I’ve lived car-free here in Slovenia for 11 years. Living across from the train station makes the whole country easily accessible without a car. Climate Change is real and we all need to do what we can to lower our carbon footprints. Here are a few suggested rides I’ve done this winter, all were awesome. People always ask me how I can ride in the winter, then I ask if they wear shorts and a T-shirt while skiing. Just dress warm and have some fun being outdoors.
LJUBLJANA TO LOGARSKA DOLINA
I met the Miha and Nina last summer. They own DOM-PLANINCEY which has a restaurant & rooms They suggested I visit this winter for a different experience in Logarska. They offered me a private room for 30 euro and a choice of healthy hot soups for dinner. The weather was sunny & cold, but when properly dressed it’s very doable. I took the train from Ljubljana to Kamnik, from there it’s only a 47 km ride. The route is HERE.
There’s an easy hike to the RINKA WATERFALL, which has a cute little coffee & beer bar cabin overlooking the falls. I went for breakfast at the areas many different hotels that are just a couple of kilometres from my accommodation.
LJUBLJANA TO HOTEL KOVAC
HOTEL KOVAC is one of the best-kept secrets in Slovenia. I took the train from Ljubljana to Kočevje, then pedaled 35km.
The route is HERE.
I’ve done this route 4 or 5 times. There’s some traffic when you first leave Kočevje, but as you make each of your 3 turns, there’s less and less traffic. I rode this on Sunday, that was the most traffic I’ve ever experienced. (why?).
This is a luxury resort in disguise. I came here on a Monday, I had the swimming pool, hot tub, and saunas to myself. It was like my own private resort, on a budget! They offer private rooms and rooms that can accommodate entire families. The food is SUPER, with a buffet breakfast every day. The lunch and dinner menus have lots of healthy choices.
I stayed 4 nights, I did two 40km loop rides. You can see from the photos it’s a gorgeous car-free place to ride your bike.
LJUBLJANA TO BREŽICE
There’s not much riding, but it’s a nice train ride from Ljubljana. I usually stayed at the MCC hostel when in Brežice. But I learned that my favorite restaurant in Brežice, Pr’ Šefu offers rooms too. So I decided to give them a try. The rooms have everything, even a workable kitchen.
Slovenia has swimming & spa facilities all around the country. I’ve been to maybe 7 or 8 of them. I hadn’t been to Terme Čatež, so it’s time. I shared the Olympic-sized pool with 5 other people & not at the same time. It costs 17 euros to swim all day. I paid another 17 euros and got access to the hot tubs & saunas, worth every penny. 5 different saunas, hot & cold pools, baskets of fruit, tea & lemonade.
Take a break, do some swimming, enjoy the spa, ride your bike and go out for a great meal. I hope this encourages you to break the mold of car travel, especially here in Slovenia. The new trains have a dedicated space for your bike, without lifting!
RIDE ON,
JEFF
