Alpine Pastures of Slovenia Gravel Tour

A 5 km glacial valley in the Kamnik–Savinja Alps, Robanov Kot is protected as a Landscape Park and part of Natura 2000. Ringed by peaks like Ojstrica and Krofička, its floor of meadows and forests has been farmed since the 15th century by the historic Roban homestead. Quieter than nearby Logar Valley, it offers pristine alpine scenery, traditional mountain farms, and a peaceful escape into Slovenia’s highlands.

Jezersko is a small alpine valley north of Ljubljana, close to the Austrian border. It is named after a glacial lake that drained in the 14th century, leaving fertile meadows where farming traditions continue today. The area is known for hiking, cycling, and the healing mineral water from its springs, which has been used since the 17th century.

Perched on a cliff 130 m above the emerald waters of Lake Bled, this is Slovenia’s oldest castle, first mentioned in 1011. Its Romanesque walls, medieval courtyards, and Renaissance towers overlook one of Europe’s most photographed lakes, with panoramic views of the Julian Alps and the tiny island church below. Inside, a small museum traces a thousand years of history, while a wine cellar, chapel, and printing workshop bring the past to life. 

Lake Bled is Slovenia’s most famous sight and for good reason. The lake was formed by glacial activity, and in its center sits the only natural island in Slovenia. A church has stood on that island since the 9th century, and today visitors still ring its “wishing bell.” Getting to the island is done the traditional way—by pletna, a wooden boat rowed standing up, a method unique to this area.

Above Begunje na Gorenjskem stand the ruins of this 12th-century fortress, once guarding a key trade route through the Draga Valley. Built by the Counts of Ortenburg and later the Lambergs, it was damaged by the 1511 earthquake and uprisings, leaving striking stone walls and towers that now offer panoramic views of the Karawanks and Sava plain.

Located near Tržič in northern Slovenia, Dovžanova Soteska is a narrow limestone gorge carved by the Tržič Bistrica River. It is a protected natural monument and internationally known geological site, showcasing 300-million-year-old fossils and rare rock formations from the Paleozoic era. A scenic trail with bridges and interpretive panels follows the river through steep cliffs and natural rock arches, offering visitors both striking alpine views and a glimpse into deep geological history.

Škofja Loka is one of Slovenia’s oldest towns, with a history dating back over a thousand years. Its medieval center is one of the best preserved in the country, dominated by a castle on a hill that today houses a museum. The town lies at the meeting of two rivers and is surrounded by a landscape full of waterfalls and hiking trails.

Ljubljana is Slovenia’s capital and cultural hub, with a population of just under 300,000. The Ljubljanica River runs through the center, lined with outdoor cafés and crossed by well-known bridges such as the Dragon Bridge and the Triple Bridge, both designed by architect Jože Plečnik. The city’s castle dates back to the 11th century and offers views across the entire basin. Ljubljana has been named a European Green Capital thanks to its pedestrianized center, bike-sharing system, and strong focus on sustainability.