Top 5 Scenic Road Trips and Long-Distance Cycling Routes in Slovenia

Slovenia is often referred to as a small country.

Though it ranks 24th in size among the 27 EU countries, this compactness is an advantage for drivers and cyclists. During a single trip, you can visit numerous charming villages, untouched forests, vineyard-clad hills, karst formations, and coastal towns, capturing breathtaking photographs along the way.

Travelers quickly discover that while Slovenia may seem small on a map, its diverse topography is impressive. The landscape is adorned with stunning mountain ranges, whose peaks shimmer in alpine lakes fed by rivers flowing through rolling hills and into the Adriatic Sea.

To truly enjoy a driving or cycling adventure here, no matter the season, take your time to savor Slovenia’s serene backroads. Embrace the freedom of the open road. Here, we present three picturesque driving routes and two long-distance cycling paths. Note that the distances are not direct; they include detours to help you discover more of each region.

1. Road Trip from the Alps to the Adriatic

Ultimate road trip to experience it all Kranjska Gora to Koper; 300km (185 miles), plan for 1–2 days

The ideal time for this “Greatest Hits of Western Slovenia” adventure is summer or early autumn. This journey showcases the best of the Julian Alps, the karst region, and the stunning Adriatic coastline. It begins near Kranjska Gora, meandering through the breathtaking Triglav National Park and alongside the shimmering turquoise Soča River, before emerging at vineyards and concluding in Koper by the sea. While it’s possible to complete in a day, the numerous sights along the way make it easy to extend into a week-long exploration.

Starting from Kranjska Gora, take main road no. 206 south into the national park and navigate the stunning 50 hairpin turns of the Vršič Pass, Slovenia’s highest mountain pass at 1611m (5285ft). Continue along this road, venturing deeper into the park until you arrive at the whitewater rafting hotspot of Bovec. Then head south on main road 203 to the historic town of Kobarid, now known for its culinary delights.

From Kobarid, take main road 102 south along the Soča River towards Tolmin. Veer right onto main road 103, passing through the picturesque vineyards of Goriška Brda, and reach the modern city of Nova Gorica. You could easily spend days enjoying the local wines and exploring charming villages like Šmartno. To get to Koper, follow the H4 highway that merges with the A1 expressway, or opt for a slower route via main road 204, which winds through delightful medieval villages like Stanjel.

Planning tip: Avoid attempting the Alpine segment of this route in late autumn and winter (October through March), as the Vršič Pass is closed during that time.

Time your visit to Slovenia wisely with our seasonal guide

2. Road Trip through the Sava Valley

Ultimate road trip for regional insights Kranjska Gora to Brežice; 200km (125 miles), plan for 2 days

Driving along the Sava River takes explorers from Slovenia’s far northwest to a southeastern corner bordering Croatia. This historic waterway is significant in Europe, flowing through Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. For travelers, navigating this cultural corridor is key to grasping the essence of both the country and the broader region.

Begin at the source of the Sava, near Kranjska Gora. From there, follow main road 201 east along the river. Transition onto the busier E61 highway, which runs close to Lake Bled, where the mountains frame the iconic island church—offering perhaps the best photo opportunity you'll ever have. Continue past the charming town of Kranj to reach Ljubljana, where the city center buzzes with vibrant markets, cafes, bars, and exceptional dining options.

North of Ljubljana, main road 108 reconnects with the Sava River and follows its course eastward for about 60km (36 miles), passing through quaint riverside villages until reaching the town of Zidani Most. From there, take main road 5 for another 40km (25 miles) to Krško and continue along the main A2 motorway to Brežice in the Posavje region, where vineyards and castles line the riverbanks, creating a Central European fairy tale.

Exploring Slovenia on a budget? Check out our top money-saving tips

3. Road Trip to the Thermal Spas

Top road trip in eastern Slovenia Maribor to Maribor; 400km (250 miles), plan for 3 days

As you journey east into the Pannonian Plain, shaped by the Sava and Drava Rivers, the landscape transforms. The limestone Alps give way to an abundance of thermal springs. These Slovenian treasures were cherished by the Romans centuries ago. Today, you can visit various health and wellness spas, many steeped in tradition, allowing you to unwind and rejuvenate during your stay. There’s no set itinerary; just the opportunity to explore and indulge at one of the country’s many natural health resorts along the route.

Begin and conclude your journey in Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city. From there, head south towards Ptuj and its renowned Terme Ptuj. Continue to the historic spa town of Rogaška Slatina, famous worldwide for its healing waters. Nearby in Podčetrtek, Terme Olimia started as a wellness center in the 1960s and now boasts more water slides per capita than anywhere else globally.

As you drive north and west toward Celje, you’ll discover even more wellness retreats. Terme Dobrna, located north of Celje, is Slovenia's oldest operational spa and remains vibrant. Celjska Koča, south of Celje, is a family-friendly adventure park ideal for parents looking to combine wellness with fun. Thermana Laško is internationally acclaimed for its luxurious offerings, while the striking Rimske Terme features Roman-style baths and wellness treatments. On your way back to Maribor, take a detour towards Rogla to visit Terme Zreče, nestled in the picturesque Pohorje hills.

Planning tip: To maximize your experience on this trip, aim to stop at one or two spas along the way, and make sure to book accommodations and treatments online in advance.

4. Gourmet Cycling Trail

Ultimate bike trip for indulging in fine food and drink Soča Valley to Maribor; 480km (300 miles), allow 1 day per stage (16 days for the full circuit)

The Slovenia Green Gourmet Route (SGGR), launched in 2021 to celebrate Slovenia's designation as Europe’s Gastronomic Region, takes cyclists through vineyards, Michelin-starred eateries, and cozy family-run bistros, stretching from the western to the eastern borders of the country. This route consists of 16 stages that can be completed in one go or piecemeal, depending on your preferences (note that these stages require a moderate level of fitness). The SGGR features winding climbs to charming Slovenian villages and riverside paths leading to castles perched on cliffs. While it’s not a car trip, cycling offers a more intimate experience of these beautiful spots.

The SGGR is part of a series of recent Slovenian itineraries that provide resources for adventurers to discover the nation's culture, cuisine, and active pursuits at their own pace. Starting in Kobarid in the Soča Valley, the route follows the Italian border before moving east through the capital, Ljubljana, and the scenic Sava River. The final segments require a train ride, then a ride along the Drava River to reach Maribor. Swapping a seatbelt for a bike helmet allows you to travel like a local, earning your food and wine after fulfilling days in the saddle.

Planning tip: Visit the website for detailed descriptions of each stage, and remember to book your accommodations and meals ahead of time to avoid arriving only to find everything fully booked.

5. Primeval Forest Cycling Loop

Ideal bike trip for immersing yourself in nature Kočevje to Kočevje; 145km (90 miles), plan for 4 days

Over 60% of Slovenia is blanketed in forests, but the Kočevsko region, located in the southeast, is regarded as the country’s nature capital. The four-stage Slovenia Green Kočevsko Cycle Loop begins in Kočevje, approximately 60km (36 miles) south of Ljubljana, offering cyclists the opportunity to traverse the area’s pristine, UNESCO-recognized ancient beech and fir forests, home to foxes, bears, lynx, and deer. The views are spectacular, with panoramic sights from the Dinaric Alps that include soaring eagles, hawks, and the Kolpa River along the Croatian border.

Planning tip: Check the Kočevje Cycle Loop website for details on each of the four stages. You can rent bikes and gather more information at the Bearlog Hostel in Kočevje.