Best Cycling Routes from Škofja Loka: Gravel, Road and E-Bike Rides in Slovenia’s Medieval Cycling Hub
Looking for great cycling routes from Škofja Loka? This charming medieval town is a perfect starting point for quiet roads, scenic valleys, and rewarding climbs. In this guide, we share three favorite local rides, ideal for gravel, road, or e-bikes. Just 20 minutes from Ljubljana by train.
Tucked between two scenic valleys and surrounded by rolling hills, Škofja Loka is one of the most rewarding cycling bases in Slovenia. The historic town sits right where the Selca Valley and Poljane Valley meet, creating a natural gateway to quiet backroads, panoramic ridges, and challenging climbs that local riders have loved for decades.
Unlike cycling from larger cities, routes from Škofja Loka feel rural almost immediately. Within minutes you can be riding through farmland, climbing forested hills, or following peaceful rivers toward alpine villages.
At HourAway, we regularly ride and guide tours through this region. Over time, we have developed a collection of routes that highlight the best cycling the area has to offer, from relaxed countryside loops to demanding gravel adventures in the surrounding hills.
If you are staying in or near Škofja Loka, these are five rides we often recommend to visitors who want to explore the area by bike.
In this guide, you will find:
• an easy and flat countryside loop
• a scenic road ride around the Polhov Gradec Hills
• a hidden gem MTB tour
• a challenging road stage across Selška and Poljanska valleys
• a demanding gravel local king stage
All routes begin in Škofja Loka and include downloadable GPS tracks.
Why Cycle from Škofja Loka?
While many visitors focus on Slovenia’s alpine resorts, local cyclists know that the hills around Škofja Loka offer some of the most enjoyable riding in the country. The region combines quiet roads, historic villages, and a dense network of gravel tracks that link valleys and ridgelines.
Within a short ride from town you can experience:
• wide open farmland across Soriško Polje
• panoramic ridge roads near Jamnik
• hidden gravel routes above the Selca Valley
• scenic climbs toward Stari Vrh Ski Resort
• quiet hill villages in the Polhov Gradec Hills
Škofja Loka is also incredibly easy to reach from Ljubljana. A direct train takes just 20 minutes, making it a perfect starting point for rides in the surrounding hills. If you rent a bike with HourAway, we can deliver it directly to the Škofja Loka train station so you can start cycling immediately on quiet local roads.
Because many of the most beautiful roads alternate between asphalt and compact gravel, gravel bikes and e-bikes are particularly well suited to exploring the area. They allow riders to connect smaller roads and trails that road cyclists would normally skip.
Easy: Soriško Polje Loop
Distance and elevation: 28.6 kilometers · +261 m / -260 m
This quick and easy loop explores the scenic flats of the Soriško Polje, the largest section of the Ljubljana Basin, offering a perfect mix of quiet countryside, historical treasures, and riverside views.
The route kicks off on peaceful gravel roads leading to the village of Crngrob. Here, you will pass its mighty Church of the Annunciation, which is one of Slovenia's most important medieval pilgrimage sites. It is famous for its magnificent golden altars and the striking 15th-century "Holy Sunday" fresco that uniquely illustrates the everyday chores forbidden on the Sabbath.
Leaving the church behind, the route opens up across flat, sweeping fields until it meets the Sava River, joining a quiet road that links several quaint riverside villages. Along this stretch, you will pass Zbilje Lake. Created in 1953 when the Sava River was dammed for a hydroelectric plant, this beautiful reservoir is now a massive local draw. It is a highly popular recreation spot famous for its vibrant green water, waterfront cafes, boating, and a famously large population of resident swans.
After passing the lake, the route brings you into the town of Medvode. From there, you will begin the gentle journey back to Škofja Loka, riding through the quiet, rolling villages tucked away behind the Sora River.
The route only has a couple of gravel sections that can also be bypassed easily and therefore is suitable for a road bike as well.
Moderate: Križna Gora & St. Thomas Gravel Loop
Distance and elevation: 30.2 kilometers · +948 m / -941 m
This is one of our absolute favorite bike routes in Slovenia! It is a thrilling ride featuring two relatively steep climbs and a couple of technical sections where most riders will prefer to push their bikes for a few meters. E-mountain bikers will thoroughly enjoy this terrain, while those on gravel bikes will need some solid cycling skills to tackle the route comfortably.
