Cycling day trip from Trieste to Ljubljana

Ready for a proper cycling adventure? This route takes you from the bustling port city of Trieste—famous for its coffee culture and seaside piazzas—across the border into Slovenia’s lively capital, Ljubljana. With about 126 km ahead, you’re in for a diverse ride: plenty of climbs (almost 2,813 meters of ascent!), rolling hills, and a taste of both paved and gravel terrain (expect roughly a third of the journey on each).

You’ll start at sea level, with the Trieste waterfront and Miramare Castle as your curtain-raisers, before winding your way through tranquil Slovenian countryside, forest tracks, and quaint villages. The route keeps you off the beaten path, so there’s very little time spent on busy roads.

Arriving in Ljubljana, you’ll find a charming, bike-friendly old town crisscrossed by the Ljubljanica River—ideal for a celebratory coffee or gelato. Bring snacks, plenty of water, and a spirit for adventure: this isn’t just a ride, it’s a mini-epic from the Adriatic to the heart of Slovenia.