Kranjska Gora: week in the Julian Alps

Discover three neighbouring areas – Tarvisio (Italy), Camporosso in Valcanale (Italy) and Planica (Slovenia) – which lie close to each other in the Alpe-Adria region. A cycling journey beneath the gleaming white limestone peaks of the Julian Alps, with the option of hiking. Enchanting valleys and nice cycle routes await you. Hikers can find romantic lakes, waterfalls and unspoiled nature here. The picturesque local villages are an attraction too. There are many options in the area, whether a visit to the pilgrimage site of Monte Lussari, a trip to Lago di Fusine with wonderful views, or a cable-car ride nearby. Kranjska Gora and the Julian Alps are among the most beautiful places in Slovenia. The area is ideal for hiking, cycling and relaxing in nature.

Kranjska Gora is a mountain town in north-western Slovenia, near the borders with Austria and Italy. It lies in the valley of the Sava Dolinka river, surrounded by the Julian Alps. The town is part of Triglav National Park.

The area is known not only for its beautiful Alpine nature but also for excellent infrastructure for cyclists, from undemanding routes for families to demanding climbs for experienced riders.

A cycling trip around Kranjska Gora is an ideal combination of activity, Alpine nature and a relaxed atmosphere.

Programme:

Day 1: Hotel Špik → Planinski dom Tromeja.

• Parameters: 16.9 km • ~27 min (by car)

• Route description: the route leads from Gozd Martuljek via Kranjska Gora and Rateče towards the tripoint of Slovenia, Italy and Austria (Peč / Tromeja).

• Points of interest on the route:

Kranjska Gora and Lake Jasna: a picturesque Alpine lake with the iconic statue of Zlatorog and a view of the peaks Razor and Prisank. Nordic Centre Planica and Rateče: a world-famous centre for ski jumping and ski flying.

Tromeja (Peč): a summit at 1,508 m a.s.l. where three nations, cultures and languages meet (Slavic, Germanic and Romance).

Day 2: Špik (2,472 m) → Zgornja Radovna

• Parameters: 60.5 km • ~4:07 h

• Route description: a full-day mountain / cycling route linking the massive Špik mountain with the quiet and unspoiled Alpine valley of Radovna.

• Points of interest on the route:

View of Špik and the Martuljek waterfalls: one of the most photogenic peaks of the Julian Alps.

Radovna valley: an exceptionally quiet green valley in Triglav National Park.

Gogala's linden tree and Psnak's sawmill: authentic cultural and architectural heritage of Radovna (old mills and traditional Gorenjska architecture).

Day 3: Savica → Bled

• Parameters: 38.5 km • ~2:18 h

• Route description: the classic link between two of Slovenia's best-known gems, Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled.

• Points of interest on the route:

Savica waterfall: the source of the Savica Bohinjka, which springs from a vertical rock face and falls into a turquoise stream.

Lake Bohinj and Ribčev Laz: the largest natural lake in Slovenia with the famous Church of St John the Baptist and an old stone bridge.

Bled: Bled Island with its church, Bled Castle on a rock above the lake and the traditional pletna (wooden boats).

Day 4: Gozd Martuljek → Hotel Špik

• Parameters: 66 km • ~4:19 h

• Route description: a wider circular or linear tour of the Julian Alps with start and return at the base in Gozd Martuljek.

Points of interest on the route:

Jure Robič cycle route (D-2): one of the most beautiful developed cycle routes in Slovenia, built on the line of a former railway. Zelenci: a nature reserve and the emerald spring of the Sava Dolinka with wooden walkways and a lookout tower.

Day 5: Hotel Špik

• Parameters: 34 km • ~2:47 h

• Route description: a medium-length trip route, ideal as a half-day circuit in the immediate surroundings of Kranjska Gora.

• Points of interest on the route:

Mojstrana village: the gateway to the mountain valleys of Vrata, Kot and Krma, where the Russian Chapel is also located on the road towards Vršič.

Slovenian Alpine Museum in Mojstrana: an interactive museum dedicated to the history of mountaineering and hiking in the Julian Alps.

Day 6: Hotel Špik → Gozd Martuljek

• Parameters: 60.6 km • ~3:56 h

• Route description: a variant of a longer tour through the Upper Sava Valley and surrounding Alpine passes.

• Points of interest on the route:

Peričnik waterfall (in the Vrata valley): one of the best-known waterfalls beneath Triglav, behind whose wall of water you can walk. Views of the north face of Triglav: impressive views from the Vrata valley of the highest peak in Slovenia.