LJUBLJANA CAPITAL OF A REAL CYCLING COUNTRY
Cycling experiences in and around Ljubljana
Cycling is an essential part of Ljubljana’s identity. The city has an extensive network of cycle paths, well-maintained themed trails, and cycling experiences that showcase its top attractions.
In Ljubljana and the surrounding area, you can choose from short bike rides or a whole day of cycling, or even several days. With around 230 kilometers of special bike routes, Ljubljana and its surroundings are one of the most bike-friendly cities. The countryside and forests surrounding the city are crisscrossed with countless low-traffic roads and gravel paths, perfect for cycling. For those seeking more demanding cycling challenges, the nearby hills offer steep climbs that will test your fitness.
Ljubljana, the MTB capital
Slovenia is one of Europe’s top destinations for mountain biking. The country is known for its excellent natural MTB parks with diverse trails and technical challenges, but also has an increasing number of modern pump tracks. The capital offers excellent infrastructure, including well-maintained MTB routes and parks close to the city center, downhill tracks, pump tracks, BMX courses, and practice areas suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
Want to leave your bike in the valley?
Did you know that Slovenia is also crossed by the famous Way of St. James, which extends beyond the country’s borders to one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the world—Santiago de Compostela in Spain? The network covers a large part of the country and connects 67 churches dedicated to St. James in Slovenia. In Ljubljana, it serves as a hub or crossroads for the three main routes: the Šentjakob route (branching off from Dolenjska and Primorska), the Svetovišarska route (branching off from Gorenjska), and the Prekmurje-Štajerska branch, with constantly new side routes to the churches of St. James.
Time for a culinary break
Ljubljana is a world unto itself, offering adventurous foodies a varied and colorful selection for all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re looking for traditional local cuisine or fine dining, a trendy brunch spot or a classic breakfast, a romantic retreat or a lively venue for a night out with friends, you’ll find it here.Slovenian cuisine is characterized by fresh, high-quality, and organically produced ingredients, which both locals and most top chefs source from Ljubljana’s bustling markets.
Just a short drive from Ljubljana
Discover Ljubljana’s top attractions outside the city center in an active way. Not only does the city offer excellent cycling opportunities, but it is also a perfect starting point for exploring Slovenia’s other cycling destinations. The bike tours in the region have been designed by the tourist services to take you to various attractions, with suggested routes along traffic-calmed roads that offer beautiful views and a great experience. In Ljubljana and the surrounding area, you are spoiled for choice between short bike rides with cultural experiences or long rides to get in top shape. Whatever you choose, you will soon find yourself in a cycling paradise. Don’t be fooled by Slovenia’s small size – the diversity you’ll find in this tiny country is unmatched anywhere else. Where else can you find the sea, beaches, lakes, marshes, hills, and mountains all within a stone’s throw of each other?
Don’t miss the top events
Are you a participant or a spectator? Check out the biggest cycling events in Ljubljana and the surrounding area.
The largest and best known is the Tour of Slovenia, which you can follow on Eurosport. The Franja BTC City Marathon offers routes for everyone, from professionals to recreational riders and families, and also includes the Barjanka Hervis, which takes cyclists through the picturesque marshes of Ljubljana. Mountain bike fans gather annually for the Ljubljana MTB Weekend, which brings together riders from different disciplines, as well as for BMX Race Ljubljana, the largest BMX race in Slovenia. Cross-country bikers can test their skills at XC Rašica, part of the SloXcup series.
Ljubljana is a true cycling hub with an extensive network of bike paths, well-marked routes for recreational riding, and routes that showcase the city’s main attractions. The city marks the start and end of the Slovenian Tourist Cycle Route, while the region is also connected by long-distance cycling routes. We love cycling here through the breathtaking natural landscapes and enjoying the unforgettable views and experiences.
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