Cycling holidays in winter: Biking in varied Slovenia
Text: Kerstin Börß
Glorious light, empty cycle paths and plenty of stops with warm drinks: cycling in winter has many beautiful facets that are worth discovering. This applies to the routes on your own doorstep, which change with the seasons, as well as to cycle tours in other regions. To make sure your bike doesn't get stuck in the cellar this winter, we've put together a few cycling travel tips here to inspire you to plan your holiday or simply daydream. One of them is the Adriatic coast in Slovenia.
No matter where you are cycling this winter, you should of course check the weather and the condition of the paths and roads before setting off. Because even where mild temperatures usually prevail, there are sometimes more uncomfortable days in winter. Then, for once, the bike can be parked for a short time and the regional delicacies can be savoured. As many of the regions are close to the sea or mountains, a good rain jacket should always be in your bike bag. In the best case scenario, it will stay there untouched for the entire holiday.
Cycling holidays in winter: Cycling in the land of contrasts
Slovenian author Aleš Šteger writes about his country that nowhere else can you find so much Europe in such a small space. Slovenia is full of contrasts within short distances. There is a coastline with Mediterranean towns, snow-capped peaks with ski jumps and gentle vineyards reminiscent of Tuscany. This diversity is also a pleasure for cycling. In the Mediterranean region, the Karst and the Pannonian Plain, cycling can be enjoyed well into the winter.
The Vipava Valley in the west of the country is a beautiful destination for such a Slovenian winter cycle tour. Here you pedal over green hills and through picturesque stone villages, and panoramic views from the karst plateau unfold again and again. The local speciality Vipavska jota, a hearty stew with turnips or sauerkraut, is a great refreshment stop. The region's numerous wine cellars also serve as stop-off points for travellers. Those who prefer to cycle with a view of the sea are in the right place in Slovenian Istria. Here you can cycle directly along the coast and explore the equally attractive hinterland.
On a short tour from Marina Portorož to the coastal town of Piran, the sea is your constant companion. You should definitely plan enough time to explore the Adriatic pearl of Piran! Water, albeit in the form of a river and not the sea, takes centre stage in the Bela krajina region in the far south of Slovenia. Here the cycle paths meander along the River Kolpa - between scattered forests and vineyards. Here - as in so many other corners of the country - it becomes clear that Slovenia is a very green country. Around 60 per cent of the country is covered by forests.
Information about a cycling holiday in Slovenia
- General: www.slovenia.info/de. A cycling-enthusiastic group shows the most beautiful routes in Slovenian Istria on slo-istra.bike/en.
- Tip: If you have tasted blood in winter and want to come back to Slovenia in the summer months, you can cycle the Bike Slovenia Green: seven stages and all destinations have a sustainable certificate. From the Julian Alps to the sea.
