Sept 1, 2025
In June, I spent a week in Slovenia riding on our road and gravel bikes with fellow cyclists Natacha and Javier. It wasn’t my first time in the country — I had already crossed it during the 2015 Transcontinental Race — but this trip gave me a fresh perspective. Slovenia is compact, diverse, and full of contrasts. In just a few days, you can experience high alpine peaks, quiet gravel roads, and a short stretch of the Adriatic coast. For cyclists, it feels like three trips in one: alpine, coastal, and everything in between.
Slovenia is often in the spotlight as the home of riders like Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič, but it’s much more than that. Beyond professional racing, it’s a country with excellent roads, quiet valleys, and varied terrain for anyone who enjoys cycling.
The Julian Alps
We started in the Julian Alps, based near Bled. The lake is turquoise, a small church sits on its island, and limestone peaks rise in the background. It’s exactly as beautiful as the photos suggest. But the real experience starts when you ride out.
Climbing Vršič Pass is memorable. The cobbled switchbacks test your legs and concentration, while the views — ridges and steep valleys — make the effort worthwhile. Further on, Mangart Saddle offers raw, rugged scenery. The rocky slopes and high-altitude views make you feel small but energized. These are roads every cyclist should try at least once.
Slovenian Istria
The day after riding in the Alps, the landscape changed completely. The mountains gave way to rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and the blue of the Adriatic. Cycling here feels almost Mediterranean: gravel tracks above the coast, the smell of pine and salt in the air, and small villages where life seems slower. Slovenia has a short coastline that many people forget. Istria may surprise you — it’s small, but full of charm and good riding.
The contrast with the Alps was clear. One day we tackled steep mountain climbs, and the next we rode quiet coastal roads. This combination of alpine and coastal riding made the week varied and enjoyable.
Savinja Valley & the Kamnik–Savinja Alps
For the last part of the trip, we moved north into the Savinja Valley. If Bled is postcard-perfect and Istria has Mediterranean charm, this area is raw and authentic. The Solčava panoramic road mixes gravel and tarmac, climbing through meadows and forests, with constant views of peaks and valleys. Along the way, we stopped at a small farm for goat’s milk ice cream, creamy and tangy — a simple treat after the climbs. Riding here reminded me why I love cycling: the effort, quiet roads, and variety of landscapes.
Why Slovenia?
What struck me most is how close everything is. In a single week, we climbed alpine passes, explored coastal gravel roads, and discovered hidden valleys — all in one small country. Each region has its own scenery, food, and pace, yet it all feels connected.
Slovenia isn’t just a destination for professional cyclists. It’s a compact playground for anyone who enjoys climbing, flowing roads, and small discoveries. Whether you’re after scenic views, gravel tracks, or quiet alpine passes, Slovenia delivers. And for anyone curious, the best routes from this trip will soon be shared on Switchback — ready for your next ride.
How We Did It
This trip wouldn’t have been as smooth without the support of the Slovenian Tourist Board and Roadbike Holidays, who helped us plan routes and discover the best cycling roads. We stayed at comfortable, cyclist-friendly hotels that made the days on the bike even more enjoyable:
These accommodations were practical, welcoming, and offered an excellent base to explore the surrounding roads.
Alain
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