A practical guide to cycling Slovenia Green Routes

Should I go it alone or join a tour?

For cyclists used to multi-day cycling journeys, these routes provide everything one might need for a solo trip, from stage information to accommodation and eating options. The stages are typically around 30 to 35 miles long, a distance designed not to overwhelm — there’s enough time to see the villages at the end of each stage and, crucially, you’re always within range of civilisation in case of emergency. Should you need to call for help, there’s good phone service across Slovenia. For those with less experience, there’s always value in seeing a country through the eyes of local guides.

Are routes easily signposted for international travellers?

All Slovenia Green Routes are navigated with GPX tracks that cyclists can download for free. Although such tools can be intimidating for some, having precise directions on your device is safer and better for the environment than physical signs.

How do I pack for a multi-day cycling trip? The general rule is: think about what you can’t live without, then pack half of it. In the case of Slovenia Green Routes, you won’t need camping or cooking gear, so it really comes down to personal items and tools. Most cyclists would be set with two jerseys, two pairs of socks and two bibs (cycling shorts), washing and rotating each day, plus foul-weather gear. Aside from that, one set of regular clothes and toiletry kit should suffice. Don’t forget basic tools for flat tyres and adjustments, and lights.

What type of bike is best for the route? Slovenia Green Routes combine a mixture of surfaces: the majority of time you’ll be on asphalt roads, but expect to also pedal along farm roads and packed trails. As such, gravel bikes are your best bet, combining the geometry and feel of a road bike with the ruggedness of a mountain bike.

Should I take my own bike and equipment? The question of whether to bring your own bike is a personal one. Some cyclists won’t fly their own bike for trips less than two weeks, for example, while others prefer to travel with panniers but rent the bicycle itself. If you do want to rent, head to Visit Good

Place for gravel bikes hire, as well as expert knowledge about Slovenia Green Routes. visit-goodplace.com

Above: Mountain biking in the village of Drežnica, with the Sacred Heart Church in the background