Juliana Trail Self guided bike tour

Upon arrival in Bovec, you’ll meet a member of our team who will provide a detailed briefing about the route, daily stages, navigation, and bike setup. This is also a great moment to ask any final questions before the cycling begins.

The rest of the day is free, allowing you to relax after your journey or explore Bovec at your own pace. We recommend an easy ride in the area to get a first feel for the valley.

Soča Valley highlights & alpine gravel

Once ready, you’ll start cycling along the emerald Soča River. The route follows gravel paths and quiet roads through the upper Soča Valley, continuing toward Drežnica. Expect long climbs, remote sections, and rewarding views over alpine pastures before a scenic descent back toward Tolmin. Along the way, you can visit Javorca – the Church of the Holy Spirit, a unique WWI memorial set high above the valley.

This is the most demanding stage of the tour. However, a shorter and less strenuous alternative is available for those who prefer to save energy for the following days.

Longer option:
Distance: 55 km (34.2 miles)
Uphill: 1,600 m (5,250 ft)
Downhill: 1,760 m (5,775 ft)
Approximate cycling time: 8 h

Shorter option:
Distance: 38 km (23.6 miles)
Uphill: 960 m (3,150 ft)
Downhill: 1,235 m (4,050 ft)
Approximate cycling time: 3 h 36 min

Remote valleys & river corridors

Leaving Tolmin, you’ll ride through Most na Soči, where the river widens into a turquoise lake. The route then follows the Soča and Idrijca Rivers, combining gravel roads with quiet asphalt sections through narrow valleys.

As the day progresses, the landscape becomes more remote. You’ll cycle through small villages and forested slopes, gradually climbing toward Zakojca. This stage is peaceful and scenic, with limited traffic and a strong sense of isolation.

Distance: 30 km (18.2 miles)
Uphill: 1,060 m (3,475 ft)
Downhill: 620 m (2,035 ft)
Approximate cycling time: 3 h 30 min

Mountain biking stage & long descent

This is a true mountain stage, best suited for riders comfortable on gravel and forest tracks. From Zakojca, you’ll climb toward the Vrh Ravni Saddle, passing alpine pastures and riding through the Otavnik area to Prehod Pass.

You can take a short walk to panoramic view from Porezen, one of the best viewpoints on the route. The reward follows with a long, flowing descent into Baška grapa, finishing in Podbrdo.

Distance: 20 km (12.2 miles)
Uphill: 860 m (2,822 ft)
Downhill: 1,060 m (3,478 ft)
Approximate cycling time: 2 h 45 min

Forest roads & alpine pastures

The day begins in the narrow Baška grapa valley before climbing toward Sorica and Soriška Planina. You’ll ride mostly on forest roads and gravel tracks, with steady climbs and open views over mountain pastures.

As you descend into the Bohinj Valley, the terrain softens and the scenery opens up. The stage ends in Bohinjska Bistrica, a great base for exploring the Bohinj area.

Distance: 29 km (18 miles)
Uphill: 882 m (2,893 ft)
Downhill: 881 m (2,890 ft)
Approximate cycling time: 3 h

Lake Bohinj & Pokljuka Plateau

You’ll start along the Sava Bohinjka River toward Lake Bohinj, cycling on easy terrain. Before the main climb, you can stop in Stara Fužina to visit the Alpine Dairy Farming Museum.

The route then ascends steadily to the Pokljuka Plateau, riding through dense forests and quiet alpine roads. The day finishes in Goreljek, surrounded by nature and high-altitude forests.

Distance: 32 km (20 miles)
Uphill: 1,075 m (3,527 ft)
Downhill: 320 m (1,050 ft)
Approximate cycling time: 4 h

High plateau riding & alpine icons

From Pokljuka Plateau, you’ll ride toward the Upper Sava Valley. The route alternates between forest roads and quiet paved sections.

Optional stops include the Alpine Museum in Mojstrana or a short walk to Peričnik Waterfall, one of Slovenia’s most impressive waterfalls. The day ends in the alpine resort town of Kranjska Gora.

Distance: 53 km (32.5 miles)
Uphill: 793 m (2,600 ft)
Downhill: 1,250 m (4,100 ft)
Approximate cycling time: 4 h

Vršič Pass & return to the Soča Valley

The final stage takes you over Vršič Pass, the highest mountain pass in Slovenia. The climb features 50 historic hairpin turns, steady gradients, and expansive alpine views.

Descending toward Trenta, you’ll re-enter the Soča Valley. A stop at the Russian Chapel offers insight into the history of the pass before the final descent back to Bovec, where the loop of the Juliana Trail is completed.

Distance: 45 km (28 miles)
Uphill: 922 m (3,025 ft)
Downhill: 1,288 m (4,225 ft)
Approximate cycling time: 3 h 15 min