CICLISMO

Slovenia's Alps are criss-crossed by a number of long-distance cycle routes split into stages. Comprised of five stages, the 232 km circular tour links Kranjska Gora, Bled, and Bohinj, before heading over the mountains to the Soča Valley, and thence returning to Kranjska Gora via the Vršič Pass. At a lower altitude, the 315 km Loška Tour may be divided into twelve stages which range from easy to very difficult. Encompassing Slovenia, Italy and Austria, the Three Countries Tour has an international flavour, and passes into Italy at the Rateče border crossing near Kranjska Gora.

Starting from Kranjska Gora, Juriš na Vršič  is an annual competitive ascent to the summit  of Vršič, which at 1,611 m is the highest road pass in Slovenia. Indeed, the Upper Sava Valley in the vicinity of Kranjska Gora offers some 150 km of routes of varying degrees of difficulty for the cyclist. Every year the summit of Krvavec also marks the end of the mountain stage of the national road-race championship. Those who look for more difficult challenges may, among other events, choose the Vražja Tura - the "Devilish Tour" in the vicinity of Jesenice.

The highlands have many routes aimed specifically at the mountain biker. You can find them in the vicinity of Bled, Bohinj, Žirovnica and Jesenice, as well as on Pokljuka and Krvavec. If you are after a real challenge, set off from Tržič to the or to the Dobrča Plateau. In addition to its many routes, Kranjska Gora also boasts a Fun Bike Park that offers all the pleasures of mountain rides as well as adrenaline-fuelled descents across a variety of structures and jumps of varying lengths and heights, not to mention wall rides and obstacles. The Park may also be accessed via a chair lift.

Some of the less demanding routes will take you to a number of cultural and, in particular, natural heritage sites. Further to this you may also join guided cycling tours: take a ride to Planica, to Mojstana and the Vrata Valley; to the surroundings of Bohinj and Bled, Žirovnica and Cerklje, as well as Jesenice. From Naklo you can cycle to the Udin Boršt nature park, whilst in the vicinity of Kranj you can enjoy popular and undemanding routes across the Sorško Polje floodplain.

Hotels and other accommodation providers suitable for cyclists - which also offer rentals - are to be found in Bohinj, Kranjska Gora, Jezersko and Bled (where there is also a bike camp). As with accommodation for hikers and walkers, these providers are also afforded a special categorisation. Such stopovers are also able to provide you with information, maps and suggestions for tours, they can supply food to order, organise transfers, as well as offer cycle maintenance, repair and storage facilities, together with the opportunity for relaxation and activities.