Trans Slovenia TRANS SLOVENIA 04
The Trans Slovenia 04 mountain bike expedition connects the steep slopes of Karavanke mountains and the central part of Slovenia with the magical world of Karst and the Mediterranean coast. Lots of MTB fun is guaranteed by highly diverse trails and beautiful landscape.
Like the original Trans Slovenia 01 tour, the Trans Slovenia 04 tour focuses on providing the best MTB experience on as many great single trails as possible. The adventure begins in the Single Trail Park Jamnica, situated just next to the Austrian-Slovenian border and close to the Petzen Flow Trail, the longest of its kind in Europe. The route sets off with some forest single trails, which were part of the Enduro World Series competition in 2018. Biking continues through abandoned mine tunnels, before reaching the Solčava panoramic road above the picture-perfect Logarska Valley.
Mountain biking across the Velika Planina mountain pasture leads to the lovely town of Kamnik. Fun interweaving trails run directly to the center of Ljubljana city, where one can feel the beat of one of the greenest capitals of Europe and bike around the UNESCO-listed Ljubljana Marshes.
The route then turns back to the hills and eventually reaches the one-of-a-kind intermittent Lake Cerknica. The next two MTB stages include biking along various karst phenomena, including the world’s famous Postojna Cave and the UNESCO-protected Škocjan Caves. The final descent from the Karst plateau leads to Piran, a picturesque city on the Adriatic coast, which reminds of Venice.
Trans Slovenia 04 is an alternative trail for starting the 2000 km long Trans Dinarica tour.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Mountain biking in the Single Trail Park Jamnica and Bikepark Petzen, a host of the Enduro World Series
- Underground biking in abandoned mine tunnels
- Solčava panoramic road
- An abundance of top single trails
- The lively capital of Ljubljana
- Slovenian Karst with Postojna and Škocjan Caves
- Istrian hills and the Adriatic Sea
Gallery
Itinerary
BLEIBURG - JAMNICA: THE TRAILS OF ENDURO WORLD SERIES
Distance: 42 km
Elevation: 650 mThe Trans Slovenia 04 tour sets off in the Single Trail Park Jamnica. Time permitting, the first day is devoted to single trails – both Single Trail Park Jamnica and Bikepark Petzen invites with high-quality MTB trails running through forests and over meadows of the northeastern part of Karavanke. The most enthusiastic bikers can try out the 10-kilometre fun-packed Petzen Flow Trail, one of the longest of its kind in Europe. In 2018, the Petzen Ski Resort and the Single Trail Park Jamnica hosted the Enduro World Series event, where riders experienced some of the longest stages in EWS history, some of them even running underground.
The technical description of the stage only covers the access to the hotel in Jamnica. Enjoying a relaxing countryside atmosphere at the hotel instead of going to the Single Trail Park and/or Flow Trail is also an option.
Gravel: 15%
Asphalt: 85%
Optional: Flow Trail Petzen and Jamnica Single Trail Park
JAMNICA - PODOLŠEVA: UNDER THE GROUND TO LOGARSKA VALLEY
Distance: 47 kmElevation: 1400 mThe second day of the Trans Slovenia 04 mountain bike tour starts by enjoying some more single trails in the Jamnica Single Trail Park. After a downhill ride back to the valley, it is time for underground biking through the abandoned tunnels of the Mežica mine. Accompanied by the guide and properly equipped with flashlights, the transition from one valley to another is a unique experience. Those who dislike closed spaces can take an alternative route.
The underground experience is nicely contrasted by the second half of the day. The partly unpaved road climbs from Črna na Koroškem to Mt. Raduha and eventually transforms into a beautiful panoramic road high above the Logarska Valley. Impressive views over the mighty peaks of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps are simply unforgettable. The day ends in the tranquil village of Podolševa, where a home-made meal warms the heart.
Gravel: 50%
Asphalt: 45%
Single trail: 5%
Optional: Single Trail Park Jamnica, Petzen Flow Trail
PODOLŠEVA - KAMNIK: A VISIT TO ALPINE HERDSMEN
Distance: 56 kmElevation: 1200 mIn the morning, tour participants are greeted by the mighty walls of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps. Leaving the panoramic road behind, a steep descent leads to the Savinja Valley, where the next challenge awaits. An uphill ride to the large pasture plateau of Velika planina is truly rewarding. Velika planinais home to one of Europe’s few surviving high mountain herdsmen villages where traditional Alpine herdsmen’s culture is still cultivated. This scenic high-mountain plateau is famous for its stunning nature and typical culinary treats.
From the Alpine pastures, a long thrilling descent leads to the lovely town of Kamnik, which is not only one of the oldest towns in Slovenia, but is also considered as the most beautiful medieval town in the country.
Gravel: 25%
Asphalt: 60%
Single trail: 15%
KAMNIK - LJUBLJANA: ENDLESS TRAILS TO THE CAPITAL
Distance: 47 kmElevation: 900 mOne might think that, by leaving the mountains and approaching the capital city of Ljubljana, the MTB character of the tour would be lost. But the truth is quite different. Right here at the outskirts of the capital city, endless interweaving paths lead across the hills directly into the city center. Ljubljana is in fact the only European capital that has direct access to some of the best MTB trails in the country.
