Love the idea of gravel bike touring in Slovenia? If so, have you considered the Trans Dinarica?
The Trans Dinarica cycling route connects eight Balkan countries and some of Europe’s most underrated regions. Slovenia kicks off this epic Balkan journey and sets the bar high with its countless natural wonders and excellent network of off-road trails, bike paths and quiet roads.
Along the way, cyclists can expect jaw-dropping views of dramatic Alpine peaks, otherworldly Slovenian caves, scenic river valleys, picturesque vineyards, peaceful forest tracks and authentic towns far off the tourist trail. In short, it’s a real adventure for riders seeking something off the beaten track!
I’m Fran Wilson, Epic Road Rides’ Content Manager. I rode the Slovenian Trans Dinarica with my partner Niall in July 2025. Having had both Slovenia and a gravel bike adventure high on my wish list for years, this newly launched route provided the perfect opportunity to experience both.
Let’s dive in…
Fran Wilson is a cyclist based in the North East of England and has a particular passion for cycle touring. Her love for cycling has seen her take on some of the UK and Europe's best-known multi-day cycle routes, including the Hebridean Way, Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena.
Beyond exploring on two wheels, Fran is a key member of the Epic Road Rides team and is usually found writing travel guides for other cyclists who also want to explore the world by bike.
Part 1: Overview of the Trans Dinarica route in Slovenia
The Trans Dinarica is a long-distance cycling route through the Western Balkans. It has been designed to connect a network of routes through eight countries in total, including Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Serbia.
The first section of the route takes place in Slovenia in Central Europe and covers four stages over approximately 262 kilometres; it takes riders south from the town of Tolmin in the northwest of Slovenia, all the way to the border with Croatia.
This article specifically focuses on the Slovenian section of the Trans Dinarica. However, instead of taking cyclists to the Croatian border, it includes an alternate Trans Dinarica route which connects you with the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. More on this below.
This five-day itinerary is perfect for anyone looking for an introduction to gravel cycling, or who simply wants to experience Slovenia’s varied landscapes by bike.
The map below highlights several places mentioned in this article. Hover over the map pins to see the names of places.
Terrain
The route is undulating throughout. Each day, you tackle several short, often sharp hills.
The first section of the route takes place in the River Soča valley and features gentler terrain.
Once you leave the city of Nova Gorica, you head into the Karst region, where there are several lengthier off-road climbs to tackle. I found day 4 the toughest, with a steep gravel climb taking you up into the rural Brkini Hills. More on this below.
Surfaces
The Slovenian Trans Dinarica combines a huge variety of cycling surfaces each day, including bike paths, gravel tracks, forest trails and silky-smooth asphalt roads.
In total, approximately 64% of the route is on asphalt cycle paths and roads, and 36% of the route is on unpaved surfaces.
Be aware! None of the gravel sections are particularly technical. But there are some sustained climbs on loose, rocky gravel paths, so anyone considering this route should be confident cycling on this kind of terrain.
Navigation
There are currently no official signposts along the Trans Dinarica route.
However, the official Trans Dinarica website has extensively researched the route and provides downloadable routes packed with useful information, including suggested places to stop, things to see and GPS navigation.
This information is available for a small charge and can be stored on your phone for ease of navigation each day. Take a look at their website for further details on the Trans Dinarica navigation packs.
Are there any variations you can make to this route?
Yes! There are two main variations of the Trans Dinarica stage in Slovenia.
- A gentler option (which this article focuses on)
- A tougher ‘Northern alternative’ for anyone looking for more of a challenge.
How challenging is the cycling route?
I would describe this “easier” version of the Trans Dinarica as moderately challenging.
Whilst the gravel sections aren’t overly technical or mountainous, there are some sustained, steep off-road climbs to be aware of. I found these particularly challenging as I was carrying all of my own luggage in my panniers. It was also the middle of summer when we rode the route, and as a result, very sweaty work.
That said, I think this would be a great entry-level multi-day gravel route for anyone confident cycling on off-road trails. Prior to this trip, I had never ridden on a gravel bike before, and although some sections were hard in the midday heat, overall it was manageable (and enjoyable!).
