Bike Slovenia Green: Wellness Route North

The Bike Slovenia Green Wellness cycling holiday starts with an overnight stay in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, situated in the heart of Slovenia.

Get to know the bike-able or walkable capital of Ljubljana by taking a stroll or ride along the Ljubljanica river, which runs through the city. Ljubljana has a wonderful atmosphere with a relaxed feel, reminiscent of the Mediterranean.

If you visit the city on a Friday, you’ll be able to see chefs from some of the country’s best restaurants demonstrating their skills and dishes at Odprta Kuhna (Open Kitchen). Travelers who are looking to relax while mingling and enjoying the scenery will also love the abundance of outdoor cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops, especially near the banks of the Ljubljanica.

From Slovenia’s main city, you will head around 30 kilometers north to the outdoor paradise of Kamnik, a Green (Gold) destination. The Slovenia bike route is comfortable, as you’re cycling along mostly flat, paved paths close to the main roads. Still, if you’re more daring, you can take a minor detour and ride a more secluded, picturesque, and somewhat more challenging (due to the surface), trail along Kamniška Bistrica all the way to Kamnik’s center.

Nestled among the foothills of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, Kamnik is enclosed by Kamniška Bistrica Valley and Tuhinj Valley, while also neighboring the famous Logar Valley. This settlement can keep any visitor enchanted for weeks on end, whether you’re into hiking, climbing, visiting the medieval town, or taking a beer tour. 

After a relaxed cycling day, if you still have some energy to spare, you may pedal to the Velika Planina cable car and take a scenic ride up to the plateau. If you prefer to unwind, you can visit the indoor and outdoor pools at Terme Snovik (further away) or the nearby Healing Resort Tunjice for some immune boosters like Infrared or Cocoon therapy and herbal massages.

After the first warm-up stage, our Slovenia cycling tour follows along the Kamniška Bistrica to Stahovica, and from there, there is a longer asphalt climb to the top of the Črnivec pass where you’ll need to push the pedals a bit stronger.

For those who want a slightly bigger and more secluded challenge, there is a more challenging option that ascends to Črnivec through local villages, away from busy roads, partly on asphalt, and mostly along isolated forest macadams.

On the other side, shortly below the pass, you leave the main road and head to the local trails along the Dreta river, first to Gornji Grad and then through Zadrečka dolina (the largest side valley of Savinja) to Savinjska dolina. You’ll see fishermen in waders casting lines atop the water as you cycle through the countryside.

The route makes its way to Ljubno ob Savinji — a village on the edge of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, known for its log diving history, fishermen, rafting, and annual FIS Woman’s Ski Jumping World Cup.

This day is dedicated mostly to good cycling, and discovering Ljubno’s natural and cultural sights like admiring the karst zones, the overhanging cliffs, and mountain eagles in the area of ​​the Tirske peči or visiting the Brinečev farmers mill. This tourist farm will remind you of the times when people still knew the taste of oven-fresh bread kneaded by hand from flour ground in the local mill. A true wellness treat with a taste of the past.

This cycling day starts by pedaling alongside the Savinja River all the way to Mozirje, where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a break at Mozirski gaj to take in the park’s blooming flowers. After that, you keep ascending and descending ridges until you reach the Šaleška valley. As part of this bike tour, you’ll visit Velenje and its castle, as well as drive along Velenje Lake, with a perfect beach to watch the clouds roll by on a hot day or take a plunge.  

Later that day, the Slovenia cycling tour headed to Vinska Gora, includes several shorter (and partly steep) climbs with a final descent towards the Dobrna area.

We can’t think of a better place to reward yourself after a successful day than Terme Dobrna. The spring here was mentioned for the first time in 1403. There are spa suites, thermal baths, saunas, pools, and wonderful restaurants — all perfect for clearing your head and body after cycling Slovenia’s roads.

Cycling route from Dobrna to Socka and the Hudinje valley is fairly easy. Upon reaching Vitanje, science and VR enthusiasts can take a look at the different space exhibitions or enjoy the flight simulator at the Noordung Center of Space Technologies. The route then leaves the main road and heads over dynamic, backcountry roads with a gentle descent in the direction of Loška Gora and on to Zreče. 

