Discover a primarily forested and mountainous country with incredible climbing opportunities for intrepid cyclists to conquer. You'll find these towering high in the Triglav National Park in the far northwestern part of this tiny country half the size of Switzerland and covering 20,273 square kilometres. Along the borders that join Italy and Austria are the High Alps and the Julian Alps, including Slovenia's highest peak, Mount Triglav, at 2,864 metres. One can cycle numerous well-kept routes in a pristine, natural environment in Slovenia in the centre of Europe, connecting three countries, Italy, Croatia, Hungary and the Adriatic Sea.
You can choose to go on an incredible journey of discovery with ROUVY on routes that traverse the majestic and towering Julian Alps in the northwest with spectacular mountainous landscapes suited to the more enthusiastic cyclist but also enjoy a lot of flat, picturesque roads along meandering emerald-green crystal-clear rivers and glacial lakes, in the Bovec region and the Soča river valley before the climbing starts. These popular and famous roads are the ideal training ground for many top Slovenian pro road cyclists, such as Tadej Pogačar, Primož Rogljič, and Matej Mohorič, that would have undoubtedly honed their climbing skills.
Top Cycling Routes in Slovenia on ROUVY
Climb the classic Vršič Pass from the Bovec side
The highly popular Vršič Pass, located in the Triglav National Park in the far northwest near the border of Italy, is Slovenia's highest alpine pass and the highest pass in the Eastern Julian Alps, with over 26 numbered hairpin bends through beautiful scenery. You'll ascend through thick forests and green mountain pastures, with magnificent views on Slovenia's most popular and historic mountain pass from the Trenta side through the picturesque Soča Valley beginning in Bovec.
During WWI, the pass was hand-built with cobblestones, but now, cobbles only on the bends in the hairpins snaking up the north side (from Kranjska Gora) remain. Pace yourself conservatively for the first 21km because the final kilometres are tough!
Once you are finally at the summit of the Vršič Pass, in real life, you can descend over the other side and extend your virtual trip and do some exploring and climbing in Austria, which is only 7 km from the alpine resort of Kranjska Gora, and near the magnificent mountains and glacial lakes of Triglav National Park. Further into Austria, you can climb a pass in the Salzburger Lungau and Carinthian Biosphärenpark Nockberge UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and ride over the brutal Eisentalhöhe, a climb of two parts with its numerous steep hairpin bends averaging 8-9%. The goal of this biosphere reserve is for humans to live in a symbiotic and harmonious relationship with nature.
- Climb Vršič Pass on ROUVY.
Mangart - the highest road in Slovenia
Explore Slovenia's highest pass in the Julian Alps on ROUVY, which was filmed by bike. The famous and historic Mangart Pass is situated on the border between Italy and Slovenia. The mountain road lies in the Triglav National Park, rated by many as the world's second-most scenic climb. The unique pass was built in 1938 by Italian soldiers in WW2 when the area was part of Italy.
The steep and winding road is the third-highest peak in Slovenia at an altitude of over 2,000 m. One can ascend 845m over almost 11km with an average grade of 8% and a maximum of 17% on a narrow road with rugged cliffs stitched to the edge of the road that winds now and again through historic, small and dark tunnels. The route crosses the border from Italy to the far northwestern part of Slovenia with breathtaking views of the Julian Alps, the Loška Koritnica Valley and Lake Fusine in Italy.
- Climb Mangart on ROUVY.
Bohinj - Bled - Pokljuka
This route combines rolling terrain, challenging climbs, and stunning scenery and takes you through some of Slovenia’s most famous landmarks. Starting near Lake Bohinj, it winds past the fairy-tale setting of Lake Bled and into the forested climbs of Pokljuka. It balances challenge and reward, making it a must-ride for cyclists who enjoy a blend of nature and endurance.
Lake Bled is one of the most iconic locations in Slovenia, with its picturesque island church and medieval castle perched high on a cliff. Riding through this area, whether in real life or on ROUVY, feels like pedalling through a postcard. Pokljuka, known for its biathlon centre, adds an extra layer of intrigue as you’ll be riding through an area frequented by world-class winter sports athletes. This route is excellent for those looking to combine moderate climbs with beautiful views and smooth roads.
- Ride Bohinj - Bled - Pokljuka on ROUVY
