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Trans Slovenia TRANS SLOVENIA 02

Duration

9 days

Category

Cross-Country

Fitness level

HIGH

Tour type

GUIDED, SELF-GUIDED, TAILOR-MADE

Technical difficulty

LOW

Length & elevation

413km, 9570m

Trans Slovenia 2 map

Remarkable tourist attractions and remote biking trails – the Trans Slovenia 02 mountain bike tour guarantees a perfect mix of both. Join us and explore gorgeous Alpine lakes, photogenic mountain pastures, secluded towns and the Adriatic coast in the best way – on a bike! A week of exceptional mountain biking is guaranteed.

The tour starts in Arnoldstein, a small town just across the Austrian border. Passing by the triple border, where the territories of Austria, Italy and Slovenia come together in a single point, the trail leads to the Alpine resort of Kranjska Gora and through the beautiful Radovna Valley, eventually reaching the picture perfect LakeBled. Supreme mountain biking continues across the densely forested Pokljuka Plateau before arriving to Bohinj, another Alpine pearl.

Two days of mountain biking through pristine forests and secluded villages in the hills above Škofja Loka are marked by two UNESCO heritage sites, i.e. the Franja Partisan Hospital and the abandoned mercury mine in Idrija. In between the two sites lies the town of Cerkno, known as an excellent biking destination.

In the second part of the tour, the trail runs along three different wine regions. Starting in the windy Vipava Valley, the trail turns towards the Karst region and finishes in Slovenian Istria. Distinct climate and terrain provide for different wine flavours that impress even the greatest connoisseurs. Before ending this MTB tour in the charming coastal town of Piran, one can enjoy a visit to the typical Karsttown of Štanjel, the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves, and the Sečovlje Salina Landscape Park.

Trans Slovenia 02 is an alternative trail for starting the 2000 km long Trans Dinarica tour.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Diversity of the trails: mountain biking in the Alps, forests, valleys, stony karst and at the Adriatic coast
  • Supreme biking over Zajamniki mountain pasture
  • Beautiful Bled & Bohinj lakes
  • Local wine from three wine regions & excellent regional cuisine
  • Passing by Škocjan caves, Franja Partisan Hospital and Idrija Mercury Mine – all UNESCO heritage sites

 

 

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Gallery

Itinerary

DAY 01

ARNOLDSTEIN – BLED: ACROSS THE BORDER TO THE FAMOUS LAKE BLED

DistanceDistance: 65 km
DistanceElevation: 1300 m

The Trans Slovenia 02 mountain bike tour starts in Arnoldstein, a small town situated at Austria’s southern border between the Carnic Alps and the Karavanke mountain range. Meeting in Arnoldstein is followed by a warm-up uphill ride to Mt. Peč, which is awarded by spectacular views at the triple border(Dreiländereck)and a thrilling descent to Kranjska Gora, an Alpine resort known for skiing competitions.

From here, a pleasant forest road leads to another Alpine village of Mojstrana, where it enters one of the prettiest valleys in the Slovenia Alps, the Radovna River Valley. Since the area is part of the Triglav National Park, mass tourism is limited here. The Valley is well-known due to its unspoiled nature and a dramatic 1.6 kilometer-long Vintgar Gorge.

Reaching the final destination of the day, the famously beautiful Bled, it would be a pity not to visit the tiny island in the middle of the lake, climb the impressive Bled Castle overlooking the town, or taste the famous Bled cake called “Kremšnita”.

 

 


DAY 02

BLED - BOHINJ: OVER MOUNTAIN PASTURES TO LAKE BOHINJ

DistanceDistance: 55 km
DistanceElevation: 1250 m

The second mountain biking day begins with a climb to the Pokljuka plateau, which rests at an altitude of 1.300 meters and serves as a starting point for many hikes. The forested plateau is dotted with shingle-covered wooden cottages, which are typical of the Slovenian mountain pastures. Back in the old days, they were used as homes for shepherds or dairy production facilities.

The most memorable part of the day and one of the tour highlights is mountain biking across the Zajamniki mountain pasture in the central area of Pokljuka, known for its beautiful cottages and a perfect view over Lake Bohinj. Using mostly forest roads, the trail eventually descends towards Lake Bohinj, the largest natural lake in Slovenia. Many visitors to Slovenia say they have never seen a lake more beautiful than Lake Bled – until they come to Bohinj.

