Despite their breathtaking natural beauty, Slovenia and Croatia remain off the radar for many bikers. Yet, from Kranjska Gora in Slovenia to Kvarner Bay in Croatia – an area less than half the size of Belgium – you will find towering mountains, picture-perfect lakes, fairytale forests, emerald green rivers, undulating vineyards and Italian-style coastlines. With even just a few days at your disposal, it’s easy to pack all these highlights into a world-class singletrack mountain bike trip without ever feeling like you are in a rush. Therefore, this Beyond Biking trip is like a French or Austrian TransAlp adventure, a Balearic Island bike challenge and a Tuscany bike and wine tour – all rolled into one week. Slovenia and Croatia offer a very dynamic landscape, and their numerous mountain roads, forest trails and dirt roads provide countless opportunities for world-class mountain biking. The biking infrastructure in this area is exceptional: with more than 5000km of biking trails, suitable for beginners and expert adrenaline junkies alike, we will surely find the right trail for you. There are a million bike options here, and we know the best of them, so what are you waiting for?
TRAIL DETAILS
TRAIL PART 1:
The Karavanke & Triglav national park (2 days)
The beautiful pastures of the Karavanke mountain range awaits you, while the Triglav National Park is a pristine, spectacular world of rocky mountains and some of the most captivating alpine views in Europe. Perfect for those who enjoy long climbs, endless views, and flowy Alpine forest singletracks.
TRAIL PART 2:
Soča valley & mount Matajur (1.5 days)
The best way to explore the dramatic beauty of the emerald green River Soča, which is world famous for its unspoilt natural charm, is by mountain bike – and a guided rafting trip, if you so wish. This will be followed by an unforgettable 1000m-plus downhill ride from Mount Matajur towards Italy’s Friulian plains the next day; get ready to ride one of the best downhill singletracks you’ve ever experienced.
TRAIL PART 3:
Goriška Brda & the Karst plateau (1.5 days)
Often described as a miniature version of Tuscany, the Goriška Brda wine growing region is a must-visit world of biking, wining and dining. The same is true of the connecting Karst region, a limestone plateau of gorges, caves, underground lakes and dramatic karst landscapes (this area is actually where the term ‘karst’ comes from). Mountain bikers describe the ruggedly beautiful Vipava Valley as a place where adrenaline flows, and where you will have ample opportunity to test your biking skills.
TRAIL PART 4:
Kvarner bay & Krk island (3 days)
The Istrian Peninsula and the island of Krk are a biker’s paradise, from the fragrant mountain pine forests, through to the medieval hilltop villages to the remote coastal singletrack and lunar-esque landscapes on Krk’s so-called ‘moon trail’.
If you love the outdoors, don’t miss this pristine European adventure playground. It is perfect for anyone who loves the great outdoors or appreciates pure, unadulterated beauty that is only matched by the friendly welcome, warm hospitality and gastronomic excellence found locally.
