Fall in S-LOVE-NIA – ROAD AND GRAVEL BIKING BETWEEN THE KARAWANKS AND KARST
It is particularly easy here to fall head over heels in love with the racing bike, just ask those guys. But anyone interested in gravel biking should also have Slovenia on their bucket list anyway!
The relatively small country has so much in store for road cyclists. Thanks to its dynamic landscape, Slovenia is surprisingly diverse: the Mediterranean east meets rolling hills and vineyards in the southeast, while in the northwest awaits the foothills of the Alps with their imposing mountain ranges. With plenty of untouched nature, a charm all its own and sweet temptations, Slovenia truly feels like an undiscovered cycling mecca. And gravel bikers in particular fall from one surprise to another amazed by the diversity and untouched nature that awaits them off the asphalt. It’s hard these days to find a place like this that you haven’t already seen a thousand times on Instagram. Our verdict: Small, but O SO Beautiful!
From the Julian Alps to the sea
In the valleys, mountains and wild forests of the Julian Alps, you can experience authentic alpine life in the mountains – with amazing views, quiet roads and hidden trails. Here you get in touch with nature and the authentic Slovenes, who are incredibly open and friendly. Slovenia may be small, but still take enough time to discover it: set aside a week to explore the Julian Alps and allow enough time to visit the Soca Valley, Bled and the Bohinj Valley. Some of the country’s best gravel routes are on the program in the Koroska region, while the Savinjska region is a wonderful place to take a breather and enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the hopfields before ending the tour in the capital city of Ljubljana, where a number of fantastic routes await you.
Savinja valley: panoramic views and mountains as far as the eye can see
Amid the typical Alpine landscape with constant views of glaciers, cycling is incredibly fine. The Posavje Mountains to the south, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps to the west, the Pohorje Mountains to the north and the Celje Basin to the east – the Savinja Valley is surrounded by imposing peaks. The views during road bike tours here are never boring! However, the highlight in terms of breathtaking views is and remains the panoramic road from Solčava. You cycle past hop fields far away from the tourist routes – a self-tapped glass of “Zeleno zlato” (green gold) at the beer fountain in Žalec is an absolute must-do! As is a sweet temptation: for what cream slices are in Bled, sweet potica – a traditional party pastry made of yeast dough with a wide variety of fillings – is in the Savinja Valley. We enjoy it – how could it be otherwise – overlooking what the Slovenians, call the most beautiful Alpine valley in Europe. And it must be said, the view is insanely beautiful!
More information: https://mts-austria.com/4eNOr9D
Fotos: © Tobias Köhler