 

 


DAY 03

BOHINJ - CERKNO: THE UPS AND DOWNS

DistanceDistance: 46 km
DistanceElevation: 1490 m

The MTB adventure of the day starts with a pleasant ascent towards Soriška planina mountain pasture, offering great views of Mt Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia. There is an option to take an asphalt road to the top of Soriška planina and descend to the small village of Petrovo Brdo. Nevertheless, the more exiting alternative is to bike around the plateau and reach this village after a wild ride over gravel and forest paths, enjoying some great single trails along the way.

The third day of Trans Slovenia 02 mountain bike tour is characterized by remote trails, tiny villages and secluded farms. The remoteness of the location was crucial for the existence of the main landmark of this MTB stage.The WWII Franja Partisan Hospital, a cultural monument of national importance, holds the European heritage label and has been placed on the UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage. The final destination of the day, the town of Cerkno, features a modern ski center and hosts the world-famous Cerkno Jazz festival every year.

 

 


DAY 04

CERKNO - IDRIJA: A DAY OF REMOTENESS

DistanceDistance: 42 km
DistanceElevation: 1200 m

The MTB tour continues in a similar mood as the previous day. Narrow gravel and asphalt roads wind up and down the hills and along scattered villages, offering breathtaking views along the way. It’s time for some top-notch biking in the embrace of lush peaceful nature.

The destination of the day is the town of Idrija, notable for its former mercury mine and the tradition of bobbin lace. Since the fourth biking stage is a bit shorter than the rest, this day is perfect for some needed rest and a visit to the abandoned mine, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2012.

 

 


DAY 05

IDRIJA - AJDOVŠČINA: ENTERING THE LAND OF VINEYARDS

DistanceDistance: 56 km
DistanceElevation: 1250 m

Day 5 continues with exploring roads and locations barely known even to the average Slovenian weekender. During biking, the landscape slowly changes from Alpine to Dinaric. The day starts with an easy ascent to the small town of Črni Vrh, from where two variations lead towards the Vipava Valley and the town of Ajdovščina. The first one includes mountain biking over scenic Mt. Javornik and descending through the Bela Valley. An easier option is to follow the village road all to way to Col, ultimately arriving to Ajdovščina.

The fertile, wine-rich Vipava Valley stretches from Nova Gorica into the Karst region. Its mild climate encourages the cultivation of stone fruits, such as peaches and apricots. The idyllic rural scenery offers plenty opportunities to try some outstanding gourmet treats.

 

 


DAY 06

AJDOVŠČINA - DIVAČA: THE FACINANTING WORLD OF KARST

DistanceDistance: 46 km
DistanceElevation: 1050 m

On the sixth day of Trans Slovenia 02 mountain bike tour, the landscape changes once again. The MTB trail leaves the Dinaric valley behind and enters the magical world of Karst. Did you know that Slovenia is the land of karst? New caves are discovered in Slovenia every year, and the number of recorded ones now amounts to more than 8.000. The Slovenian Karst is also a wine-growing region, which was already praised by the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Karst Wine Route indeed boasts over 100 wine cellars.

The highlight of the day is a typical Karst town of Štanjel with its appealing narrow streets, castle and a delightful garden. Mountain biking continues across the quiet Slovenian countryside. Numerous fascinating karstic phenomena such as caverns, sinkholes and fissures can be observed on the way to the final destination of the day, the town of Divača. Time permitting, a visit to another UNESCO site, the world famous Škocjan Caves is strongly recommended. The visit can also be postponed to the following morning.

 

 


DAY 07

DIVAČA - MEREZIGE: THE MAGIC OF ISTRIA

DistanceDistance: 61 km
DistanceElevation: 1500 m

This mountain biking stage is all about Mt. Slavnik, where a popular MTB marathon takes place every spring. With its fabulous views over the sea and other Slovenian regions, it simply cannot disappoint. From here, a mix of asphalt and gravel roads lead in the direction of Slovenian Istria, a Tuscany-like land, where more vineyards can be found. Two trail variations are then offered to reach the lovely village of Merezige, well-known for its wine produced from two typical local grapes – Malvasia and Refosco.

The easier variation includes biking closer to the sea and passes through Kozina before reaching the small villages in the Istrian hinterland. The other, technically slightly more demanding trail, enters deeper into the hills overlooking the Adriatic coast before joining the easier trail at the pretty village of Podpeč.

