Riding on Gravel roads
around Julian Alps

Riding on Gravel
around Julian Alps

Juliana Biking Tour - Bikepacking around Julian Alps

SLOVENIA AND ITALY | GRAVEL OR MTB RIDING TOUR | JULIAN ALPS | 2025

 

Adventurous biking tour with riding around the Julian Alps. An amazing gravel or mountain biking experience in the heart of the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park with rides on gravel roads, wide trails and distant roads. Explore the beauty of the pure and intact Alpine nature by bike. Juliana biking tour is one of the most beautiful circular long distance adventurous biking tours in Europe.

The Juliana Biking Tour takes you where you will feel the true pulse of life in the Julian Alps and learn about the rich natural and cultural heritage. This tour takes you mostly along gravel roads, which are surrounded by forests, rivers, mountains and remote farms. We have designed your perfect gravel or mountain biking experience around the Julian Alps, which combines great riding and exploring. Everything you love about a true bikepacking journey.

 

 

JULIAN ALPS

The Julian Alps cover an estimated 4400 km2. They are divided into the Eastern and Western Julian Alps. There are many peaks in the Eastern Julian Alps over 2000 m high, and they are mainly parts of ridges. The most prominent peaks are visible by their height and size. The king of this mountain range is Mt Triglav (2864 meters), Slovenia’s highest mountain and the symbol of the Slovenian nation. The Western Julian Alps cover a much smaller area and are located mainly in Italy. The king of this mountain range is Jof di Montasio (2752 meters), the highest mountain in Western Julian Alps.

 

Facts:

  • Destination: East Julian Alps (Slovenia) and West Julian alps (Italy).
  • Duration: 6 days / 5 nights (+2 days - easy tour)
  • Activity: Gravel / MTB Tour 
  • Style: Adventure biking, bikepacking, stages cycling tour.
  • Length: 369 km / Elevation: Climb +9.161 m 
  • Grade: Moderate
  • Accommodation: Small hotels or farmhouses.
  • Date: From May 5th to October 15th.
  • Booking: Any day of the week.
  • Start of the tour: Arrival city is Lesce/Bled, Slovenia.
  • End of the tour: Bled, Slovenia.
  • Destination: East Julian Alps (Slovenia) and West Julian alps (Italy).
  • Price self-guided tour: 795,00 €/person (min. 2 bikers in group).
  • Price guided tour: 1.495,00 €/person (min. 4 bikers in group).
  • Note: This bike tour involves riding through remote and rugged terrains.

The Juliana tour can be extended for 1–2 days (45–60 km/day) - Juliana Biking Trail Easy. For well-prepared cyclists, shortened by a day or two - Juliana Biking Trail Challenge. Well-prepared gravel or mtb rider can also choose Juliana Bikepacking Challenge in June 2023. Almost 100 riders have cycled this exceptional tour so far.

 

At LIFE Bike we specialise in designing epic bike tours. We are committed to seeking out the very best in everything for our riders that only the knowledge and experience of our local team can provide. This epic Juliana Biking Tour is designed by our team back in 2018. In 2006, we launched the first road cycling - touring - around the Julian Alps - "Cycling around Julian Alps"

795,00 €/person

6 Days

Gravel or MTB

INFORMATION

Difficulty: Moderate+

Bike skill level: Intermediate+

Bike fitness level: Level 4/5 (7 is max)

EXPERIENCE

Each day of this sensational Juliana biking tour will inspire your sense of adventure. It’s all about exploring Julian Alps by bike.

WHEN TO GO / DATE

May 5th - October 15th

START / END LOCATION

Bled (Slovenia)

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bike tour around julian alps - bikepacking adventure cycling
bikepacking tour around julian alps slovenia and italy cycling

LAKE BLED TO LAKE BOHINJ

PERFECT GRAVEL DAY

A day on the bike, which will take us past Lake Bled, on some of the most beautiful roads by Sava Bohinjka river and across the marvelous plateau of Jelovica. At the last part of today’s route the trail will impress us with a view of the Bohinj Valley and Julian Alps, where the mighty Mount Triglav stands. A descent on excellent gravel roads to Bohinj Lake will take us to the right side of the valley. A picturesque stage with open views of the Julian Alps.