The adventure begins with a paved climb up to Križna Gora, including a quick out-and-back detour to visit the historic church. You then head onto a beautiful trail where you will encounter a large rock right in the middle of the path, requiring a brief hike-a-bike moment to get past. Once you are through, you are rewarded with a beautiful, long gravel descent that winds all the way down into the Selška Dolina valley.
From the valley floor, get ready to climb steeply once again, this time heading toward St. Thomas (Sveti Tomaž). This spot is famously known as the second most photographed church in Slovenia. If you want to visit the picturesque church up close, simply leave your bikes at the last house and walk the final 100 meters. The route right after is incredibly scenic as it cuts through open fields, but it is recommended to bypass this field section if the ground is wet.
Afterward, the path takes you deep into the forest where it links up with an old military road. You will then start descending the most famous cycling climb in Škofja Loka, affectionately known to locals as Passo di Nace. When you reach the final significant hairpin turn, keep an eye out for a hidden gem. You can continue straight up a gravel climb that gradually transforms into a natural trail, bringing you right into the beautiful backyard gardens of the Škofja Loka Castle. Just keep in mind that this final castle trail is a bit technical and is suited for mountain bikes and more experienced riders.
Moderate: Polhograjsko Hribovje Road cycling loop
Distance and elevation: 69.5 kilometers · +1,252 m / -1,250 m
This beautiful loop circumnavigates the scenic Polhov Gradec Hills and is a wonderful ride on quiet countryside roads. It works well for both gravel and road bikes, with a few optional gravel sections for riders who want a more adventurous route.
The ride begins on peaceful backroads leaving Škofja Loka and follows the Sora River downstream toward Ljubljana. Near Sora the route turns into the narrow valley of the Ločnica River and climbs toward Topol pri Medvodah, better known locally as Katarina.
From Katarina you can take an optional detour to the hilltop Church of St. Jakob. The final approach includes a short gravel section, but the panoramic views over the surrounding valleys make the extra effort worthwhile.
After returning from the viewpoint, the road descends toward Polhov Gradec, a charming historic village nestled in the heart of the Polhov Gradec Hills.
From here the route continues along quiet roads through the upper valleys shaped by the streams Velika Božna and Jernejčkov graben, small wooded valleys that cut deep into the southern slopes of the hills.
The next climb leads over Planina nad Horjulom before descending toward the beautiful Poljane Valley.
For the return toward Škofja Loka, gravel riders can take a fantastic quiet road that runs along the far side of the Sora River. Riders on road bikes can simply follow the main valley road.
This loop is a great way to explore the varied landscapes around the Polhov Gradec Hills, combining peaceful villages, scenic climbs, and quiet roads rarely visited by tourists.
Challenging: Road cycling loop of Selška & Poljanska Valley
Distance and elevation: 80.4 kilometers · +1,749 m / -1,749 m
This stage follows many of the favourite training roads of local cyclists from Škofja Loka and Kranj, combining quiet countryside roads with several rewarding climbs and beautiful alpine views.
The ride begins on peaceful backroads heading toward Kranj before continuing through Nemilje and into the hills above the Besnica Valley. The climb gradually becomes steeper as you approach the iconic hilltop church at Jamnik, one of the most photographed viewpoints in Slovenia. From here the road traverses a scenic ridge often described by local riders as a natural balcony above the surrounding valleys.
The route then continues toward Dražgoše, a historic mountain village known for its panoramic views and its role in the Battle of Dražgoše during World War II.
From Dražgoše you descend into the peaceful Selca Valley. After following the valley road for a few kilometers, the route turns upward again for a steeper climb toward Stari Vrh Ski Resort. The road winds through small villages and open countryside before reaching this small but well known local ski area.
From the high point of the ride you cross the hills to the other side, where wide views open toward the beautiful Poljane Valley. A long and enjoyable descent follows down into the valley, bringing you onto roads you may already recognize from earlier rides in the area.
