Slovenia · April 2025
Slovenian Western Loop Bikepacking
Experience Slovenia’s wild beauty on wheels – the ultimate bikepacking loop around the Julian Alps.
BOOK NOW
Overview
The Slovenian Western Loop has quickly become a classic route, and now it’s more accessible for bikepacking enthusiasts of various skill levels. We’ve thoughtfully adjusted the original route to smooth out some of the tougher, rougher segments, offering you a balanced experience that captures Slovenia’s scenic diversity without the punishing off-road sections. Enjoy winding gravel paths, quiet side roads, and breathtaking landscapes at every turn. The Slovenian Western Bikepacking Loop includes GPS navigation through a smartphone app and the rental of a high-performance gravel or E-mountain bike outfitted with racks, bags, and essential tools. Plus, we’re here to help with booking accommodations, luggage transfers, and even sharing our favorite food stops along the way!
Highlights
Scenic Variety
From lush forests and alpine peaks to crystal-clear rivers and coastal vineyards, this route offers a diverse mix of landscapes that showcase the best of Slovenia’s natural beauty.
Iconic Slavic Heritage
Pass through historic towns and villages that offer a glimpse into Slovenia’s rich cultural history, with opportunities to visit ancient castles, museums, and local landmarks.
Eco-friendly Adventure
Perfect for eco-conscious travelers, the route is designed to minimize your environmental footprint, with many sections on quiet, low-traffic roads and access to local, sustainable accommodations.
Itinerary
Each day of this journey introduces you to a new side of Slovenia. The stages break up the adventure into manageable, enjoyable sections.
Previous
Next
Day 1: Ljubljana to Bled
Starting from Ljubljana, you’ll quickly leave the city and ride into the peaceful countryside. Following quiet roads, you’ll head toward Kranj, then trace the Sava River to reach Bled. Spend the evening exploring this iconic spot.
Route:
58 kilometers · +690 m
36 miles · +2,264 feet
Overnight at Lake Bled
Day 2: Bled to Kranjska Gora
Pedal through the beautiful Radovna Valley, with scenic views all around. The last stretch takes you along the Upper Sava Valley, with the majestic Julian Alps in the background. Staying in Kranjska Gora offers convenience, or for a wilder experience, explore the tranquil huts and secret spots on the road to Vršič Pass.
Route:
36 kilometers · +680 m
22 miles · +2,231 feet
Overnight in Kranjska Gora
Day 3: Kranjska Gora to Soča Valley
The day starts with a climb towards Vršič Pass, where you’ll likely meet other cyclists savoring the view from the top. Then, enjoy a long descent into the enchanting Soča Valley. Relax by the quiet beaches of the crystal-clear Soča River or soak up the lively atmosphere in Bovec.
Route:
48 kilometers · +1050 m
30 miles · +3,445 feet
Overnight in Bovec
Day 4: Soča Valley to Goriška Brda
Today, the Soča River guides you through the valley, past Kobarid, Tolmin, and Most na Soči. End the day by climbing up to the vineyards of Goriška Brda, where you’ll get your first glimpse of the Adriatic Sea.
Route:
75 kilometers · +1080 m
47 miles · +3,543 feet
Overnight in Goriška Brda
Day 5: Vipava Valley
After a challenging previous day, enjoy a relaxed ride through the vineyards and scenic countryside of the Vipava Valley. Quiet gravel roads wind through this picturesque area, perfect for sipping a glass of local wine or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Route:
47 kilometers · +500 m
30 miles · +1,640 feet
Overnight in Vipava Valley
Day 6: Vipava Valley to Cerknica
Today’s route takes you on quiet roads that wind up toward Slovenia’s interior. If you have extra energy, detour to Predjama to see a castle built within a cave. Consider stopping in Cerknica, home to Slovenia’s largest lake—a natural wonder that sometimes vanishes!
Route:
50 kilometers · +900 m
31 miles · +2,950 feet
Overnight in Cerknica
Day 7: Cerknica to Ljubljana
Complete the journey by riding through the serene forests of Rakitna, bringing you close to Ljubljana. This last leg lets you soak in the feeling of wild Slovenia before arriving back in the capital. Just a flat ride through the Ljubljana Marshes stands between you and the finish of this unforgettable loop!