 

    • Morning introductory meeting.
    • Biking from Bled to Lake Bohinj.
    • You will ride a distance of 50 km on the Gravel Epic Event trail.
    • Accommodation: Hotel or private accommodation, Bohinj
    • 60.5 km / C-998 m, D-904 m / 56 hours.
    • Gravel 85%, asphalt/tarmac 15%.

LAKE BOHINJ TO TOLMIN

TRUE ADVENTURE RIDE

A somewhat longer stage, which runs across a bit secluded places at the southern parts of the Julian Alps. The roads lead us through beautiful areas, past remote villages and farms. In the last part the route takes us to the valley of the Soča river, which is known for its amazing emerald color. A marvelous day for all nostalgic bikers and true adventurers.

 

    • Breakfast in hotel.
    • Biking from Lake Bohinj to Tolmin.
    • Accommodation: Hotel or private accommodation, Tolmin
    • 72.8 km / C+1757 m, D-1980 m / 57 hours.
    • Gravel 70%, asphalt/tarmac 25%, wide single roads 5%.

TOLMIN TO BREGINJ VILLAGE

TRUE MOUNTAIN CHALLENGES RIDE

Today’s stage runs across the high mountains above the Soča River and below Mount Krn. From there, we descend back to this beautiful and fascinating emerald color river to cross it and connect the westernmost part of slovenia. A day full of true mountain challenges.

 

    • Breakfast in hotel.
    • Biking from Tolmin to Breginj via Kobarid.
    • Accommodation in Private apartment or farmhouse***, Breginj.
    • 58.8 km / C-1960 m, D-1610 m / 56 hours.
    • Gravel 70%, asphalt/tarmac 30%.

BREGINJ TO RESIUTTA (I)

AN INCREDIBLE LANDSCAPED PATRIMONY

From Breginj area, the westernmost part of slovenia we will connect the remote valley of Rezija with cycling through the well-known Kobariški stol (Mt Kobariski Stol). An amazing riding day.

 

    • Breakfast in private apartments/farmhouse.
    • Biking from Breginj to Resiutta (Italy).
    • Accommodation: Hotel or private accommodation, Resiutta.
    • 52.4 km / C-1.850 m, D-1.990 m 67 hours.
    • Gravel 70%, asphalt/tarmac 30%.

RESIUTTA TO KRANJSKA GORA

REAL ALPINE DELIGHT

Today’s stage takes us through the beautiful western parts of the Julian Alps with the mighty mountains of Montaž and Viš. Cycling through the valleys of Dogna and Valbruna will surely delight us with the true Alpine scenery. In the last part of the route we connect to the valley of the Sava River. Real Alpine delight.

 

    • Breakfast in hotel.
    • BIking from Resiutta (Italy) to Kranjska Gora (Slovenia) via Dogna and Valbruna valley
    • Biking option: Via Riofreddo valley.
    • Accommodation: Hotel or private accommodation, Kranjska Gora
    • Option via Valbruna: 66.5 km / C-1365m, D-872 m / 67 hours.
    • Option via Riofreddo: 74.7 km / C-2027m, D-1535 m / 67 hours.
    • Gravel 60%, asphalt/tarmac 38%, 2% single roads.

KRANJSKA GORA TO RADOVLJICA AND BLED LAKE

EASTERN JULIAN ALPS VIEWS RIDE

Today’s route runs through the valley of Sava river, on the eastern side of the Julian Alps. We ascend from the valley to the heart of the Karavanke mountains, where we cycle on the Karavanke mountain trail to the mountain hut with magnificent views of the Julian Alps. The last part of the route is a pleasant descent into the heart of the Gorenjska Plain and Radovljica old town and to Lesce near Bled where the stage ends. An eventful day with views of the eastern part of the Julian Alps.

 

  • Breakfast in hotel.
  • Biking from Kranjska Gora to Lesce via Mojstrana and Radovljica old town.
  • You will ride a distance of 30 km on Trans Karawanken Trail.
  • 57.5 km / C-1218 m, D-1589 m / 56 hours.
  • Gravel 70%, asphalt/tarmac 28%, 1% single roads.