This route offers a fantastic combination of quiet climbing roads, historic villages, and panoramic viewpoints, making it a classic road cycling loop in the hills around Škofja Loka
Challenging: St. Mohor & Stari Vrh Gravel Loop
Distance and elevation: 56.3 kilometers · +1,787 m / -1,780 m
This grand gravel loop features numerous climbs and rewarding views, making it a perfect challenge for demanding gravel riders exploring the hills above Škofja Loka.
The adventure begins with a paved climb toward Križna Gora. Near the top, a short out and back detour leads to the historic Church of the Holy Cross, a scenic hilltop church with beautiful views over the surrounding valleys. From here the route transitions onto a pleasant trail section. Along the way you encounter an unusual obstacle: a large rock sitting directly in the middle of the path. Most riders take a short hike-a-bike moment to pass it before continuing along the trail.
The ride then flows across the hills toward Čepulje before reaching the first longer gravel climb. With several rolling ups and downs, the road eventually leads to St. Mohor, the highest point of the day. This hilltop church stands on a panoramic ridge with wide views across the surrounding mountains and valleys.
After a descent, another gravel climb leads toward Dražgoše. This mountain village is well known in Slovenian history as the site of the Battle of Dražgoše during World War II and is today a peaceful settlement with beautiful alpine views. Riders who prefer a shorter route can skip this climb by descending earlier through Topolje.
As the route descends from Dražgoše it briefly touches the scenic Selška Dolina valley before beginning another winding climb that gradually brings you to Stari Vrh Ski Resort. In winter this area is a popular small ski center, while in summer it offers peaceful mountain roads and wide views of the Škofja Loka hills.
From here you follow sections of an old military road toward Škofja Loka. You will then start descending the most famous cycling climb in Škofja Loka, affectionately known to locals as Passo di Nace. When you reach the final significant hairpin turn, keep an eye out for a hidden gem. You can continue straight up a gravel climb that gradually transforms into a natural trail, bringing you right into the beautiful backyard gardens of the Škofja Loka Castle. Just keep in mind that this final castle trail is a bit technical and is suited for mountain bikes and more experienced riders.
If you are attempting the tour with an e-bike, bringing a charging cable with you is smart if you are not in the lightweight category.
Bonus: Škofja Loka to Bled (return by train)
Distance and elevation: 52.8 kilometers · +821 m / -678 m
A beautiful ride connecting the historic town of Škofja Loka with one of Slovenia’s most famous destinations, Lake Bled. The route combines quiet countryside roads, scenic river valleys, and the option for a spectacular hilltop climb.
Leaving Škofja Loka, you follow peaceful backroads toward Kranj and continue into the small valley leading to the village of Besnica. From here riders looking for extra climbing can take a detour up to Jamnik Church, one of the most iconic viewpoints in Slovenia, sitting high on a narrow ridge with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
If you prefer a more relaxed ride, simply continue along the quiet roads following the valley of the Sava River. The terrain remains mostly gentle as you approach Lake Bled, arriving on peaceful roads rarely used by heavy traffic.
The route continues around the lake itself, offering classic views of Bled Island and the dramatic Bled Castle perched above the water.
From Bled you join the dedicated cycling path leading to Lesce, where a convenient train connection allows for an easy return to Škofja Loka. The short train ride makes this route especially practical for riders who want to enjoy the journey to Bled without needing to cycle all the way back.
Tips for Cycling Around Škofja Loka
Prepare for more climbing: compared with rides around Ljubljana, routes here tend to include longer and steeper climbs.
Gravel bikes unlock the best routes: many scenic connectors between valleys are gravel roads used mostly by local riders.
Take time to enjoy the villages: places like Jamnik and Dražgoše are not just viewpoints but also historically significant settlements with unique stories.
Download the GPS tracks: the hills are full of small roads and intersections. Having the route on your phone makes navigation simple.
Renting a Bike in Škofja Loka
If you need a bike for these routes, HourAway offers high quality gravel bikes and e-bikes ideal for exploring the surrounding hills and valleys.
We also provide GPS routes, local tips, and route advice so you can confidently explore the region on your own.
More Cycling Routes in Slovenia
If you are planning a cycling trip through Slovenia, you might also enjoy our other route guides:
• cycling routes from Ljubljana
• cycling routes around Lake Bled
Each region offers a different style of riding, from flat gravel landscapes to alpine climbs.
