Slovenia · April 2025 - September 2025
Cycling the Julijana Trail
Circumnavigate Slovenia’s Julian Alps: From iconic lakes Bled and Bohinj to the emerald Soča River and historic alpine villages.
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Overview
Explore Slovenia’s Julian Alps on a cycling tour that immerses you in one of Europe’s most picturesque landscapes. Following the Julijana Trail, the route offers a breathtaking blend of alpine peaks, emerald rivers, and serene valleys, pairing Slovenia’s natural beauty with cultural heritage. Starting and ending in Bled, the tour reveals both stunning and lesser-known gems, with each day presenting fresh alpine perspectives. Cycle from Bled’s crystal-clear lake into the Radovna Valley, framed by dramatic peaks. The route leads to Kranjska Gora, where you can visit waterfalls and marvel at Slovenia’s towering summits. Crossing briefly into Italy on the Alpe Adria path, you’ll ascend Predil Pass and descend to Log pod Mangartom before reaching Bovec. The Soča River—famous for its emerald color—guides you past Kobarid and Tolmin, towns steeped in WWI history. Return toward Bled through Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest lake, along a new forested cycling path that winds through quiet villages. With boutique accommodation upgrades available, the tour balances adventure with Slovenia’s warm hospitality. Whether it’s thrilling mountain passes, tranquil riverside cycling, or discovering alpine culture, the Julijana Trail is an unforgettable adventure.
Highlights
Iconic Bled & Lake Bohinj
Start and end your journey in Slovenia’s most scenic alpine towns, with views over crystal-clear lakes and postcard-perfect mountains.
Julian Alps’ Majestic Peaks
Cycle through breathtaking mountain passes and valleys with the Julian Alps as your stunning backdrop.
Emerald Soča River Valley
Follow the path of the vibrant Soča River, renowned for its brilliant color and adventure opportunities.
Historic Sites of Kobarid & Tolmin
Discover the WWI history and dramatic landscapes of Kobarid and Tolmin, including the stunning Tolmin Gorge.
Itinerary
Previous
Next
Day 1: Arrival to Bled
Arrival to Bled, the beautiful alpine town and enjoy some of the most famous views of Slovenia.
Overnight in Bled
Day 2: A ride through Radovna Valley
Start your cycling journey up the Radovna valley, crossing a pass and arriving to Mojstrana. Here you can opt for a detour and visit the Peričnik Waterfall, before embarking on the cycling path that leads your way to Kranjska Gora, overlooking some of the most prominent peaks of the Julian Alps.
Cycling: 35km, +680m elevation gain
Overnight in Kr. Gora
Day 3: Across the mountains
From Kranjska Gora, you will continue along the Alpe Adria cycling path that leads you to the Italian side for a bit, before climbing over Predil pass and in one long and super scenic descend come down to Log pod Mangartom and finally to Bovec for a well deserved rest.
Cycling: 46km, +680m elevation gain
Overnight in Bovec
Day 4: Along the Soča River
Soča river will be your companion today as you pedal by it and enjoy its beauty. You will be passing the towns of Kobarid, famous for its rich history of WW1, and Tolmin, famous for the Tolming Gorge and its summer festivals. Finally, you arrive to Most na Soči, from where you will take an hour long train ride to Bohinjska Bistrica, where you settle in for the night in a lovely, adults-only hotel.
Cycling: 45km, +450m elevation gain
Overnight in Bohinjska Bistrica
Day 5: Cycling through Bohinj to Bled
From Bohinjska Bistrica, a fantastic cycling path leads you to the biggest lake in Slovenia, Lake Bohinj, and through some of the scenic villages on a brand new cycling path (opens end of 2024) to Bled, where you started this grand circle. Alternatively, you can opt for a bigger climb and cross the Pokljuka Plateau.
Cycling: 37km, +470m elevation gain
Overnight in Bled
What's included
What's Included
Tour design and organisation
A booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions
Service and support during your tour
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Accommodation with breakfast as per itinerary
High-performance e-bike (or regular) rental
Luggage transfers
What's Not Included
Dinners (we encourage a visit to local restaurants and are happy to include a list of recommendations for every taste in our booklet)
Experiences (we can arrange wine tastings or similar experiences)
Airport transfers (we are happy to arrange those to fit your travel plans)
Extra days (we are happy to customise those to your wishes)
Gallery
FAQs
How difficult is the Julijana Trail cycling tour?
The tour is moderate in difficulty, but it’s made much easier with e-bikes, which are available for rent. With an e-bike, you’ll have extra assistance on climbs, making the tour accessible even for cyclists with basic experience.
What kind of terrain will we be cycling on?
The route includes a mix of well-paved cycling paths, scenic mountain passes, quiet forest roads, and some gentle gravel trails. Expect a variety of alpine and riverside settings, with some climbs and thrilling descents.
Can the itinerary be adjusted to accommodate different fitness levels?
Yes, the itinerary is flexible! We can arrange shorter routes or add rest days for a more leisurely pace. Additionally, support vehicles can be arranged to assist with challenging climbs or to shorten sections of the tour.
What type of accommodations are available
You can choose from standard or luxury options. Accommodations include charming hotels and boutique stays in beautiful locations. Upgrades to 4- or 5-star properties are available in towns like Bled, Kranjska Gora, and Bovec.
What should I pack for this cycling tour?
Pack comfortable cycling gear, a helmet, layers for varying weather conditions, and casual clothes for evenings. Waterproof clothing is recommended, as weather in the mountains can change rapidly. We’ll provide a full packing list upon booking.
Is there luggage transfer provided between accommodations?
Yes, your luggage will be transferred daily to your next accommodation, so you only need to carry essential items while cycling.
Can I do this tour self-guided, or do I need a guide?
The tour is available both as a self-guided and a guided experience. Self-guided options come with detailed maps and route notes, while guided tours provide a local expert to enhance your experience with cultural and historical insights.
What local experiences are included along the way?
You’ll have opportunities to explore cultural sites like Kobarid’s WWI museum, visit waterfalls, and enjoy the beauty of the Soča River and Tolmin Gorge. Wine tasting and local cuisine experiences can also be arranged.
What is the best time of year to do this cycling tour?
The best time for the Julijana Trail is from late spring to early autumn (May to September), when the weather is generally warm, and the trails are in optimal condition. July and August offer the most daylight, while May and September have cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.