WHY RIDE JULIANA BIKE TOUR

  • Stunning mountain scenery of the Julian Alps.
  • Unique gravel roads around Triglav National Park.
  • Beautiful towns of Bled, Tolmin, Valbruna, Kranjska Gora, Kobarid, Tarvisio.
  • Explore magical Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled.
  • Enjoy Dogna and Valbruna Valley on the west side of the Julian Alps - Italian!
  • Beautiful Soča Valley: The valley of the emerald river.
  • The valley of Resia Mountain: An incredible landscaped patrimony.
  • Ride on "Gravel Epic Event" section (day 1, 60 km).
  • Stay in charming accommodations.
  • Taste the richness of the Slovenian and Italian culinary.

JULIANA RIDING MAP

INFORMATION AND PRICE - SELF GUIDED

Included in the price:

  • Full organization of the tour.
  • 5 nights in 3* hotel accommodation or private apartments, farmhouse.
  • Introductory briefing on day 1 with a welcome drink - face to face.
  • LIFE Bike Booklet with detailed itinerary, route instructions and all details with vouchers.
  • GPS track for all stages/days.
  • Navigation pack: APP for phone or tablet with phone holder.
  • Daily collaboration and tracking on the communication app - additional customer support.
  • Main luggage storage.
  • Emergency contact number and 24/7 support.
  • Tourist tax and VAT.

Not included in the price: Travel to Slovenia (the start point of the tour). / Food and drinks: all food and drinks, except breakfast at the accommodation. / Items of personal nature. / Travel Insurance. / Bike rental.

Surcharges:

  • High season (June 15th to Sept. 15th): 140 €/person
  • Single supplement: 290 €

Optional extras:

  • Day-to-day luggage transfer: 380 €/group.

Bike rental:

  • * Bike rental: Trek Checkpoint ALR5: 40 €/day/bike
  • * Bike rental: Trek Checkpoint SLR5: 50 €/day/bike
  • Rental Ortlieb waterproof frame pack, seat pack, handlebar pack, gravel bags for luggage: 60 €/bike

* Bike rental includes: bike rental with helmet, lock, pump, spare tube, Squirt chain lube and repair kit.

INFORMATION AND PRICE - GUIDED

Included in the price:

  • Full organization of the tour.
  • Introductory briefing on day 1 with a welcome drink.
  • 6 days of guided tours by professional and licensed local biking guides.
  • 5 nights in 3* hotel accommodation or private apartments, farmhouse.
  • Main luggage storage.
  • Emergency contact number and 24/7 support.
  • Tourist tax and VAT.

Not included in the price: Travel to Slovenia (the start point of the tour). / Food and drinks: all food and drinks, except breakfast at the accommodation. / Items of personal nature. / Travel Insurance. / Bike rental.

Surcharges:

  • High season (June 15th to Sept. 15th): 140 €/person

Optional extras:

  • Day-to-day luggage transfer: 380 €/group.

Bike rental:

  • * Bike rental: Trek Checkpoint ALR5: 40 €/day/bike
  • * Bike rental: Trek Checkpoint SLR5: 50 €/day/bike
  • Rental Ortlieb waterproof frame pack, seat pack, handlebar pack, gravel bags for luggage: 60 €/bike

* Bike rental includes: bike rental with helmet, lock, pump, spare tube, Squirt chain lube and repair kit.

YOUR TRAVEL AND BIKE EXPERT

YOUR TRAVEL AND BIKE EXPERT

Every company needs a responsible person behind the scenes. Every cycling tour needs a person who knows the destination, who knows more about cycling, who is also a passionate cyclist and dedicated to cycling. Matej, who has been working in cycling for two decades, is there for you and with you on your biking tour. He has excellent knowledge of destinations in Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, Italy and elsewhere in the Balkans. He is the creator of the following cycling events: Human Fish Gravel, Bled Bike Festival, Women Ride Together Day, Gravel Epic, No Borders Bikepacking, Trans Balkan,  ... and the creator of more than 100 cycling routes, products and programs.

He advises on many destinations regarding cycling content and cooperates with the economic sector in the development of cycling routes, contents, concepts and organization of cycling events. He is here mainly for you, to offer advice, to brief you before the tour and to be, with the rest of Life Bike team, the greatest possible help to you and your fellow travellers on your bike tour. Welcome!

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JULIANA GRAVEL RIDING

 

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