Part 2: Why is the Trans Dinarica in Slovenia a “must-do”?
Slovenia is a paradise for adventurous travellers who love combining great cycling with nature! It’s a country that’s been on my cycling wish list for years and it exceeded all expectations. Here’s why:
Natural beauty
Despite its relatively small size, Slovenia is jam-packed with impressive natural treasures!
The Trans Dinarica conveniently combines some of the country’s best landscapes and enables you to experience how these change from north to south.
In the north, the journey begins in the foothills of the towering Julian Alps and takes you through a lovely river valley. As you head south, you pass through the Karst region and witness the landscapes becoming more arid. This region is also home to extraordinary caves and remote, peaceful woodlands.
Some of the standout scenery we enjoyed along the way includes:
- Views of the Julian Alps: The journey starts in the small town of Tolmin, located in the upper Soča valley, with the beautiful Julian Alps as your backdrop. The landscape here feels typically Alpine, with picturesque timber chalets, jagged peaks and idyllic meadows.
- A tour of the spellbinding Tolmin Gorges: If you have time, this beautiful gorge is a great excursion to factor into your trip. Don’t forget to buy your tickets in advance, as it’s a popular option for visitors to the area.
- Riding alongside the turquoise River Soča: The colour of the water has to be seen to be believed! Its vivid turquoise hues are visually striking, and it’s easily the most beautiful river I’ve ever seen. Apparently, the water gets its colour from the surrounding limestone rock.
- A visit to the Škocjan Caves: Located in Slovenia’s Karst region, this extraordinary limestone cave is home to Europe’s largest underground river canyon. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and for good reason! This was one if the big highlights of our trip. More on this below.
- The Brkini Hills: Located in Southwestern Slovenia, bordering Croatia. This beautiful, hilly region boasts big expansive views and is dotted by small, quiet villages.
- Cycling through the Picturesque Pivka valley: This gorgeous area of Slovenia is located in the southwest and is home to idyllic, rolling meadows that reminded me of riding in Tuscany.
An accessible gravel bike adventure
The Slovenian Trans Dinarica is considered one of the easier stages of the full-length route, and it offers a great introduction to gravel cycling!
There are many lovely, remote gravel sections through peaceful forests where we didn’t see a single other soul! You really feel like you are experiencing parts of Slovenia that few other tourists get to see.
As mentioned already, none of the gravel tracks are particularly technical. In my opinion, the relatively short overall distance and combination with other surfaces make it feasible for a range of cycling abilities to try the route.
Impressive cycling infrastructure
I’ve been lucky to ride in many European countries over the years, and Slovenia’s extensive cycle paths really blew me away!
In recent years, the country has seen big investments in cycling infrastructure (source). You can ride on many of these new bike paths on this Trans Dinarica route, including:
- Bike paths along the Soča River valley on day 1. These were particularly enjoyable and come with regular glimpses of the mesmerisingly turquoise water.
- On day 2, riders also cycle on the new Karst cycle path from Komen to Sežana, which is dotted with convenient shelters, bike racks and pumps. The perfect spot to take shelter from the sun (or rain) and to enjoy a well-earned picnic!
You’ll also notice cyclists are well served at popular pit stops, such as the Škocjan Caves. We were able to safely store our bikes in the large bike storage area and stash away our pannier bags in secure lockers!
See below for more useful information about getting around with your bike.
A lovely new bike path leading over the river into Nova Gorica
Part 3: Your itinerary for bike touring Slovenia
This route follows the easier version of the Slovenian Trans Dinarica route.
However, we wanted to make our way back to Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana. So this journey missed the final fourth day, which crosses the border into Croatia.
Instead, the fifth day of our itinerary follows an alternative route up to the town of Postojna, where you can hop on a train back to the capital. Although this section wasn’t on the main Trans Dinarica route, we found it really enjoyable and would suggest this to anyone looking to experience more of Slovenia’s beautiful landscapes. More on this below.