Route:
53 kilometers · +650 m
33 miles · +2,132 feet
What's included
What's Included
Bike Rental: High-performance gravel or E- bike, equipped with racks, bags, and essential tools.
GPS Navigation: Smartphone app with preloaded route guidance.
Optional Add-Ons: Assistance with accommodation booking, luggage transfers, and personalized food recommendations.
What's Not Included
Gratitudes
Travel insurance
Extras
Gallery
Ideal For
A Bikepacking Adventure for All Levels
This package is perfect for riders who seek the challenge and charm of a true bikepacking adventure, but appreciate a route that’s achievable without extreme technical sections. Whether you’re an experienced bikepacker or newer to multi-day rides, the Slovenian Western Loop Bikepacking offers an unforgettable experience on some of Slovenia’s most beautiful paths.
Trip Tips
High-Performance Bike
Your bike is fully equipped with racks, bags, and essential tools to keep you ready for any bump in the road. For a closer look at the setup, please navigate to the gallery to view photos of the whole set.
Camping
While Slovenia offers beautiful natural landscapes, please note that wild camping is not permitted. For overnight stays, designated camping areas and accommodations are available along the route.
Preparation & Self-Care
• Bring Layers: The weather can vary significantly between the mountains and valleys, so pack layers to stay comfortable throughout the journey. • Stay Hydrated: Slovenia has many fresh springs, especially in mountain areas. Bring a water bottle and refill along the way. • Pace Yourself: Some stages are more challenging than others; take your time, especially on climbs, and stop to enjoy the unique sights each day has to offer.
Reviews
"Nejc with Hour Away was professional and easy to communicate with, treating us as if we were friends borrowing bikes. We rented gravel bikes that were equipped with everything we needed for an epic week-long tour through Slovenia and Italy! The bikes were very well maintained, and we didn’t run into any mechanical issues over 560 kilometers of riding. Thanks, Nejc and team, for being part of making an epic bike-packing trip happen! 10 out of 10 would recommend if you’re thinking of renting bikes in the Ljubljana area!"
Katie Johnson
"Top trip, Nejc was very accommodating and friendly and went out of his way to sort any issues we had and make the trip as smooth as possible. Slovenia is incredible scenery for cycling too we did a loop around Triglav from the capital and can highly recommend this."
Greg Everest
"We rented bikes from Nejc to do the Slovenia West Loop. The bikes were tuned well and managed the loop with zero mechanicals or flats. Pickup + dropoff was easy and Nejc held our luggage during the trip. Would totally recommend!"
Craig CanonRelated Blog Posts
Dive deeper into the highlights, tips, and insider stories of the Slovenian Western Loop Bikepacking adventure. Our blog posts share everything from scenic must-sees to practical advice, helping you prepare for an unforgettable journey. Read on and get inspired!
Bikepacking in Slovenia: The Western Loop
A gravel experience for those seeking adventure in one of the most diverse week-long bike journey int he world
FAQs
What level of experience is required for this bikepacking trip?
This trip is suitable for riders with moderate cycling skills. It requires good physical conditioning and the ability to handle diverse terrain, as you’ll be carrying all your equipment with you. While the route isn’t overly technical, it does feature some challenging climbs and varied landscapes that require solid cycling experience.
Can I customize the route or duration of the trip?
Yes! The Slovenian Western Loop can be tailored to suit your preferences. Whether you’d like to add extra days, choose a different accommodation type, or adjust the difficulty of certain stages, we’re happy to help customize the package for you.
Is camping allowed along the route?
Wild camping is not permitted in Slovenia. However, there are plenty of beautiful, eco-friendly campsites and accommodations along the route where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings.
What type of bike is included in the package?
The package includes a high-performance gravel or E - bike equipped with racks, bags, and essential tools. These bikes are ideal for tackling the mixed terrain of the Slovenian Western Loop. You can view the complete setup in our gallery.
How does the GPS navigation work?
You’ll receive a smartphone Ride With GPS app with GPS navigation pre-loaded with the route, so you can easily follow the path throughout your journey. The app provides turn-by-turn directions and allows you to track your progress in real-time.