Two Wheels, Two Countries, Boundless Options
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, looking to enjoy the great outdoors with the family or just need a way to get to the next winery, rustic village or UNESCO World Heritage site, there are cycling adventures in Slovenia and Croatia for everyone.
Pedal Through the Julian Alps
There’s no better place to start exploring Slovenia by bike than the Juliana Bike, a 290 km mountain biking loop through the Julian Alps that’s the top choice of two-time Tour de France winner and Slovenia native Tadej Pogačar. If it’s good enough for a man who’s cycled every corner of the country, we mere mortals should take note.
Winding through towns and valleys, across mountain passes and alongside Slovenia’s emerald rivers en route to famed lakes Bled and Bohinj, this route highlights why Slovenia was designated the world’s first green country.
Road cycling enthusiasts will get a workout on the Vršič Pass, the highest in the eastern Julian Alps, with its 50 serpentine turns (24 on the Kranjska Gora side and 26 on the Trenta side). Fair warning, even the most competitive riders can’t help but stop to take in the incredible vistas and snap a few photos.
Unique, Breathtaking Cycling Destinations
If you’re up for even more of a challenge – and have a bit of time on your hands – EuroVelo 8 is the perfect way to soak in all the splendor of the Slovenian and Croatian coasts and even take in a few islands. The 43 km Slovenian leg passes through 3 nature parks and the 1,116 km in Croatia weaves through 3 national parks, 4 nature parks and 8 UNESCO sites including Zadar, Šibenik, Split and Dubrovnik.
After cycling the Julian Alps and both coasts, you’re either ready for a vacation or a competition; why not a bit of both? The 4 Islands MTB race takes you through 4 magnificent Croatian islands in 5 days – Krk, Rab, Cres and Lošinj.
Mountains bikes aren’t only for going over islands and mountains though, in Slovenia you can also go under them and take a 5-kilometer route beneath Mount Peca.
Easy Riding Through Wine Country
Ok, ok, now it’s finally time for a break and the Danube Route, or EuroVelo 6, is the ideal low-intensity route to recover on and see a different side of Croatia by bike. Slowly traverse the gentle hills of Slavonia and Baranja in eastern Croatia and take in world-class wines, restaurants serving up hearty regional dishes and marvel at history like Osijek’s baroque fortress.
Plan accordingly though, Slavonia is well known for its warm, welcoming people and one wine can quickly turn into a weekend of winery hopping and trying local delicacies like kulen and fiš-paprikaš.
In Slovenia, at the foothills of the Alps, the Brda region is where fine wine, delectable cuisine and leisurely bike rides come together. Take your time riding through this countryside that’s pulled straight from a painting, dotted with charming rural villages and covered by a mosaic of vineyards and olive groves.
Heaven for Cyclists
Whether you’re a seasoned rider aiming for a personal record or just exploring at your own pace, Slovenia and Croatia offer endless cycling routes through spectacular landscapes. From mountain passes and emerald rivers to coastal roads and island hopping, these countries have it all. And with the hospitality and local delicacies along the way, you may just find yourself extending your stay for one more ride.