Lake Bled to Ljubljana Cycling Break

This 4 night cycling break leads you along a wonderfully scenic route from beautiful Lake Bled, through pristine alpine scenery and medieval villages to Slovenia’s lively and bustling capital.

Lake Bled, with its picturesque island church and serene alpine surroundings is a lovely starting point for your Slovenian cycling break. A circumnavigation of the lake following the meandering footpath is of course a must but whether you also invest in the challenging hike up to the lookout point at the western end of the lake, from where most pictures of the lake and island church are taken from, is up to you.

Enjoying the view at Lake Bled

The next morning you ride through the peaceful grandeur of the Bohinj valley marvelling at the towering peaks of the Triglav National Park as you descend to the pretty village of Ribčev Laz. If you have the energy you can extend the ride a little and cycle around Lake Bohinj to the Savica Waterfall. Either way, we recommend sampling the local honey brandy in the evening

The next morning the idyllic alpine village of Bohinjska Bistrica is a nice place to stop for a coffee before taking on the winding climb up to the Jelovica plateau. If you don’t fancy this challenge then you can pre-book a transfer to whisk you and your bike to the top in no time at all. You then follow a meandering mountain road as it gently descends along a pretty valley to the gorgeous medieval town of Škofja Loka. An evening stroll around this bustling and atmospheric little place is always a delight.

Your final ride leads you further along the valley and into Ljubljana. The rest of day and evening are yours to enjoy the many sights, sounds and tastes of the vibrant and exciting Slovenian capital.

Lake Bled to Ljubljana Cycling Break

This 4 night cycling break leads you along a wonderfully scenic route from beautiful Lake Bled, through pristine alpine scenery and medieval villages to Slovenia’s lively and bustling capital.

Lake Bled, with its picturesque island church and serene alpine surroundings is a lovely starting point for your Slovenian cycling break. A circumnavigation of the lake following the meandering footpath is of course a must but whether you also invest in the challenging hike up to the lookout point at the western end of the lake, from where most pictures of the lake and island church are taken from, is up to you.

Enjoying the view at Lake Bled

The next morning you ride through the peaceful grandeur of the Bohinj valley marvelling at the towering peaks of the Triglav National Park as you descend to the pretty village of Ribčev Laz. If you have the energy you can extend the ride a little and cycle around Lake Bohinj to the Savica Waterfall. Either way, we recommend sampling the local honey brandy in the evening

The next morning the idyllic alpine village of Bohinjska Bistrica is a nice place to stop for a coffee before taking on the winding climb up to the Jelovica plateau. If you don’t fancy this challenge then you can pre-book a transfer to whisk you and your bike to the top in no time at all. You then follow a meandering mountain road as it gently descends along a pretty valley to the gorgeous medieval town of Škofja Loka. An evening stroll around this bustling and atmospheric little place is always a delight.

Your final ride leads you further along the valley and into Ljubljana. The rest of day and evening are yours to enjoy the many sights, sounds and tastes of the vibrant and exciting Slovenian capital.

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive Lake Bled

Check into your hotel and then get out to explore this beautiful area. The glacial lake is ringed by green forested hills with an alpine backdrop. Bled Castle stands guard on a bluff overlooking the lake and the view from the terrace is well worth the 15 minute steep climb. You can also ask one of the boatmen to row you out to the charming island church in the centre of the lake where tradition states that if a groom can carry his bride up the 99 steps then the couple are assured of a happy life together.

Day 2 : Bled – Bohinj Valley – Bohinjska Bistrica/Ribčev Laz
18 to 27 miles/28 to 44 kms

The next morning you and your bikes are transferred up to the nearby Pokljuka plateau from where your first day’s ride will begin. After a lovely winding descent through pine forests you arrive in the stunning Bohinj valley. You’ll then cycle through a succession of tiny alpine hamlets set amidst verdant green meadows and overlooked by the towering granite peaks of the Triglav National Park. There’s very little traffic here and time appears to have stopped in a peaceful, more serene age. At the end of the valley you reach the large, deep Lake Bohinj that reflects the alpine grandeur that surrounds it. Here you’ll stop for the night in the charming little village of Ribčev Laz or a little further on, in the pleasant town of Bohinjska Bistrica. If you wish you can continue on around the lake to a waterfall and then take the cable car up Mount Vogel from where superb views across the Julian Alps can be enjoyed. In the evening we highly recommend sampling the locally made honey brandy in one of the cosy bars.

Day 3 : Ribčev Laz – Škofja Loka
33 miles/53 kms

The day starts with another scenic cycle ride along the valley to the idyllic village of Bohinjska Bistrica. From here you can either take on the quite steep climb up the winding road to the Jelovica plateau or you can pre-book a transfer (€30 per person payable locally) and avoid this section. At the top you ride through a thick pine forest before dropping onto another beautiful and peaceful alpine valley. In the charming village of Sorica you can stop and learn about the famous Slovenien painter, Ivan Grohar, who was born here. Descending further down the scenic valley you reach Železniki, a historic iron smelting town that still proudly displays one of its original blast furnaces. Your destination today is the beautiful medieval town of Škofja Loka. If you still have some energy you could climb to the castle overlooking the old town. In the evening the ancient narrow streets are a delight to explore on foot.

Day 4 : Škofja Loka – Ljubljana
19 miles/31 kms

Your final ride is the easiest as you leave the hills behind and enjoy fast, level cycling along a network of secondary roads towards Ljubljana. Once in the city, check into your hotel and then get out and explore this vibrant and attractive capital city. A stroll up to Ljubljana Castle is rewarded with commanding views over the city and in the evening why not indulge in a spot of people watching in the many bars, cafes and restaurants that line the riverbank. Ljubljana is a fun and lively city and a great place to end your Slovenian cycling adventure

Day 5 : Ljubjana - end of trip

After breakfast it’s time to check out and return home, or head off on your next adventure

Bikes

Regular bikes provided are modern alloy framed models with 21 speeds. Each bikes is equipped with one side pannier. One cycling odometer, one lock, one spare inner tube, one set of Allen keys and a basic puncture repair set are provided per couple / pair of bikes.

Electric bikes are also available.

We suggest you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons. Alternatively, helmets are available for rent at the time of booking. Please note that it is compulsory to wear a helmet in Slovenia.

Accommodation

Superior: Accommodation in good quality 3 and 4 star hotels

Local taxes

Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. This fee varies and is ever changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night.

Getting there

Fly to Ljubljana or Trieste

Research flights from the UK here

Transfers from Ljubljana airport to your first hotel in Bled are available for a supplement.

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