Day 1: Ljubljana to Tolmin (transfer day)
Summary
Arrive in Tolmin a day before riding starts, to set up your bikes and allow time to explore the breathtaking Tolmin Gorges. The dramatic turquoise river, steep rock walls and shaded trails offer the perfect pre-ride adventure.
Notes
We arrived in Tolmin the day before setting off on the Trans Dinarica, as we wanted to factor in time to transfer over from Ljubljana and see the famous Tolmin Gorges, located just outside of the town.
We booked a transfer from Ljubljana with Visit Good Place, who also provided our hire bikes. More on this below. The transfer took approximately two hours through scenic wooded river valleys.
Points of interest
- The standout thing to do in Tolmin is visit the beautiful Tolmin Gorges! Don’t forget to order your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, and allow two hours to explore the gorge network.
- Tolmin town is small but has several restaurants where you can eat. We had a tasty pizza to fuel us for the short, sharp climb to our accommodation.
Where I stayed
We stayed in Glamping Tinka, a small cabin past the Tolmin Gorges.
Be aware! It’s a short but seriously steep (in places) climb up to this accommodation, which had us both cursing at our decision-making. There is a restaurant on site, but this wasn’t open the night we visited. However, the cabin has basic facilities, including a fridge and a hot plate to heat up food.
Despite the exertion, the views from the cabin are really special! You can see directly down to Tolmin and the surrounding, peaceful hills. The friendly owner gave us a free beer and wine on arrival and made us up a delicious cheese platter for breakfast. He also safely stored our bikes in his garage overnight.
Top tip! If you would prefer not to start your trip with a steep climb, or want to be closer to restaurants and other amenities, I suggest you look at accommodation within the town of Tolmin instead.
Day 2: Tolmin to Nova Gorica
Summary
The first day on the Trans Dinarica explores the beautiful Soča River valley. The first part of the route explores wild gravel tracks through forests and meadows before descending into Kanal for lunch. Whilst the second half of the day sticks more closely to the riverbanks, allowing the opportunity for a refreshing dip!
Key statistics
45 kilometres
616 metres of elevation gain
Notes
Be aware! This route factors in leaving from our accommodation outside of Tolmin. More on that above.
After leaving Tolmin on a bike path, you ride alongside the beautiful blue Soča River for approximately five kilometres. Crossing the road near Most na Soči, there are some short, sharp climbs to tackle that are rewarded with gorgeous views of Tolmin and Triglav National Park’s mountains.
The route then traverses an undulating gravel path through meadows and forested hills, high above the Soča River. Be aware! This off-road section includes some short, steep rocky climbs that saw us getting off and pushing our bikes. But it is generally manageable.
Eventually, this gravel track merges with an asphalt road that winds you down to the town of Kanal. It’s a great stop for lunch or coffee!
After crossing the Kanal bridge, you follow the Soča River on your right side. This initially takes you past industrial buildings before feeling wilder again. The terrain is noticeably flatter for the rest of the day. There are also some good swimming spots!
The rest of the ride takes place on a wonderful bike path with constant views of the turquoise water. Eventually, you cross a bridge across the Soča River and arrive on the outskirts of Nova Gorica.
Highlights
- Following the strikingly emerald blue waters of the beautiful Soča River. It’s rightly earned itself a reputation as being one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe, and I would absolutely agree! We even braved a refreshing dip in its icy waters.
- Fuelling up on delicious local delicacies for lunch, including Soča trout and Solkanski Struklji (sweet boiled dumplings).
- After leaving Most na Soči, you head into a wild and peaceful woodland high above the main road. This section feels very secluded; you really feel like you are on a proper gravel adventure! Watch out for wild plums growing on the trees.
Points of interest
- Kanal ob Soči is a lovely little town located on the Soča River that is perfect for a lunch stop. We ate at the Fontana restaurant located in the town square by an impressive Neptune fountain.
- Nova Gorica is the 2025 Capital of Culture and a city that sits on the border with Italy. This fact also makes it the first-ever borderless city to hold the title (source).
