Best Cycling Routes from Ljubljana: Local Recommendations for Gravel, Road and E-Bike Riders
Discover top cycling routes from Ljubljana with quiet roads, smooth gravel, and scenic hills just minutes from the city. Ideal for gravel, road, or e-bikes, these rides offer a mix of easy, scenic, and challenging options for all levels.
Ljubljana is one of the greenest capitals in the world. Within minutes of leaving the city center, you can find quiet countryside roads, forest gravel trails, and scenic hill climbs that most visitors never discover.
At HourAway we spend a lot of time exploring the roads and gravel tracks around the city while guiding cycling tours and helping visitors rent bikes. We want to share some of our most favourite routes for all levels with you so you can make the most out of your active stay in the city.
If you are renting a bike and staying in Ljubljana, these are three routes we regularly recommend. They offer a mix of nature, local culture, and enjoyable riding surfaces.
Below you will find:
• an easy gravel ride across Ljubljana Marshes
• a moderate gravel adventure with a great viewpoint
• a quick gravel route to a lovely Medieval town
• a challenging road ride into the Polhov Gradec hills
All routes start directly from Ljubljana and are available as downloadable GPS tracks.
Why Ljubljana Is Great for Cycling
One of the biggest advantages of cycling in Ljubljana is how quickly you can escape the city. In just a few kilometers you can reach peaceful countryside, forest roads, and quiet local villages.
The area offers an excellent mix of riding terrain:
• flat gravel paths in the Ljubljana Marshes
• forest trails and hills west of the city
• smooth paved climbs in the Polhov Gradec Hills
• riverside cycling paths along the Sava River and Ljubljanica River
For visitors renting bikes, gravel bikes and e-bikes are particularly versatile, since they allow you to explore both paved roads and the many well maintained gravel tracks around the city.
Easy: Ljubljana Marshes loop
Distance and elevation: 31 km +152 m / -153 m
This easy and mostly flat loop leads you out of the city and into the peaceful landscapes of the Ljubljana Marshes, a unique natural area just south of Ljubljana. The route follows smooth gravel paths and quiet tracks, making it ideal for a relaxed ride while still offering plenty of scenic highlights.
The ride begins with a gentle spin past the green foothills of Rožnik Hill before briefly joining sections of the PST Trail, the historic path that circles the city along the line of the former WWII wire barricade. As you gradually leave the city behind, the traffic disappears and wide, empty gravel roads open up across the marshes.
Soon you reach Iški Morost, one of the most ecologically important parts of the marsh. This protected wetland area is known for its unique peat bog landscape, rare plant species, and diverse birdlife. The open fields, canals, and distant views of the surrounding hills give the area a calm, almost timeless atmosphere.
A little further along lies Ižanske Toplice, a small natural spring area historically known for its thermal and mineral-rich waters. Although modest today, the site reflects the long-standing connection between the marshlands and the natural resources that once attracted visitors seeking healing waters.
Just before reaching it, you can take a short detour to visit Morostig. This open-air reconstruction recreates prehistoric pile dwellings that once stood across the marsh thousands of years ago. The UNESCO-protected archaeological remains found in the area show how early communities built wooden houses on stilts above the wetland waters. The reconstruction offers a fascinating glimpse into how people adapted their lives to this unique environment more than 4,000 years ago.
The return ride brings you gently back toward the city through the lush greenery of the University Botanic Gardens Ljubljana, the oldest scientific cultural institution in Slovenia, before following the calm banks of the Ljubljanica River all the way back to the lively center of Ljubljana.
In summer, this ride is especially magical in the early morning hours, when light mist sometimes floats above the marshes and the landscape feels wonderfully quiet and untouched. Smooth gravel, wide horizons, and rich natural history make this loop a perfect escape from the city without ever venturing far from it.
Moderate: St. Jakob & Along the Sava river
Distance and elevation: 44.6 kilometers · +718 m / -709 m
This varied loop begins in the green heart of Ljubljana, heading out through the beautiful parkland of Tivoli Park before climbing onto the forested trails of Rožnik Hill. The opening section mixes smooth paths and forest gravel, offering a pleasant transition from the city into nature.
Soon the trail passes the peaceful waters of Koseze Pond and briefly joins the PST Trail, Ljubljana’s historic circular path. From here the route gradually climbs toward Toško Čelo, leaving the urban surroundings behind and entering quiet forest roads.
From Toško Čelo, the ride continues along a fantastic gravel ridge road with constant gentle ups and downs, surrounded by forest and occasional open views. The highlight of the climb is Church of St. Jakob, a small hilltop church that rewards the effort with one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the area. The final approach is short but very steep, spiraling around the hill almost like a snail before reaching the top.
After enjoying the panorama, a fast descent leads down to the town of Medvode, where you cross a charming bridge over the Sava River. On the other side, the character of the ride changes completely: the terrain becomes flat and relaxed, following peaceful cycling paths and enjoyable gravel tracks along the river.
This section is particularly playful, with stretches of super-smooth singletrack winding through riverside greenery. Along the way you pass the quiet fishing area of Štirje ribniki. After crossing a narrow bridge, a short technical section of just a few dozen meters adds a bit of adventure before the trail opens again into a comfortable gravel road.
