Cycling in Slovenia
Slovenia In A Nutshell
Slovenia has moved on from Yugoslavia more than any of its other former members. Despite this, it still feels very rural and has some remarkably attractive countryside.
Where and When I Went
10th - 12th September 2012
9th - 10th and 12th - 15th June 2018
Slovenia's Scenery
Although I haven't seen them from the saddle of a bicycle, the Julian Alps in the north west of the country are utterly gorgeous. The rest of the country is more about rolling hills and is also very pretty.
Slovenia's Road Quality
The quality isn't bad but roads can sometimes be unpleasantly busy, especially when traffic is squeezed into a narrow valley. I'm not sure if this was just a coincidence, but I noticed that roads named with a single number tended to be the busiest of all.
Slovenia's Accommodation & Costs
Slovenia's growing economy and membership of the Eurozone means that it's the most expensive former Yugoslavian country except for the tourist regions of often over-priced Croatia. My two hotels in 2012 averaged €35. My four campsites in 2018 averaged €9, ranging from €8 to €10.
Despite increased costs, Slovenia's short coastline is good value for money, as pretty as Italy's and roughly half the price.
Language
A lot of younger people speak English. The older generation is more likely to speak German.
Neighbouring Countries
Very different cultures in the options here: Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Italy.
Reasons To Go To Slovenia
The Julian Alps, scenery in general, Ljubljana
Where Have You Written About Cycling In Slovenia?
What Others Say
Comments may be edited for concision. If the comment was taken from elsewhere, click the author's name for the full comment.
"I spent a week cycling in north-eastern Slovenia in June 2014. I thought the quality of roads was good. The drivers I encountered gave plenty of space when overtaking. I felt so safe, I tended to ride without a helmet (which I never do in the UK). The east of Slovenia is rolling countryside. The beautiful Jeruzalem wine growing region is hilly (something to consider if carrying luggage). Take a good map and a compass and you will find it very hard to get lost. Road signs are very good. There are plenty of small villages dotted about, but there is not always somewhere to refuel. Carrying a packed lunch is a good idea. That said, when you find a restaurant you will be very well fed indeed. Cuisine is very 'Teutonic'. Avoid the place if you are a vegetarian. Beer and wine are great! If you like honey, you will love Slovenia. They almost worship it. In one guest house I stayed in, you could help yourself to slices of honeycomb and chew it. You swallow the honey and spit out the wax. If you enjoy spas, you will like north-east Slovenia. I found the people welcoming and friendly. No-one expects you to speak Slovene but those over 35-40 will prefer to speak German; those under 35-40, English. I loved it." Anonymous
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Previous Comments
Guy Bristow on Wed, 21 Apr 21 12:15:06
Anyone for dormouse? As a Brit living in Slovenian Istria, I should point out that obara is stew in general, dormice are optional. However, there is a museum dedicated to dormouse hunting in Snežnik Castle, Southern Slovenia. Occasionally I see some old fart wearing a dormouse-skin hat and I can't help wondering how many dormice gave their lives for that silly hat.
Guy Bristow on Wed, 21 Apr 21 12:29:23
Istrian identity is quite strong here on the Slovenian coast. People often talk about putting up border posts at Črni Kal (border village), the same way as Londoners talk about Watford Gap, to stop the žabe (frogs) from Ljubljana from reaching the coast. My wife, a proud Istrian, would support the creation of a free Istrian kingdom, as long as she was queen of it.
