The Cyclist's Guide to the Julian Alps

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 12.2 km

Duration: 0:40 hours

If you’re looking to begin your cycling journey at a relaxed pace but surrounded by unforgettable views, this route is the one for you. The trail was originally intended as a railway to connect the Upper and Lower Bohinj Valley, but the project was abandoned and the plans were thus used to create this beautiful cycling route in 2011. The 12 km trail runs along the left bank of the Sava Bohinjka River in the Lower Bohinj Valley and through the alpine villages of the Upper Bohinj Valley. The route is mostly ordinary roads, except for a small stretch of stone, meaning all bike types are suitable for the experience. This truly is the perfect cycling excursion for all ages!

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 290 km

Average Stage Length: 40 km

Stages: 7 (+3 access stages)

Total Altitude Change: 8.500 m

The Juliana Mountain Biking Road is the younger sister of the Juliana Trail and a part of the Slovenian Mountain Biking Route. It functions as a loop and is an independent trail that runs along the edges of the Julian Alps. The entirety of this moderately demanding route is a whopping 290 km long, but don’t be discouraged. The trail is divided into 10 different stages, meaning you can pick and choose which ones you want to ride and for how long. This trail provides more of a challenge and is one of the most popular cycling routes for our visitors. Stretching all the way across the Julian Alps, this trail can take you through most of the valleys and mountains of the area. The vistas and panoramic views of the trail are simply mesmerising, and through the unpaved roads and wild forests, you get to experience Slovenian nature in a whole new way. 

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 38.1 km 

Duration: 4:00 hours

This beautiful trail runs from the town of Tolmin to Solkan, following the railway of Bohinj Valley through the nature of the Julian Alps. The 38 km tour is not the most demanding, meaning it's suitable for families as well as more seasoned cyclists. Riding along the old railway you will see natural and cultural landmarks of the Soča Valley, the archaeological site of Most na Soči and across the famous two-arch stone bridge in Kanal. On the last stretch of the tour, the landscape really opens up with beautiful views of Mt. Sveta Gora and The Stone Galleries. This 4-hour trip makes for a perfect day out for cyclists of all ages. 

Difficulty: Moderate 

Distance: 18.8 km 

Duration: 1:44 hours

From the Julian Alps, you can easily expand your trail to the town of Brda. This picturesque landscape surrounded by vineyards and olive groves makes for a beautiful cycling experience. The Peach Route takes you through central parts of Brda where you will see stunning Dobrovo Castle, the Vipolže Villa and the mediaeval village of Šmartno. The 18 km route also works perfectly for electric bikes to give you that little extra push to overcome the trail's many hills. We recommend stopping for a quick breather by the lookout tower in Gonjače, where the panoramic views of the landscape are unmatched.

Difficulty: Moderate 

Distance: 28 km

Duration: 3-5 hours

One of the most popular trails in the Julian Alps is the Cycling Trail of Jure Robič, known as D-2. The longest cycling trail in Gorenjska, this beautiful route takes you across stunning terrain and natural landmarks, through lakes and up through the Upper Sava Valley. Your journey starts in front of the Slovenian Alpine Museum where you continue towards the village of Dovje, past the Triglavski Gaj Park and across the blue bridge from under which you will hear the thundering of the Sava Dolinka River. Following the old route of the railway line that closed in 1966, you will experience breathtaking views and stunning vistas throughout. This is a demanding trail spanning over 28 km so be sure to come well-prepared and bring an extra water bottle to stay hydrated during the adventure!

Difficulty: Moderate 

Distance: 33.7 km

Duration: 3:45 hours

This picturesque 33 km day trip leads from Radovljica towards the Sava River Valley and all the way to Bled across the foothills of the Julian Alps. On your trip, you will travel through lush forests, flowering meadows and the beautiful Sava Dolinka River, and that’s just a taste of what this incredible trail has to offer. For anyone with a little extra energy, you will also have the opportunity to hike up to the peak of Ojstrica with stunning views of the mountain range and valleys. Once you get to Bled, you can continue your journey before emerging on the outskirts of town. From here you can travel down the Sava Dolinka River one last time to the village of Breg before steering down Emperors Road through Vrbnje back to Radovljica. As you can see, this trail is packed with sights and natural landmarks, making for the perfect alpine excursion!

Difficulty: Hard

Distance: 31.7 km 

Duration: 3:00 hours

This trail is sure to provide a challenge for even the most experienced cyclists. This beautiful 31 km tour leads us across the famous Bohinj pastures, located in the very heart of the Julian Alps. The tour begins on the edge of the Srednja Vas village before the ascent starts and you begin to climb the rolling, green hills of the mountain. When you get to Zajamniki pasture, we recommend that you rest and take a moment to soak in the views of Lake Bohinj, Tolmin mountains and Mount Triglav. This is one of the more demanding routes of the Julian Alps with an ascent of nearly 1000 metres, so make sure that you got the right bike and your spirits high before you begin your journey.

Don’t feel like bringing your own bike? No worries, the Julian Alps offers plenty of opportunities for bike rentals and a variety of other services intended to make your environmental vacation as easy and comfortable as possible. The Julian Alps Booking Centre are always standing by to help you with planning and booking for all your activities and accommodation. They offer tailor-made packages, transfers and lodging making sure you can fully focus on enjoying your alpine vacation.

After a long day of pedalling, you are surely looking forward to a good night's rest. The Alps stand by to welcome you home with open arms, offering a variety of lodging options in the valley.