Experiences

To the mountains or on a bike? Both, of course.

    Cycling

    MTB Trails & Parks

    Is there anything more beautiful than cycling in unspoilt nature, on forest paths and winding mountain trails?

    Whether you’re a committed mountain biker or just tackling your first kilometres of mountain trails, you’ll agree that experiencing nature and testing your limits on a mountain bike is pure pleasure.

     

    Some people prefer the rocks and the idyll of the high mountains, others feel more at home in the mid-mountains, surrounded by lush forests. In Slovenia you can have both. For a more adrenaline-fuelled and faster ride, Slovenia has a large number of bike parks.

    Always on the right track

    Use the interactive map to find your perfect outdoor experience. Always in the right place at the right time on the right path.

    Where will you be off to?

    Nature in Slovenia is close and easily accessible, offering incredible experiences for mountain biking enthusiasts. While there are restrictions on riding in the countryside to protect our beautiful landscapes, these won’t hinder your adventure. We encourage all visitors to stay on official trails and paths, ensuring the preservation of our natural environment. To make the most of your visit, use the official app Slovenia Outdoor and check with local tourist information centres for the best places to ride. Slovenia boasts numerous attractive mountain biking destinations suitable for both beginners and expert riders. Many of these trails are nestled in the majestic Alps, but there are also plenty of fantastic routes throughout the country. Enjoy your ride responsibly and discover the best of Slovenian nature!

     

    The Julian Alps – A cycling paradise with views

    The Julian Alps are a paradise for mountain biking enthusiasts, offering spectacular scenery and challenging trails. Enjoy breathtaking views and unforgettable moments as you ride through the mountain world. The Kranjska Gora Bike Park is the perfect starting point from which to cycle along the easy trails around Lake Jasna or tackle the challenging climb up to the Vršič Pass. Cross it to descend into the Soča Valley.

    The Soča Valley is ideal for those looking for adventure. Mountain biking in this beautiful valley offers an unforgettable experience, with numerous mountain trails, forest roads and tracks offering endless possibilities for exploration. In addition, you will always be close to the beautiful Soča River, the Nadiža River and numerous waterfalls.

    If you want to experience the Julian Alps in one go, don’t miss the opportunity to cycle along the Juliana Bike route, a 290 km long circular route connecting the most beautiful parts of the Julian Alps. The route is divided into 7 stages that take you through unspoilt nature and picturesque villages, allowing you to experience a true mountain biking adventure.

     

    Bohinj offers mountain bikers exceptional opportunities for exploration. Trails lead around the picturesque Lake Bohinj, up the Voje Valley to the Mostnica Waterfall, a place of outstanding natural beauty. Bohinj and Bled are also ideal starting points for exploring Pokljuka. Head to Uskovnica and continue past picturesque Zajamniki village to Goreljek, where dirt paths will take you through unspoilt nature of silent forests. The metres, kilometres, views and stories will accumulate on their own. After your cycling adventure, you can relax and refresh yourself in the waters of Lake Bohinj or Lake Bled.

    The rugged terrain of the Soriška planina, above Bohinj, offers interesting and attractive tours along the old military mulatiers from the time of the Rapallo border. Experienced cyclists can ride to the peaks of Šavnik, Možic and all the way to Baško Sedlo. One of the most beautiful mountain descents leads from the top of Lajnar via Kovce to Podbrdo. During the summer season, a small trail park is open on Soriška planina, with two trails accessible by the Lajnar chairlift.

    Foto: Martina-und-Flo

    Pohorje – Diversity and adventure

    Move east and discover Pohorje, a paradise for cyclists. The Maribor Pohorje Bike Park offers varied routes through forests and up steep slopes, and is also famous as a World Cup venue. There are routes for all levels of experience, from beginners to experienced riders. Pohorje also includes Rogla, which also offers an excellent Bike Park and is a great starting point for discovering the region by bike.

     

    Kamnik-Savinja Alps – Natural beauty and tranquillity

    Continue your adventure in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, where you’ll enjoy unspoilt nature and incredible views. Even adrenaline-seeking cyclists can find their paradise in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, as the Krvavec Bike Park boasts 6 marked mountain bike trails with the highest vertical drop among the bike parks in Slovenia.

    For experienced cyclists, the Trans Karavanke MTB Trail offers an unforgettable 130-kilometre circular route through the most beautiful parts of the Karavanke Mountains.

    Foto: Martina-und-Flo

    Goriška Brda – Culinary and cycling routes

    Goriška Brda offers not only superb cycling routes, but also excellent cuisine. Cycle through vineyards and olive groves, and enjoy local culinary specialities and wines in between. The region’s cycling routes are ideal for those who want to combine adventure with culinary delights.

    Nova Gorica and Ajdovščina are excellent destinations for mountain biking in western Slovenia. Nova Gorica features trails through vineyards, forests and rocky hills, while Ajdovščina offers a combination of karst trails and adrenaline-fuelled descents.

     

    Central Slovenia – Cycling experience in and around the city

    Ljubljana and its surroundings offer a wide range of cycling routes, starting in the city centre. A few minutes from the city centre, Ljubljana also offers the well-maintained Golovec Trails Bike Park and the Podutik cycle park on the outskirts of the city.

