June 24-30, 2024
Slovenia Ride
Northern Alps to Austria to the Julian Alps
About the Ride
Discover the pure beauty of Slovenia in this point to point bike ride.
June 24 – 30, 2024
Ljubljana to Bovec, Slovenia
Ride from Ljubljana to the northern Alps, crossing the border with Austria and descending to Lake Bled before tackling some epic climbs, including Vrsic Pass in the Julian Alps. Stay in unique accommodations along the route and enjoy breathtaking views.
Can’t join us this year?
Event Details
Positive Planet Impact
Full Event Story
Over the past 5 years, Slovenia has earned accolades for being one of the world’s most sustainable countries. Slovenia has been recognized as a positive example of a nation-wide awareness and commitment to the importance of nature. A country located in the heart of Europe, Slovenia has made significant strides in protecting its rich biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices. Slovenia actively encourages cycling as a way to explore the country.
Photo Gallery
Itinerary Overview
Itinerary subject to change, your Ride Guide will include full details.
This is a point to point ride. Every day there are shorter options available. Road bike and e-bike rental options are listed below.
Day 1
Arrival Day
30km (19 mi) Warm-up ride
At 12:00 PM, we’ll meet at Ljubljana train station and take a shuttle to our first hotel. After a warm welcome from our guide team and a light lunch, we’ll get our bikes set up and head out for a short warm-up ride.
Hotel: Mrak in Ljubljana
Day 2
Bike 85 km (53 mi)
Elevation Gain: 1000 m (3280 ft)
Today, we’ll ride out to the northeast, passing through several towns including Kamnik, where you can stop for food to refuel. After Kamnik, you will see a change in landscape as we ride through rolling hills and gorgeous fields. We’ll continue on and follow the river Savinja. This takes you through small villages and into the breathtaking Logar Valley where you will spend your next night.
Hotel: Guest House and Museum First in Logarska
Day 3
Bike 100 km (62 mi)
Elevation Gain: 2300 m (7500 ft)
Multiple shorter options today!
We’ll ride into Alpine mountains that separate Slovenia and Austria. The day starts with a climb as you enter Austria, followed by a narrow descent and a few steep sections. After this, you descend back into Slovenia and roll down the stunning Jezersko valley. This takes you into Kranj (pronounced Kran). This is the oldest Slovenian settlement and third largest city of the country (37,000 inhabitants). The rest of the ride to Bled is fairly steady. Enjoy the stunning lake as your home for the next two nights!
Hotel Astoria, Lake Bled
Day 4
Bike 84 km (52 mi)
Elevation Gain: 1700 m (5500 ft)
Today, you’ll ride around Lake Bled. Surrounded by the Julian Alps, the lake comprises Slovenia’s only island and makes this town a picturesque haven. Continue along the country road following the river that takes you to Lake Bohinj. This lake is equally gorgeous and measures 318 hectares in size, making it the largest permanent lake in Slovenia. Cool down with a swim!
Hotel Astoria, Lake Bled
Day 5
Bike 83 km (51 mi)
Elevation Gain: 1800 m (5900 ft)
The ride today begins with an easier spin before we tackle the main event of the day – the Vrsic Pass. Starting from the village of Kranjska Gora, this is an incredible climb with cobbled switchbacks on the ascent. This has a total elevation height of 1,611 m making it the highest road pass in the Eastern Julian Alps. Descend down into Trenta and follow the gorgeous Soca river to Bovec.
(Cobbled switchbacks of the Vrsic Pass: 11.7 km, 818 m, 7% av.)
Hotel Soca, Bovec
Day 6
Option 1: Loop ride to the Mangart Saddle
Bike 60 km (37 mi)
Elevation Gain: 2230 m (7300 ft)
Option 2: Ride along the Soca Valley and back
Bike 60-100 km (37-62 mi)
Elevation Gain: 500-1000 mt (1640-3280 ft)
There are two ride options today. The first is the challenging climb of Mangart Saddle. It has a total elevation height of 2,072 m. Described as a ¨panoramic road¨ built in 1938 by Italian soldiers, it has since been renovated several times, and always provides picturesque views of the Julian Alps.
If your legs will not allow you to climb, there is an equally stunning ride following the Soca river south of Bovec. You will be rewarded with waterfalls and mountain views along the Soca river, you can even stop for a swim in some areas!
Hotel Soca, Bovec
Day 7
Departure Day
It’s time to say goodbye! There is a group transfer to Ljubljana train station or to Trieste (Italy) airport. If you would like to extend your stay, just let us know!
Ready to get started?
FAQs and More Info
Arriving & Departing (Important Information)
Arriving
We will pick up riders at Ljubljana train station on Day 1 at noon, or you can meet us on your own at the first hotel (TBA).
Departing
On the last day, we will provide two transfers departing at 10:00 AM – one to Trieste Airport (Italy) and the other to Ljubljana train station.
Accommodations & Meals
This is an all-hotel trip. A single supplement is available if you prefer your own room and there is availability at the hotels (the single supplement fee is 399 Euro for the entire trip). Otherwise, we will try to pair with another cyclist in our group. However, we cannot guarantee that we can pair you with another cyclist.
All meals and snacks are included once we arrive, excluding alcohol and incidentals. Please see what is included and not included below.
What is included? Not included?
Included:
- Accommodations and meals
- Expert guides and route support
Not Included:
- All air tickets with airport taxes
- Bike. You can bring your own bike or you can rent a bike:
- Road Bike (you can rent from our local outfitter).
- E-Bike (There is limited availability, so please inquire immediately)
- Travel/supplemental medical insurance (required for international trips)
- Alcoholic drinks and other beverages during meals outside tour inclusion
- Any optional tour
- Tips for guide, driver, hotel porters (in your ride guide we will indicate recommended tips)
What are the travel documents/passports required for traveling to Slovenia?
You will need a valid U.S. or E.U. passport (valid for at least 3 months or you can be denied entry). If you are a passport holder from another country, please check your country’s regulations.
Please check your ride guide and any emails that we send you regarding other protocols for entering and exiting the country.
Is my U.S. medical insurance valid while traveling outside the U.S.? Should I get travel insurance?
Travel/supplemental medical insurance on international Climate Ride trips is required. Many domestic health insurance companies do not provide coverage outside of the United States, and before leaving for the event, travelers should speak with their healthcare providers to determine if they will be covered. Several private insurance companies offer short-term travel/medical insurance. Check out Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, or other comparable companies.
Remember, travel insurance can only cover expenses you have paid for (flights, additional hotels, etc). It cannot cover your fundraising. Be sure to read the fine print on the travel insurance that you buy.
Can I use my U.S. debit or credit card?
Yes, credit cards and debit cards are accepted. There are ATM machines in larger cities. When we are in smaller villages, you may want local currency to purchase incidentals.
Fundraising Beneficiaries
This is a Climate Ride Funders Trip and the proceeds directly support Climate Ride’s work. Your fundraising will benefit the programs and efforts of Climate Ride, including our community scholarships for young climate leaders and our Environmental Justice Action Grants. You are helping us grow the organization to become an advocacy powerhouse that engages people in the world of active environmental philanthropy and sustainable solutions. Because of this, you cannot change your beneficiary selection after registering. All donations are tax-deductible.
Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines | Important Dates
Fundraising Deadlines:
| $500 to be raised by: | 2/20/2024 |
| $2,250 to be raised by: | 4/19/2024 |
| Transfer Deadline: | 5/13/2024 |
| $4,500 to be raise by | 5/23/2024 |
Note: If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!
More Questions?
Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!
