Cycling Lake Bled in Slovenia

Lake Bled self-guided bicycle itinerary

Day 1: Individual arrival to Lake Bled

Lake Bled is a beautiful glacial lake made famous by its distinctive island church, towering alpine mountain backdrop and clifftop castle. It’s no coincidence that it’s one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist attractions. You can take a boat out to the island church and ring the church bell and make a wish, it might come true. Head over the western side and hike up to Mala Osojnica for the best view of the lake, castle and Karavanke Mountains.

Day 2: BLED – RIBČEV LAZ – 20 km/12 miles + possible side trip  10 miles/16 km

From the high plateau at Pokljuka (12 km) you can marvel at the views as you glide down into the neighbouring Bohinj Valley until reaching the stunning lake Bohinj, a glistening jewel in the heart of the Triglav National Park. Cycle around the lake to Savica Waterfall, and then take the cable car up to Vogel Mountain for a spectacular view of the Julian Alps that surround the lake. Accommodation overnight 4* hotel.

Day 3: RIBČEV LAZ – ŠKOFJA LOKA – 57 km/36 miles

Leaving Bohinj you cycle up 750 m / 2400 ft to the Jelovica high plateau (a “help out” lift to the top of the mountain pass is available for this part of the trip at an extra cost of 20 EUR per person). From the top the trail drops off into a beautiful wilderness valley leading to the lush green Škofja Loka hills. The route takes you through a number of historic little villages until you finally arrive in one of Slovenia’s oldest and most charming town Skofia Loka where you can visit the hilltop castle.  Overnight at a 3* hotel.

Day 4: ŠKOFJA LOKA – PREDDVOR – 33 km/21 miles

Today you head across the great Sora plain, taking you past Kranj, Slovenia’s fourth largest city and host to some interesting gothic architecture. As you continue northeast you’ll come across Brdo Castle, renowned as Slovenia’s most elegant presidential palace. End the day with your feet up, sipping a drink and admiring the view across Preddvor lake to the majestic peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. Overnight 3* guesthouse.

Day 5: PREDDVOR – BEGUNJE – 42 km/26 miles

A ride through history, taking you along the edge of the Kamnik Alps to the beautifully preserved old town of Radovljica and its interesting beekeeping museum. You’ll visit Slovenia’s foremost blacksmith town, Kropa where you can tour the iron forging museum and learn how to make your own nail. Then cycle up to the little hilltop village of Jamnik for a classic postcard view of Slovenia: church and mountains. Overnight stay at an antique & modern hotel.

Day 6: BEGUNJE – KRANJSKA GORA – 44 km/28 miles

Today your route will take you on a cycling path that goes between the ranges of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke Mountains to Kranjska Gora, a popular alpine town famous for its ski resorts, but also a great base for many summer activities. Overnight at a 3* hotel.

Day 7: KRANJSKA GORA – BLED – 44 km/29 miles

For your final day you head back into the heart of the Triglav National Park. The route takes you alongside the Sava Dolinka River and into the Krma Valley. You can have lunch in the mountain hut at the foot of Triglav, the mightiest mountain in the Julian Alps. From here you will head through the Radovna Valley between the Pokljuka and Mežakla plateaus to the thundering rapids of the 1.6 km Vintgar Gorge. Location 4* hotel.

Day 8: End of tour or extension