Eventually you reach another crossing of the Sava River. From here, a well-maintained cycling path follows the main road back toward the center of Ljubljana, bringing you smoothly back into the city after a ride that combines forest climbs, panoramic views, and relaxing riverside gravel.
Moderate: Kamnik from Ljubljana
Distance and elevation: 60.9 kilometers · +345 m / -346 m
This fast and mostly flat ride is perfect for gravel bikes, offering a smooth escape from Ljubljana into the surrounding countryside. The route begins by following a lovely trail along the Kamniška Bistrica River, winding upstream past Domžale and Radomlje.
You then arrive in Kamnik, a charming medieval town at the foot of the Kamnik–Sava Alps. Kamnik is known for its well-preserved old town, narrow streets, historic churches, and vibrant local cafes. The town’s medieval architecture and stunning alpine backdrop make it a perfect spot for a break, photos, or a coffee before heading back.
The route extends slightly further north before starting the return journey, crossing open fields and linking to a fast cycling route through Mengeš and Trzin, finally bringing you back to Ljubljana.
This ride is ideal for riders who want a quick, energetic loop with minimal elevation and plenty of smooth paths, combining riverside trails, quiet villages, and a taste of medieval charm with beautiful alpine views.
Challenging: Sv. Trije Kralji & Franja Marathon finish
Distance and elevation: 77.4 kilometers · +1,283 m / -1,284 m
This longer route follows smooth paved roads and is perfectly suitable for road bikes, while also being an excellent option for gravel bikes thanks to the quiet countryside roads and relaxed traffic. With some significant elevation gain, the ride offers a rewarding challenge and beautiful views throughout. It explores the scenic hills west of Ljubljana, an area that remains largely undiscovered by tourists but is a true gem for cycling, thanks to its dense network of peaceful local backroads.
Leaving Ljubljana, the route heads toward Polhov Gradec, where the surroundings quickly turn rural. From here you continue onto the small paved roads of the southern part of the Polhov Gradec Hills, riding through quiet villages, forests, and open viewpoints typical of this picturesque hilly region.
A worthwhile optional detour climbs to Church of the Holy Three Kings. This short out-and-back climb leads to a wonderful panoramic viewpoint overlooking the surrounding hills and valleys, making it one of the highlights of the ride.
The route then continues toward Horjul. Cyclists may recognize this road as the final section of the famous Franja Marathon, which finishes in Ljubljana but passes through this area on its way back to the city.
The route is also easy to shorten if needed. Skipping the out-and-back climb to Sv. Trije kralji reduces the elevation gain by about 230 meters. Another option is to cut the loop short with a left turn shortly after Planina nad Horjulom, creating a significantly shorter return toward Ljubljana.
Overall, this ride offers a fantastic mix of smooth climbing, quiet countryside roads, and authentic local scenery, showcasing one of the best cycling areas just outside Ljubljana.
Bonus: Ljubljana to Bled
Distance and elevation: 68.5 kilometers · +918 m / -730 m
A long and rewarding ride linking Slovenia’s capital with one of its most iconic alpine destinations, Ljubljana and Lake Bled. The route crosses the wide fields of the Ljubljana Basin before traversing the foothills beneath the Karawanks, offering a beautiful mix of countryside riding and mountain views.
Leaving Ljubljana, the ride heads north toward Tacen and briefly follows the valley of the Sava River. Quiet countryside roads then lead across open farmland toward Preddvor, where the landscape begins to rise toward the dramatic peaks of the Kamnik Savinja Alps.
From here the route continues beneath the mountains through small towns including Tržič and Begunje na Gorenjskem. This section offers some of the most scenic riding of the day, with quiet roads and impressive alpine backdrops.
The final approach leads through Lesce before arriving at the shores of Lake Bled. If you prefer not to cycle the entire distance back to Ljubljana, you can simply return to Lesce and catch a train for a relaxed and scenic journey home.
Tips for Cycling in Ljubljana
If you are planning to explore these routes, here are a few useful tips.
Start early in summer: Morning temperatures are cooler and the roads are even quieter.
Gravel bikes are the most versatile option: Many great routes around Ljubljana include sections of smooth gravel. Even if you plan on staying on paved roads, the gravel bikes are almost just as fast while being more comfortable and take the potholes better. But having an option to detour from paved to only a small gravel section often opens up a much nicer tour.
Download the GPS routes: The countryside west and south of Ljubljana has many small roads, so navigation with GPS makes riding much easier. We will include a phone holder together with your bike so you can easily navigate our routes.
Renting a Bike in Ljubljana
If you need a bike for these routes, HourAway offers high quality gravel bikes and e-bikes that are perfect for exploring the roads and trails around Ljubljana.
Our team also shares local route recommendations and GPS tracks so visitors can experience the best cycling the area has to offer.
Planning More Cycling in Slovenia?
If you are planning a cycling trip through Slovenia, you might also enjoy our other route guides:
Both areas offer fantastic riding with mountain scenery, quiet roads, and unique cultural landmarks.