Rolling hills are a dominant feature in this area’s countryside, well-known for its great skiing, especially at the Rogla Ski Resort and in the Pohorje Mountains. Anyone lucky enough to cycle here will be rewarded with a nice sight of ever-changing scenery and the ethereal beauty of nature. Riders on this Slovenia cycling tour will also be rewarded with wine, fine dining, farms, and endless wellness options.

You can unwind at Terme Zreče with a spa service to cap off the day. The complex includes a health care center, a sauna village, a fitness studio, and thermal swimming pools.

Today the Wellness cycling route continues to Maribor, Slovenia’s second largest city, filled with culture, wellness, and history. This first, slightly longer and thus more difficult stage, provides two cycling options: an easier one that follows main and partly local roads, and if you’re looking for a challenge, you can extend this stage by taking a more adventurous and remote road that flows through the stunning wine-growing hills.

Passing by the oasis of unspoiled nature at The Rački Ribniki – Požeg Nature Park, riders can take the opportunity to learn about different plants and animals. Enjoy the 8 different-sized ponds and the peacefulness of their surroundings, before heading to the city.  

In Maribor — a city with Slovenia Green Bronze certification — wellness enthusiasts will love the fabulous Terme Maribor located right underneath Pohorje, in Hotel Habakuk. 

Those looking for a night out in the city can visit the city center, which is just 6 kilometers away. The cable car that will take you to Pohorje is only a few steps away if you would rather remain in the midst of lovely nature and enjoy the breathtaking view of Maribor. 

After a night in Maribor, it’s time for this Slovenia cycling tour to visit the countryside again. From underneath Pohorje, you’ll descend for a mostly flat city ride all the way to Lent — a popular spot by the river Drava. Continue along the smooth asphalt and gravel stretches on the Drava Cycling Route, which makes the city of Maribor particularly accessible because the bikeway provides immediate access to many attractions. 

Here, you can benefit from another wellness practice. The world’s oldest vine, which has its own House and Museum and allows visitors to sample its fruits, offers the oldest form of human medicine. This vine, which is more than four centuries old, is of the Žametovka variety and is even listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. 

After exploring the city’s gastronomic and historical highlights, the cycling journey continues downstream alongside the river to Malečnik. The first ascent takes you over the scenic Vodole, where wine enthusiasts can make a short stop at the Wine Fountain. However, keep in mind that you still have more climbing to do before you empty the fountain. 

The descent to Lake Pernica is followed by a diverse continuation along the outskirts of Slovenske gorice. You’ll have to push the pedals on a few steep up-and-down slopes (quite demanding), to reach the charming village of Zavrh. Take a break here to climb up the Maister Viewing Tower and take in the excellent view of Pohorje, Kozjak, Boč, Donačka gora, neighboring Croatia, and even the Hungarian plains. While here, make sure to visit the Maister Museum and the cafe across the street. 

As you continue along the Slovenia cycling route to Sv. Trojica, you pass right by the picturesque Gradiško Lake. The pilgrimage church of the Holy Trinity makes for a unique backdrop to the lake, which is otherwise known for healing locations scattered on the hillside under the church.

After pedaling down quiet roads and paths, you’ll finish the day with a moderate ascent to Cogetinci. Make sure to relax with great local food and wine as the day comes to a close. 

Today you’ll enjoy this sun-drenched landscape while cycling on the flatter roads of Slovenia. After a short hilly section at the beginning, this Slovenia bike route takes you deep into the heart of the incredible Pomurje Region. Because of its many springs, this far northeastern corner is sometimes referred to as the Thermal Pannonian Slovenia.

After crossing the Mura River, the route will head just over and past the capital and main town of the region, Murska Sobota. Following that, you’ll visit one of Slovenia’s best spas in Moravske Toplice – a Slovenian Green “Gold” town. 

Terme 3000, which has both the largest and one of the best equipped facilities in the country, will spoil you with a vast array of health, wellness, accommodation, and gourmet offers.

The nearby Terme Vivat has another treat in store. This resort has a complex of outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a “world of saunas,” a Thai massage salon, and a medical center to help you finish this Slovenia cycling tour feeling relaxed and renewed.

The Bike Slovenia Green Wellness Route North cycling tour ends with breakfast in Moravci. After that, a transfer is organized to the tour’s starting point. You will reach Ljubljana by noon; please plan your departure accordingly.

Those wishing to extend their Wellness Route for another 7 scenic cycling days, can check out our Bike Slovenia Green Wellness Route South.