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.

Lake Bled to Ljubljana Cycling BreakEnjoying 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.

Lake Bled to Ljubljana Cycling BreakEnjoying 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

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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
17 to 27 miles/27 to 43 kms

You’ll first be transferred by mini-bus up to the nearby Pokljuka plateau (12 km) from where you mount up for an enjoyable cycle ride down into the beautiful Bohinj Valley. Cycling along the valley floor you’ll pass through a succession of tiny alpine villages. At the end of this stunning valley you reach Lake Bohinj and the village of Ribčev Laz. The view across the lake from the lovely old bridge is something to savour. At this point you can opt for an additional, bolt-on ride around the lake to the Savica waterfall. Along the way you can also stop and ascend Mount Vogel by cable car for stunning views across the forested valley to Mount Triglav, the highest of the Julian Alps. From Ribcev Laz it's an easy and scenic ride along the gently descending valley to the pleasant town of Bohinjska Bistrica where you will spend the night.

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

This morning the day starts with an uphill ride to the Jelovica high plateau* where your efforts are rewarded with a cooling ride through a shady forest. After a while you reach the alpine hamlet of Sorica the birthplace of Ivan Grohar, a famous Slovenian painter who’s work is on display in a small gallery. There’s a perfect spot for a picnic stop near the statue of the painter just after the church – the view is wonderful! Continue down the pleasant valley alongside a mountain stream to Železniki a town that used to be known for its iron smelting works – an old furnace is still on display paying homage to the town’s past. Another 12 kilometers easy cycling down the valley brings you to the charming medieval town of Škofja Loka. If you still have some energy you could take on the climb to the castle overlooking the old town. In the evening the ancient narrow streets are a delight to explore on foot.

*Important: It's possible to book a lift to the top of the Jelovica high plateau with your bike if you think the climb might be too tough for you. The cost is 30 Euros per person and must be booked through our local representative on your arrival in Bled.

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 long lock and repair kit is provided with each pair of bikes. The repair kit includes one spare inner tube, one set of Allen keys, tyre levers and a basic puncture repair kit.

Electric bikes are also available.

Helmets are provided free of charge locally however we always recommend bringing your own if possible to ensure the best fit. 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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