Where I stayed
In Nova Gorica, we stayed in the Sabotin Hotel. This is on the edge of the city and conveniently just off the route, not long after crossing the river. The hotel had modern facilities, secure cycle storage and its own bar and restaurant where we could get drinks and food. The only downside was that this hotel felt a little out of the main action of Nova Gorica (and it’s a long walk to the city centre! Although in theory you could cycle there relatively easily).
Day 3: Nova Gorica to Sežana
Summary
Today you can briefly dip your toes into Italy at Europa Square, before heading south through farmlands, vineyards and Mediterranean scenery. A snaking gravel climb opens up views of the Vipava Valley and the Adriatic. Quiet roads and peaceful trails lead you through historic towns and on to the town of Sežana.
Key statistics
53 kilometres
796 metres of elevation gain
Notes
After cycling to Europa Square in Nova Gorica to briefly dip your tyres into Italy, you leave the city on a flat bike path which weaves through agricultural fields full of various crops, including corn, courgettes and vines.
You cross the river on a comically small bridge and soon begin your first gravel climb of the day! It’s a gradually winding climb on loose gravel, with great views down the valley. The route then alternates between gravel tracks and quiet, asphalt roads. There are some great views all the way down to the Adriatic Sea on this stretch!
You’ll notice that the scenery begins to feel noticeably more arid and Mediterranean compared with yesterday.
A lovely stretch on quiet roads weaves you through vineyards, before more blissfully quiet gravel paths lead you to the village of Komen. This is a good option for lunch or coffee.
The rest of the day takes place on gently undulating terrain that jumps on and off quiet roads and gravel tracks, all the way to the town of Sežana.
Highlights
- The unique feeling of straddling two EU countries at once in Europa Square
- The views of the Vipava Valley and mountains in the distance after you first climb of the day
- Riding alongside picturesque vineyards and through gorgeous villages with terracotta tiled buildings and tolling bell towers.
- Cycling on peaceful gravel tracks surrounded by pine trees, with nothing but the sound of nature all around
Tips
- Make the most of Slovenia’s excellent cycling infrastructure! From Komen, there are several newly built bike shelters along the path, which come with handy tool stations. They made a great base for us to enjoy a picnic and to escape the midday heat or rain (we encountered both!)
Where I stayed
We stayed at the Boutique Hotel Grahor, a couple of kilometres outside of Sežana.
This is a great option if you are looking for a quiet hotel option surrounded by countryside. It has secure bike storage and an outdoor pool – perfect for an end-of-day dip!
There is also a lovely nearby restaurant for dinner, and a fantastic buffet breakfast is served onsite.
Day 4: Sežana to Ilirska Bistrica
Summary
Day three begins with peaceful gravel tracks and a ride through the historic Lipica Stud Farm. A visit to the extraordinary UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves is a must before tackling a long gravel climb into the Brkini Hills. The final part of the day brings sweeping, panoramic views and a final descent into the authentic Slovenian town of Ilirska Bistrica.
Key statistics
54 kilometres
877 metres of elevation gain
Notes
After leaving Sežana, the day starts on a lovely gravel path that weaves through peaceful woodland, strewn with large rocks. You then ride through the famous Lipica Stud Farm – look out for the beautiful horses that live here!
The route snakes its way through more woodland tracks and quiet asphalt roads before reaching the incredible Skocjan Caves. After your tour, it’s worth grabbing a bite to eat here; from this point onwards, you are climbing for some time.
Leaving Skocjan Caves, the route gently climbs on a quiet asphalt road until just past the small village of Rodick. Next is a long (fairly relentless) steep gravel climb through a remote forest, which takes you to today’s highest point in the Brkini Hills.
Your reward is a silky smooth, quiet asphalt road that gradually weaves you through several quiet villages. The panoramic views are fantastic and remind you just how high you have climbed today!
The final stretch is a sweeping descent into the town of Ilirska Bistrica.
Highlights
- Spotting the famous Lipica horses as you ride through the stud farm. They were crossing the road as we rode through early in the morning, so we had a great view of them. It’s the largest herd of horses I’ve ever seen, and included many foals.
