m
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Highest point
difficult

This circular cycling route takes you to all the hilly regions of Slovenia, where you can cycle along quiet roads, gravel paths and forest trails. Although not that technically demanding, it is quite strenuous and has a few challenging sections where you will have to push your bike. Your efforts will be rewarded with stunning views and fascinating sites of natural and cultural heritage along the way. The route is designed to run close to railway lines in many places, allowing you to combine cycling with travelling by train.

Embark on a mountain biking adventure

 

An aerial view of a river with a pronounced meander flowing through a plain with organized agricultural fields of various colors and shapes.

The Amazon of Europe: experience three rivers on a bike

The 1,250-kilometre Amazon of Europe Bike Trail connects five Central European countries and three major European rivers - the Mura, the Drava and the Danube. Along the way, you can discover the unspoilt riverscapes of the first UNESCO Natural Heritage Site of the Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve, a transnational biosphere reserve. The Slovenian part of the 90-kilometre route takes you along the Mura River, past Murska Sobota and Lendava, through the plains of Prekmurje and hospitable villages that are home to an exquisite and varied cuisine.

Cycling adventure in the river oasis of Europe

A group of cyclists with mountain bikes stands on the shore of a calm lake; a pebbled beach and a tree in the foreground, and a smooth water surface, forested slopes, and high mountains in soft light in the background.

Juliana Bike: discovering the Julian Alps by bike

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Length of the trail
290 km
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Number of stages
7+3 additional
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Elevation gain
8,500 m

Enjoy the beauty of the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park as you discover them by bike. The Juliana Bike mountain biking loop, part of the Slovenian Mountain Biking Route, takes you around and across the Julian Alps. It connects villages, towns, valleys, passes and plateaus, showcasing their rich natural and cultural heritage. The route runs along local roads, cycling paths, forest and rural tracks, and gravel trails.

To the Kingdom of the Goldenhorn by bike

A group of cyclists stands with their bikes on a gravel plateau in front of a stone lookout tower with a flag, a blooming tree to the side, and open sky with hilly landscape in the background.

Trans Dinarica: an epic cycling route across the Balkans

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Length of the trail
262 km
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Number of stages
4
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Elevation gain
4,570 m

Trans Dinarica is a cycling adventure through the Dinaric Karst region of the Western Balkans, connecting eight countries in the area. The Slovenian section begins in the embrace of the Julian Alps, in the picturesque Soča Valley. From there, it takes you through the wine-growing regions of Goriška Brda and the Vipava Valley into the stunning Karst landscape, largely overlapping with the Slovenian section of the Alpine–Mediterranean cycling route (D7).

Experience the Dinaric Karst region by bike

Tackle great distances by e-bike

You can also handle long distance and other biking trails on an e-bike. Even climbs will not be any problem and the kilometres will just keep accumulating. If you do not own an e-bike, you can rent one at various rental facilities in Slovenia.

Explore Slovenia by e-bike

Cycling in Slovenia? Sounds good!

Experience the magic of cycling through Slovenia’s rolling countryside through audio stories. From preparations to the final destination. With inspiring sounds along the way, in harmony with every breath and heartbeat.

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Logo “Slovenia Outdoor Standards – Bike Hotel 2022”

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Cycling in Slovenia - cycling accommodations and destinations

The publication describes tours for various biking types; here, you can find information on accommodation for bikers, trail difficulty, natural and cultural attractions along the way, and suggestions for biking holidays.


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