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A cycle holiday from and to Lake Bled, taking in the region’s beautiful lakes, serene alpine valleys and pretty alpine villages. Highlights of this bike tour include a ride through the stunning Bohinj Valley, exploring the medieval town of Škofja Loka, the alpine resort of Kranjska Gora and of course, beautiful Lake Bled itself. Easy, leisurely cycling in an alpine environment.
Lake Bled is Slovenia’s most famous attraction, and rightly so. This beautiful location is perfect in every way. But that’s not all Slovenia has to offer, and this cycle tour introduces you to some wonderful spots, some of which are definitely off the standard tourist trail.
Ribčev Laz - Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohinj is Bled’s lesser-known cousin but arguably as beautiful, while the forests and valleys of the Škofja Loka hills, the wide Sora plain and the beautiful alpine villages also enchant all visitors. The internationally famous resort of Kranjska Gora, in the far north of the country is another highlight, as is a visit to the incredible Vintgar Gorge.
The route is suitable for cyclists with an average level of fitness. Most of the cycling is on relatively flat roads, and the route has been carefully chosen to avoid traffic and steep climbs as much as possible. On one day there is more climbing, but this is a long and gradual ascent to 750 metres, so not too arduous. If you fancy taking it easy that day then we can arrange a transfer to the top for you.
The route is suitable for cyclists with an average level of fitness. Most of the cycling is on relatively flat roads, and the route has been carefully chosen to avoid traffic and steep climbs as much as possible. On one day there is more climbing, but this is a long and gradual ascent to 750 metres, so not too arduous. If you fancy taking it easy that day then a transfer to the top can be arranged for you but youi must book this in advance..
On arrival in Bled make your way to your hotel. Bled is one of Slovenia’s undoubted highlights. This unique town is dominated by a cliff-top castle and set beside a stunning glacial lake, surrounded by mountains. Take a boat trip to the lake’s pretty island church, hike up to the castle for sweeping lake views and don’t forget to visit a teashop to sample the rather excellent local cream cakes.
You’ll first be transferred by mini-bus up to the nearby Pokljuka plateau (12 km) from where you mount up for an enjoyable cycle ride down into the beautiful Bohinj Valley. Cycling along the valley floor you’ll pass through a succession of tiny alpine villages. At the end of this stunning valley you reach Lake Bohinj and the village of Ribčev Laz. The view across the lake from the lovely old bridge is something to savour. At this point you can opt for an additional, bolt-on ride around the lake to the Savica waterfall. Along the way you can also stop and ascend Mount Vogel by cable car for stunning views across the forested valley to Mount Triglav, the highest of the Julian Alps. From Ribcev Laz it's an easy and scenic ride along the gently descending valley to the pleasant town of Bohinjsa Bistrica where you will spend the night.
This morning the day starts with an uphill ride to the Jelovica high plateau* where your efforts are rewarded with a cooling ride through a shady forest. After a while you reach the alpine hamlet of Sorica the birthplace of Ivan Grohar, a famous Slovenian painter who’s work is on display in a small gallery. There’s a perfect spot for a picnic stop near the statue of the painter just after the church – the view is wonderful! Continue down the pleasant valley alongside a mountain stream to Železniki a town that used to be known for its iron smelting works – an old furnace is still on display paying homage to the town’s past. Another 12 kilometers easy cycling down the valley brings you to the charming medieval town of Škofja Loka. If you still have some energy you could take on the climb to the castle overlooking the old town. In the evening the ancient narrow streets are a delight to explore on foot.
*Important: It's possible to book a lift to the top of the Jelovica high plateau with your bike if you think the climb might be too tough for you. The cost is 30 Euros per person and must be booked through our local representative on your arrival in Bled.
Head across the wide Sora plain for an easy and relaxing ride with a backdrop of the dramatic Kamnik-Savinja Alps. Your route then takes you north up a gentle incline towards the green flanks of the high alps in the distance. At the top of the hill you reach the small village of Preddvor. If it's warm you maybe tempted to stop for a swim at the little lake on the edge of this charming alpine village. You will either spend the night here or in the village of Predoslje a few kilometres down the road.
There's lots to see on today's ride and we recommend making a small detour to the lovely old town of Kranj, once the capital of the tiny Camiola region. Thereafter the route follows undulating quiet lanes and cycle paths through forests and beautiful countryside dotted with small villages and hamlets. The fascinating Blacksmiths' town of Kropa is worth a stop before enjoying more fabulous rolling countryside as you follow the perimeter of the high Jelovica plateau to the beautifully preserved town of Radovljica. You'll spend the night in this gorgeous little place.
The day starts with a ride to the town of Begunje, a town with a dark tale from WWII (visit the Museum of Hostages to learn more). From here the route follows a network of quiet lanes along a wide valley between the Karawanke Mountains and Julian Alps. The alpine scenery is breathtaking, so much so that you hardly notice you are gently ascending all the time. The Sava river is your guide and before you know it you arrive in Slovenia’s best-known mountain resort, Kranjska Gora. It’s a very popular skiing destination and in the summer it’s used as a base for climbing and other outdoor activities. If you have time, ride a little further up the valley to the Planica ski jumping site (15km round-trip). Then settle into you hotel in this pretty, bustling little alpine town.
Your last day of riding leads you from Kranjska Gora back downhill to Lake Bled. You’ll return to the Triglav National Park to take in some incredibly beautiful riverside scenery, first along the River Sava Dolinka to where it meets the Sava Bohinjka and becomes the River Sava proper. Then it’s into the lush green Krma Valley and the foot of Mount Triglav itself, the highest of the Julian Alps. The views are breathtaking and we recommend the short detour to take in the incredible Vintgar Gorge carved 150m into the rock. The route finally delivers you back to beautiful Lake Bled where you can find a restaurant to celebrate completing your Slovenian cycling adventure.
After breakfast it’s time to check out and head for home or your next adventure.
Regular bikes provided are modern alloy framed models with 21 speeds. Each bikes is equipped with one side pannier. One long lock and repair kit is provided with each pair of bikes. The repair kit includes one spare inner tube, one set of Allen keys, tyre levers and a basic puncture repair kit.
Electric bikes are also available.
Helmets for adults are provided but must be pre-booked. However we always recommend bringing your own. Please note that it is compulsory to wear a helmet in Slovenia.
Superior: Accommodation in good 3 and 4 star hotels.
Local taxes
Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. This fee varies and is ever changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night.
Fly to Ljubljana or Trieste
Research flights from the UK here
Transfers from/to Ljubljana airport to/from your hotel in Bled can be arranged for a supplement
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