    Mountain bikers can also find a place for themselves outside the Alps. The Idrija and Cerkljansko hills, less than half an hour’s drive from the capital Ljubljana, are criss-crossed with forest trails, suitable for mountain biking.

    Foto: Rupert Fowler

    Single Trail Park Jamnica – Trails that follow nature

    Single Trail Park Jamnica is a unique bike park in the category of “trail bike parks”. It offers 9 AllMountain and Enduro trails, a total of 24 km of marked trails and more than 30 km of trails on guided tours. The trails follow old abandoned tracks and terrain configurations, and are mostly hand-built. The park is open from March to November, as its sunny position allows for a long cycling season. Here you will find natural paths with plenty of roots and stones, but without artificial “jumps” and adrenaline machines.

     

    Unique underground adventures: Cycling in Peca and the Black Hole Trail

    The underground cycling trail offers the unique experience of cycling through the ancient tunnels under Mount Peca. You can choose an easier, touristy cycling route that will in 5km take you underground  into the mines and through the history of mining in Carinthia giving you an unforgettable experience.

    The Black Hole Trail is an adrenaline-fuelled downhill route for very experienced mountain bikers. This technically demanding trail offers many challenges and leads through huge chambers and descends for about 150 vertical metres. Due to its difficulty it is not suitable for beginners.

     

    In addition, you will also find excellent mountain biking terrain in Posavje, where rugged hills and magnificent views await you, and in Kočevje, where you can enjoy the special offer of the Kočevje Bike Park, which is becoming one of the centres of mountain biking in Slovenia.

    Foto: Rupert Fowler

    Top 5

    Top cycling trails

    The Slovenian Cycle-Touring Trail

    On this circular cycling route, you’ll cover all of Slovenia. It’s very dynamic and many mountaineers would feel proud to take it. It covers 1800 km and if you ride this trail in its entirety, you’ll cover an impressive 50,000-metre elevation difference! The highest point is the Poštarski Dom mountain Cabin in Vršič at an elevation of 1688 metres, while the lowest points are Piran and the Sečovlje Salt Pans at an elevation of 1 metre above sea level. In technical terms, the trail is not difficult. It takes you past 109 checkpoints. These include more than 50 mountain cabins and specialised accommodation intended for cyclists (hotels, holiday apartments), where you can rest and get some food and drinks, and many tourist sights.

    Pohorje Cycling Transversal

    Lovers of forest trails and mountain bikes can visit the 75 km dynamic cycling trail running through the forests of the plateau-like Pohorje Hills. It connects the eastern part of the Pohorje Hills, which rises above the city of Maribor, to its western part. It ends at the foot of Kremžarjev Vrh Hill in Koroška. The trail is marked in both directions. If you embark on your journey from the east, from Maribor, you can take the Pohorje gondola to your starting point in Bolfenk. Local cycling trails from all of the major centres surrounding the Pohorje Hills connect to this trail.

    Trans Slovenia 1 and 2

    The Trans-Slovenia 01 mountain biking tour is a part of the famous Transalp trail that connects Slovenia, Italy, and Austria. The trail will take you from the Julian Alps through the picturesque Soča Valley to the Brda Hills, and then through the Vipava Valley and across the mysterious Karst to the coast. On your journey, local culinary specialities and a rich cultural heritage await you. Trans Slovenija 02 is the natural continuation of the first route. It begins at the Faaker See in Austria, takes you across the Karavanke Alps into Slovenia, over the Pokljuka Plateau and Soriška Planina to Idrija, then across the Karst to Piran. In a technical sense, it’s more difficult that the Trans 01 tour and it’s suitable for electric bikes.

    Trans Karavanke

    Slovenia’s longest mountain range, the Karavanke Alps, extend for 120 km along the border with neighbouring Austria and are a true magnet for mountain bikers. The Trans Karavanke cycle-touring trail is divided into five stages and extends from Jezersko to the Triple Border (Tromeja) in the far northwestern part of Slovenia. It mostly runs on the forest roads of the sunny side of the Karavanke Alps and its suitable for mountain bikers who are in good physical condition. The length of the single-day stages are from 25 to 35 km, and the largest elevation difference in a single day is 1650 m. Stunning nature and breathtaking views are guaranteed.

    Mt Peca underground

    In Koroška, the Mt Peca underground to be exact, you can go mountain biking underground. The 6 km unique trail takes you deep underground, through abandoned mining tunnels. A guide will safely take you through these tunnels, with the path illuminated by your headlamps. And this is not all. Some sections have been flooded by crystal clear water, which created subterranean lakes that you can explore in kayaks. A double measure of adrenaline and fun guaranteed!

    Why choose Slovenia for mountain biking?

    Diverse routes: Slovenia offers routes for all levels of experience – from beginners to pros.
    Unspoilt nature: Explore undiscovered corners and enjoy stunning views.
    Unique bike parks: Superbly maintained parks and trails that meet the highest standards.
    Culture and cuisine: Enjoy local specialities and wines while exploring natural beauty.

     

    Your next cycling adventure awaits – Slovenia beckons!