Cycling from Alps to Adriatic

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.

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. 

Zelenci is where the Sava Dolinka River begins. The water rises through porous chalk and sand, creating bright emerald pools that never freeze, even in winter. The reserve covers 15 hectares and is home to rare species of plants and animals, including orchids and kingfishers. A wooden boardwalk and viewing tower make the area accessible for visitors, offering views of the surrounding Julian Alps. The constant temperature of the spring water is about 6°C year-round.

Lake Jasna consists of two connected artificial lakes near Kranjska Gora. Built for tourism, they are surrounded by walking paths and overlooked by the peaks of the Julian Alps. A wooden viewing tower, a bronze statue of an ibex, and clear alpine water make it one of the most photographed spots in the region.

Vršič Pass is the highest road pass in Slovenia at 1,611 meters, with exactly 50 numbered hairpin turns. Built by Russian prisoners during World War I, it is still known as the “Russian Road.” The pass connects Kranjska Gora with the Soča Valley and is a popular gateway for hiking trails, mountain views, and a stop at the small Russian Chapel built in memory of the workers who died during its construction.

The Soča Valley is famous for the emerald color of the Soča River, which flows through deep gorges and past waterfalls. The area is popular for outdoor sports like rafting, kayaking, and hiking, and features an abundance of natural highlights, among others: the Great Soča & Tolmin Gorges, and stunning waterfalls like Virje, Kozjak and Slovenia’s highest - Boka. It is also a site of major World War I battles, remembered through a variety of museums and the Walk of Peace trail.

Built in 1750 and named after Napoleon’s troops who crossed it in 1797, this single-arch stone bridge spans about 55 m, rising 22 m above the emerald Soča River. Rebuilt after World War I battles along the Isonzo Front, it remains a striking historic crossing with panoramic views of the Julian Alps.

Goriška Brda is a wine-growing region on the border with Italy, often called “Slovenia’s Tuscany.” Its rolling hills are covered with vineyards, orchards, and small villages, many of which offer wine tastings and farm-to-table food. The region is known for both white and red wines, and cycling through its gentle hills is one of the best ways to explore.

The Lipica Stud Farm was founded in 1580 and is the original home of the Lipizzaner horses. These horses were bred for the Habsburg court and later became famous worldwide for their performances at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Today, the stud farm still breeds and trains Lipizzaners, offering riding shows, guided tours, and a museum that tells the story of this historic breed.

Piran is a coastal gem on the Adriatic, known for its Venetian heritage and narrow medieval streets. The main square, Tartini Square, is named after the famous violinist Giuseppe Tartini, who was born here. Climb the old city walls for panoramic views of the red-roofed town and the sea, or visit St. George’s Church, which overlooks the harbor from a bluff.