- The standout highlight of the day was a visit to the remarkable UNESCO Skocjan Caves. It really is a must-visit if you are a nature lover! It felt like something straight out of a Lord of the Rings film. The tour takes approximately an hour, and you first explore the so-called ‘quiet caves’, which have tons of out-of-this-world stalagmites to gaze at in wonder. You are eventually led to the “loud cave”, home to Europe’s largest underwater canyon and the Reka River rushing through (hence the name), with walls a staggering 100 metres high. The tour guide provides many fascinating facts about the formation and discovery of the caves, which helps give you a deep appreciation of this natural wonder.
Tips
- You’ll need to factor in about two hours for the Skocjan Caves. But it was one of the major highlights of our whole trip and well worth cycling in the midday heat for.
- The cave tour is incredibly popular, so you’ll need to purchase tickets before to avoid disappointment. We booked ours for late morning to give us enough time to reach the tour without rushing.
- The temperature in the cave is several degrees cooler than above ground. It’s worth wearing a jacket or jumper to keep you warm.
- There are also excellent cycle storage facilities and lockers, so you can leave your bikes and luggage with peace of mind.
- There’s also a café on site selling hot drinks and food, the perfect place to refuel before a big afternoon climb!
Where I stayed
We stayed at Gostinstvo Tomex, located on a lovely square with several bars and places to eat out.
The room was small and comfortable, but up several flights of stairs. We were allowed to carry our bikes up and lock them in the lobby.
There was a fantastic restaurant run by the hotel that served a selection of local delicacies and pizzas. I enjoyed my favourite meal of the trip here – boiled potatoes with local herbs and grilled squid. They also served breakfast early for us at 7 am, so we could set off in good time.
Day 5: Ilirska Bistrica to Postojna (with a train transfer to Ljubljana)
Summary
Leave the official Trans Dinarica route to make your way towards the capital, Ljubljana. This ride offers the chance to explore the beautiful Pivka Valley. From the town of Postojna, it’s a short train ride to Ljubljana.
Key statistics
46 kilometres (or 38 kilometres)
912 metres of elevation gain (or 452 metres of elevation gain)
Notes
Note: we took a slight deviation to the official Trans Dinarica GPS file between Ilirska Bistrica and the village of Zagorje; this is described below.
Be aware! This is a secondary Trans Dianrica route that takes you away from the official route, which would instead take you over the border into Croatia. We also had limited time as we wanted to catch an earlier train from Postojna back to Ljubljana. This meant rather than sticking to the full route outlined in the above GPX map, we carried on the road from Ilirska Bistrica to the village of Zagorje, shortening the overall distance and elevation gain (see stats above for the differences). This means you have some flexibility today, depending on the kind of terrain and challenge you are looking for.
You leave Ilirska Bistrica on the main road. Take care with the busy morning traffic (this was the busiest stretch of road we cycled on all trip, but relatively short-lived).
You next have a choice, head off the beaten track for a last gravel adventure in the wild, or stick to the main road. As mentioned earlier, we didn’t take this gravel route, but it is apparently very beautiful (albeit steep) and rewards riders with views all the way to Croatia’s islands.
Alternatively, the road hairpins its way up to the village of Zagorje. Either way, you get great views of the surrounding idyllic countryside.
From the village of Zagorje, you are now in the gorgeous Pivka Valley. There are countless tracks heading off the main road, which enable you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this scenery. We took one of the tracks, to enjoy a last bit of wilderness and easily navigated our way back to the main route.
The final stretch takes you along a new bike path to the town of Pivka and then glides you along quiet, flat backroads through scenic countryside all the way to the town of Postojna.
Highlights
- Exploring the beautiful Pivka Valley off-road tracks. I didn’t have any expectations for this section of the route, but the scenery was really spellbinding and in places reminded me of riding in Tuscany.
Tips
- If, like us, you intend to catch the train to Ljubljana, make sure to leave some gas in the engine as the train station is at the top of the hill!
- Trains are regular, but not all allow cyclists with bikes. Take care to check which ones do and make sure you plan your route accordingly. We wanted to get to Ljubljana in good time, so we opted to shorten the route in order to arrive for the 2 pm train that allowed bikes. The train takes approximately an hour.