 

 


DAY 08

MEREZIGE – PIRAN: SLOVENIAN COAST

DistanceDistance: 42 km
DistanceElevation: 530 m

On the last day of Trans Slovenia 02 mountain bike tour, the trail finally reaches the alluring Adriatic coast. With no hills to climb, this stage is relatively easy. The road leads from the Dragonja Valley to the sea, where it passes the Sečovlje Salina Landscape Park, the largest Slovenian salt evaporation pond and one of the few facilities where salt is still produced in a traditional way. The park is also a wetland of international importance and a breeding place for various water birds.

Biking continues along the Slovenian coast, passing through the city of Portorož before coming to the final destination – the charming town of Piran. Sitting pretty at the tip of a narrow peninsula, the picturesque Piran boasts one of the best-preserved historical towns in the Adriatic. It is hard not to fall in love with its atmospheric winding alleyways and seafood restaurants. The time is perfect to sip a cup of coffee at the Tartini Square or climb the Town Walls for the best view of the sunset. Taking a dip in the sea before dinner is also a great idea.

 

 


DAY 09

DEPARTURE DAY

Wir verbringen den Morgen am Packen, Organisieren des Gepäcks und dem Transport zurück zum Startflughafen – es heißt Abschied nehmen!

 

 


Download a free online brochure
for Slovenia:

It includes useful and inspiring lists for Slovenia's top 5 cycling routes, MTB trails, activities, sights, local dishes & extra tips to make your holidays even more memorable.

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Dates

  • May - September *TAILOR MADE, SELF-GUIDED

*In season, tour can be organised on any date. Please contact us for individual offer.

The price for a guided TRANS SLOVENIA 02 tour includes:

  • 8-night accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels/guest houses.
  • 8 breakfasts and 8 dinners; Meals include typical local food.
  • Fully qualified and experienced MTB guide for the entire trip.
  • Baggage transfer between tour stages.
  • Extensive Tour Booklet.
  • Transfer from the route ending point to the route starting point.

Rates are valid per person, based on double occupancy.

Optional:

Price excludes:

  • Travel and activity insurance.
  • Personal safety and cycling equipment.
  • Lunches.
  • Any beverages consumed with meals that are included in the package.
  • Any other items not mentioned as included.

*A guided tour is possible on request.

We recommend self-guided cycling tours to everybody who knows how to navigate a GPS device and has previous experience in self-guided cycling. If you think you don’t fit this description, maybe a guided cycling tour would be a more enjoyable option for you.

The price of a self-guided tour depends on the number of people in the group. Please contact us for the offer.

 

# 2 4 6 8
price 1.780 € 1.530 € 1.450 € 1.410 €

The price for self-guided TRANS SLOVENIA 02 tour includes:

  • 8-night accommodation in 3- or 4-star hotels/guest houses.
  • 8 breakfasts.
  • Baggage transfer between the tour stages.
  • Navigation pack: GPX tracks, link to Google map, Tour Booklet, Online briefing.
  • Transfer from the route ending point to the route starting point.
  • Helpline for emergencies during the tour.

Optional:

Price excludes:

  • Travel and activity insurance.
  • Personal safety and cycling equipment.
  • Lunches.
  • Any beverages consumed with meals that are included in the package.
  • Any other items not mentioned as included.

Would you like to customize this tour?

Are you worried you are not prepared enough physically? Would you like to select a different starting or ending point, or perhaps have a day off before, after or during the tour?

Send an e-mail to: info@visit-goodplace.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Logistics

The adventure starts in Arnoldstein (near Villach, Austria) or in Bled and ends in the town of Piran on the Slovenian coast.

GETTING THERE

Several international airports, those of Ljubljana, Venice, Treviso, Trieste, Klagenfurt and Graz, are located within a 2-3-hour drive from Villach/Bled. We are happy to arrange airport shuttles from any of these airports upon request.

If you are traveling by car, parking is possible at the tour starting point.

ACCOMMODATION

Our tours are mostly operated through small towns and villages. We always make effort to select the most authentic and visitor-friendly accommodation and dining arrangements available. This way the tour groups can enjoy local hospitality and great food on the entire route.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • One guided group can include a maximum of 8 people.
  • On guided tours a briefing session is organized every evening. During briefing, the guide(s) reveal details about the next day’s cycling stage, including the altitude, length, difficulty etc.
  • On most cycling stages alternative trail variations can be chosen according to the specific requirements of the group.
  • The meeting instructions and final trip arrangements are sent to participants two weeks before the tour start date.

FAQ

You can find answers to frequently asked questions here: FAQ.

 

 

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Book it now or send us a message - we are happy to answer all the questions you might have.

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