As one of the smallest and greenest European capitals, Ljubljana is also one of the most livable cities. It’s never crowded – but also never boring. 50.000 university students give it its youthful appeal, and as an economic and cultural hub of Slovenia, it has a lot to offer to locals and visitors alike. Car traffic is restricted in the center, leaving the leafy banks of the Ljubljanica river free for pedestrians and cyclists.
Gravel: 30%
Asphalt: 40%
Single trail: 30%
LJUBLJANA - POSTOJNA: A FISTFUL OF WORLD WONDERS
Distance: 79 kmElevation: 1600 mDay 5 of the Trans Slovenia 04 mountain bike tour starts with a morning ride across the flat terrain of the UNESCO-listed Ljubljana Marshes, an area of natural wetlands and peat bogs, known for its rare animal and plant species and the remains of prehistoric pile dwellings. The most important find is the world’s oldest wooden wheel, dating back to the period between 3,350 and 3,100 BC.
Mountain biking continues with a long climb to one of the most recognizable landmarks found near the Ljubljana basin, Mt. Krim. From here, a slow descent leads to the enchanting village of Rakitna, quietly resting in the embrace of spruce forests. Rakitna is famous for its healthful climate, which is due to the mixing of air currents coming from the Mediterranean area and the Alps.
The second part of the day is characterized by a scenic ride along the intermittent Lake Cerknica. The lake appears every year on the karst field of Cerkniško polje for about eight months before completely disappearing during the dry season. When the lake bed is full, it becomes the largest lake in Slovenia. The final stop of the day is located just above the entrance to the world-famous Postojna Cave. Time permitting, a visit of the largest show cave in Europe is strongly recommended.
Gravel: 30%
Asphalt: 60%
Single trail: 10%
POSTOJNA - DIVAČA: CAVE HOPPING
Distance: 47 kmElevation: 850 mOn the following day, the route turns to the seaside. Vremščica, the highest point on the edge of the Karst, provides for a moderate climb along its ridge. On clear days, it reveals ample views of the Julian Alps, Dolomites and Mt. Nanos, reaching all the way to the Kamnik–Savinja Alps on the one side and the Adriatic Sea on the other.
An exciting downhill trail runs across the southern slopes of Vremščica right into the heart of the Slovenian Karst, a region known for numerous caves, vineyards, small secluded villages and friendly locals. Mountain biking carries on across the stony surface, eventually reaching the unique underground world of the Škocjan Caves. Due to their exceptional significance, these caves were put on UNESCO list of world heritage sites as early as 1986.
The MTB adventure of the day ends in an the town of Divača, where the serene landscape blends with the warm hospitality of local inhabitants.
Gravel: 45%
Asphalt: 35%
Single trail: 20%
DIVAČA - PIRAN: I CAN SEE THE SEA!
Distance: 68 kmElevation: 1000 mThe last stage of the Trans Slovenia 03 mountain bike tour stretches all the way to the Adriatic coast. Saying farewell to the dry lands of Karst, mountain biking continues in the direction of the sea. The route first climbs towards the medieval Socerb castle, proudly overlooking the Gulf of Trieste. Next, a steep descent leads to Osp, which is one of the oldest villages in Slovenia, being first mentioned in 1067. It is well known for its rock walls, which provide free climbing opportunities all year long.
The trail then descends to the sea level, approaching the city of Koper, situated at the Slovenia’s 47-kilometer coastline. From there, it follows the Parenzana railway track, a now defunct narrow gauge railway that connected Triste and Poreč in the beginning of the 20thcentury. Following the Parenzana and passing through some tunnels on the way, the road ultimately leads to the city of Piran, which, according to Lonely Planet, is a small slice of Venice in Slovenia. Its old town, full of Venetian Gothic architecture, is known as one of the best-preserved historical towns on the Adriatic.
The MTB tour ends here, but make sure not to leave before trying some delicious seafood and taking a dip in the sea.
Gravel: 40%
Asphalt: 50%
Single trail: 10%
DEPARTURE DAY
The Trans Slovenia 04 mountain bike tour ends with breakfast in Piran. After breakfast, a transfer is organized to the tour starting point.
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.
Dates
- May - September *TAILOR MADE, SELF-GUIDED
*In season, tour can be organised on any date. Please contact us for individual offer.
Pricing
Price for guided TRANS SLOVENIA 04 tour includes:
- 7-night accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels/guest houses.
- 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners; all 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 per person are based on double occupancy.
Optional:
- Single room supplement: €350.
- Bike, e-bike and other accessories rental.
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.
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 | 1.690 € | 1.440 € | 1.350 € | 1.310 € |
Price for self-guided TRANS SLOVENIA 04 tour includes
- 7-night accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels/guest houses.
- 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners; Meals include typical local food.
- Navigation pack: GPX tracks, link to Google map, Tour Booklet, On-line briefing.
- Baggage transfer between tour stages.
- Transfer from the route ending point to the route starting point.
- Helpline for emergency situations during the tour.
Optional:
- Single room supplement: €350.
- Bike, e-bike and other accessories rental.
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 us an e-mail: info@visit-goodplace.com.
Logistics
The adventure starts at the town of Bleiburg (Slovenian name: Pliberg) in Austria 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 Bleiburg. 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.