Where I stayed
We stayed in two different places in the capital city at the start and finish of our trip.
The first was easily the nicest hotel of our trip, the NEU RESIDENCIES Smart Stay. This was a modern apartment with a very stylish rooftop pool and bar that had incredible views of the city and castle. It was a great way to kick the trip off in style!
When we returned to Ljubljana, we stayed in an Airbnb apartment nearer the city centre. It had a lovely little balcony and, despite its proximity to the busy riverfront, it was very quiet.
We didn’t have our bikes at either of these places, so we can’t comment on bike storage. Though I suspect the hotel would have secure storage available in its garage.
Part 4: What you need to know before cycling the Trans Dinarica in Slovenia
Practicalities of bike touring Slovenia
What is the best time to cycle the route?
The best time to cycle the Trans Dinarica route in Slovenia is from late May to early October. This period offers the most favourable weather conditions, with warm temperatures, longer daylight hours and lower chances of prolonged rain.
- June and September are ideal if you prefer fewer crowds and milder temperatures. In June, the alpine meadows are in full bloom and the weather is generally dry and warm. September offers cooler mornings, stable weather and vivid autumn colours in the forests.
- July and August are the warmest months, with average highs around 25°C. These are great for those who enjoy hot summer cycling and bustling towns along the route.
Be aware! We cycled the route in early July, and prior to arriving, Slovenia had experienced a three-week heatwave. Daily temperatures were reaching up to 40°C. Thankfully, the temperatures dropped to mid-twenties during our cycling days. On the whole, the weather was generally very warm and dry, but we did experience a couple of short rain showers that required us to dig out our waterproofs!
I’d suggest avoiding mid-summer if you want to experience slightly more pleasant cycling conditions.
It is also best to avoid early spring and late autumn due to the risk of snow and unpredictable weather in the higher sections of the route, particularly in the foothills of the Julian Alps.
Beautiful views overlooking the Julian Alps
How challenging is the Trans Dinarica?
The Trans Dinarica in Slovenia is a fantastic option for beginner to intermediate gravel cyclists who are confident riding off-road. The route features a real mix of terrain, including paved roads, forest tracks and some longer gravel climbs. While there are some demanding sections, I’d say it is generally manageable for fit cyclists looking for an adventure.
We found the most challenging aspects were the heat and carrying our own luggage, rather than the route itself. If you are used to riding with panniers or bikepacking gear and are comfortable on gravel, you should find this route rewarding and achievable.
What is the best bike for cycling the Trans Dinarica?
The Trans Dinarica covers a wide mix of surfaces, from smooth tarmac to rough gravel and forest tracks. To ride it comfortably and safely, you will need a gravel bike or a bike designed for mixed terrain.
Wide tyres, strong brakes and a durable frame are key features to look for. A lightweight setup with good climbing gears will also help you manage the route’s steeper sections.
One of the many quiet roads in Slovenia
Can you hire bikes?
Yes, you can hire bikes for the Trans Dinarica, and it is a practical choice if you are flying in or prefer to travel light.
We hired bikes from Visit Good Place, the recommended tour operator by the official Trans Dinarica website for this section of the route. Their bikes were in excellent condition and fully equipped for mixed terrain riding. On request, they fitted my bike with a pannier rack for a small additional charge, which meant I could bring and use my own pannier bags, ideal for a multi-day adventure.
They also provided useful extras including water bottles, spare tubes and multi-tools, giving peace of mind while out on the trail. The whole process was smooth and the team were knowledgeable, friendly and supportive.
They also provided our van transfer to the start of the route. So if you are looking for a stress-free start to your trip, hiring through Visit Good Place is a great option!
Exploring the idyllic Pivka Valley
What are the best places for cyclists to stay?
Remember to double-check bike storage arrangements (and any other services you need) before booking your accommodation as policies often change and they may charge for storage.
We stayed in a real mix of accommodation along the route, ranging from modern boutique hotels with swimming pools to a small, cosy glamping cabin in the hills. You will find the names of each place we stayed in the itinerary above. We were surprised by how accommodating everyone was with our bikes, and each place offered secure overnight bike storage, so we could rest easy knowing our bikes were safe.
Although bikepacking with a tent is often a good way to keep costs down, we chose not to camp on this trip. Wild camping is generally prohibited in Slovenia, and we also wanted to keep our luggage light, so hotels made the most sense.
Top tip! Before booking, we contacted each hotel to let them know we were travelling with bikes and asked about secure storage. We also mentioned that we are vegetarians and requested breakfast options to suit our diet. This was especially useful in more rural areas, where meat-based breakfasts can be more common.
A memorable sunset at the Boutique Hotel Grahor
How can you get to the start of the route?
Reaching the start of the Trans Dinarica in Tolmin can be challenging, especially with bikes. Public transport options to Tolmin are limited and not always practical for cyclists travelling with gear.
To make things easier, we arranged a van transfer with Visit Good Place, which we paid for as part of our trip. It was a smooth and hassle-free way to reach the starting point, with plenty of space for our bikes and luggage.
It also gave us the opportunity to find out more about Slovenia from our van driver, who was born and raised in the country!
Do you need to take a tour?
No, you do not need to take a tour. But it really depends on the type of experience you are looking for. We chose to ride this section of the Trans Dinarica as a DIY trip, which was easy to organise thanks to the excellent navigation pack available on the Trans Dinarica website. The clear route notes and GPS files made self-guiding straightforward and added to the sense of adventure.
That said, we did use Visit Good Place to support us with key logistics, including bike hire and a van transfer to the start. Their local knowledge and reliable service made things much easier.
Can you take bikes on public transport?
Yes, you can take bikes on trains in Slovenia. But it is important to plan ahead, as not all trains allow bikes!
We travelled by train from Postojna to Ljubljana, and there were only a few services that accepted bikes on the day we needed. This meant we had to shorten our last day to catch an earlier train.
However, the train we did catch had plenty of dedicated space for bikes, including overhead bike racks. It was much better equipped for cyclists than UK trains.
Travelling on the train from Postojna to Ljubljana with our bikes
How do you get to Slovenia?
Getting to Slovenia is relatively straightforward, but direct flights can be limited depending on where you are flying from.
We found it difficult to find direct flights from the UK, especially from our base in the North East of England. Ultimately, we decided to fly with KLM via Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands. The connection was smooth and the flights were short, making it an easy travel day overall.
Flying into Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport was a highlight in itself. The approach takes you through the mountains, offering some magnificent views before landing.
Arriving at Ljubljana airport is pretty special, with views over the Slovenian mountains
Tips for cycling the Trans Dinarica
Do you need to buy tourist attraction tickets in advance?
Yes, it is a good idea to book tickets in advance for popular attractions along the Trans Dinarica route. Places like Škocjan Caves and Tolmin Gorges can get very busy, especially in summer, and spaces are limited for guided tours/ specific timed slots on the day.
Booking ahead will save time and help you avoid disappointment, particularly if you are on a fixed schedule.
What is the best food to eat and drink?
Slovenian cuisine felt strongly influenced by Italy, so expect lots of pizzas, pastas, risottos and Mediterranean flavours. Portions were generous and ideal after a day on the bike!
As pescatarians, we found there were always plenty of options available.
Local specialities like Soča trout are widely served in the Soča River valley and are delicious. Štruklji (sweet steamed dumplings) are another local dish worth trying! We had them stuffed with nuts and honey.
The tap water is safe to drink, so you can top your water bottles up with peace of mind.
Soča Trout is a delicious local delicacy in the Soča River
What did you pack for your Trans Dinarica trip?
We carried our own luggage using a combination of pannier bags and bikepacking bags. This gave us enough space for clothing and essentials without being overloaded.
Given the heat, we packed electrolytes to add to our water bottles each day. This helped keep us hydrated during the longer climbs in the sun. We also brought Veloforte energy chews for a quick boost on the go – they are delicious! Lightweight, breathable waterproofs were also packed in case of any passing showers, which came in handy on a couple of occasions.
Navigation was key for this trip, so we used a handlebar mount for our phones to follow the route via Ride with GPS. Battery chargers also helped to keep our devices topped up during the day.
For clothing, we kept things simple but focused on comfort; padded shorts, cycling jerseys and lightweight layers were essential. To save on space when flying, we also hired helmets for a small additional charge from Visit Goodplace, which saved space in our luggage and worked out really well.
Looking for more packing ideas? Don’t miss this useful guide. You might also find this guide to the best snacks for cyclists interesting.
Our bike set up for the Trans Dinarica
Do you need to speak Slovenian?
No, you do not need to speak Slovenian to enjoy a cycling holiday in Slovenia. English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas. Most people working in tourism are fluent, and we had no trouble communicating throughout our trip.
That said, learning a few basic Slovenian phrases is always appreciated by locals and adds a nice personal touch to your experience. Here are a few useful words:
- Živjo (hello): pronounced zheev-yoh
- Prosim (please / you’re welcome): pronounced pro-seem
- Hvala (thank you): pronounced hva-lah
Is it possible to extend the Trans Dinarica cycling route?
Yes! How far you go really depends on your sense of adventure, the level of challenge you are looking for and how much time you have.
The Trans Dinarica continues beyond Slovenia into several other Balkan countries, including Croatia, Bosnia and Montenegro, offering the chance to turn your ride into a longer multi-country journey.
Within Slovenia, there are also alternative routes if you want to cycle all the way to Ljubljana or create a loop that returns to Tolmin. These extensions are a great way to explore more of the region’s varied landscapes and culture.
Head to the Trans Dinarica website for full details.
Is it worth extending your stay to include Ljubljana?
Absolutely! We loved our time in Ljubljana and found it to be another highlight of the trip.
This small but vibrant city is full of charm. It has a relaxed, bike-friendly atmosphere, with lots of cyclists and plenty of places to lock up bikes while you explore. The old town is packed with beautiful, historic buildings all set along a lovely river lined with cafés and trees. Towering above it all is Ljubljana Castle, which offers fantastic views over the city and is well worth the short walk or funicular ride to the top.
In fact, I thought Ljubljana felt a bit like a Mediterranean version of Amsterdam: laid-back, pretty buildings and centred around the waterway.
If you have a day or two to spare at the end of your cycling trip, it is well worth staying to soak up the city’s unique vibe. It is also very easy to reach from the airport, with regular buses that take around 45 minutes to the city centre.
Love the idea of cycling in Ljubljana? We have a new in-depth guide coming soon. Watch this space!
Ljubljana’s vibrant, bike-friendly capital is well worth a visit!
Highway code and travel information
As ever, it’s a good idea to check current travel information before you book and travel. For UK visitors, the UK government travel information pages for Slovenia are here.
You should also read and follow Slovenia’s highway code.
What’s next?
Have you been biking in Slovenia? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below.
Looking for more Slovenia cycling tours? Don’t miss:
- Guide to cycling in Slovenia, for where to ride
- Vipava Valley, for more lush, rolling vineyards
- Julian Alps, for the chance to ride through Alpine landscapes
- Cycling Triglav National Park, for more mountain scenery
- Guide to cycling in Ljubljana (and surrounds)
- Parenzana bike trail, for cyclists who want to ride the Parenzana railway line
Perhaps you are looking for more gravel cycling inspiration? If so, we think you might like:
- The best gravel bike adventures in Europe
- A guide to gravel cycling in Austria
- A guide to gravel bike touring
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If you want someone to help you plan and book your cycling holiday, fill out this form. We aren’t a tour operator/agent but we work with lots of people who are and will do our best to put you in touch with someone that can help (within 24 hours where possible)!Fran Wilson is a cyclist based in the North East of England and has a particular passion for cycle touring. Her love for cycling has seen her take on some of the UK and Europe's best-known multi-day cycle routes, including the Hebridean Way, Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena.
Beyond exploring on two wheels, Fran is a key member of the Epic Road Rides team and is usually found writing travel guides for other cyclists who also want to explore the world by bike.
First Published: 19 August 2025
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