The Green Karst is an area in Slovenia, not far from the Italian border, offering cycling routes for all levels, from beginners to experts. Along the way, you will come across Postojna, Pivka, Ilirska Bistrica, Cerknica, and Bloke, as well as the Loška Valley. This region is known for its peaceful atmosphere, with quiet paved roads alternating with well-maintained dirt trails, making it an ideal destination for cycling tourism.
The climate, similar to that of the Italian Prealps, makes the period from April to October ideal for cycling. The hills, forests, intermittent lakes, and karst caves create a fascinating landscape that blends nature and culture. Along the route, you’ll also find castles, traditional villages, and museums to explore, making every stop an adventure. Additionally, the Green Karst is crossed by the EuroVelo 9 route, the shortest in the EuroVelo network, connecting the Baltic countries with the Adriatic.
Gravel and dirt road cycling enthusiasts will enjoy riding through one of Central Europe’s largest forest complexes. The terrain is mostly hilly, with gentle ups and downs that add variety to the routes.
How to Get to the Green Karst
The Green Karst is easily accessible by train, with daily connections from Udine via Trieste to Ljubljana, stopping in Pivka and Postojna. Some trains offer bike spaces—it is always recommended to check availability in advance.
For those who prefer to arrive by bike, the route from Trieste along the Giordano Cottur cycling path offers stunning views of the gulf and leads directly to Postojna.
Cycling Routes
The Green Karst boasts an extensive cycling network of nearly 880 km, with 23 routes that allow visitors to explore the region’s diverse landscapes. Cyclists can discover breathtaking panoramas, hidden gems, and the welcoming atmosphere of the Green Karst, riding through bear country and reaching the Brkini hills via valleys and ridges or taking on the Bloke cycling loop.
Although many trails are not signposted, GPS tracks are available on zelenikras.si to help cyclists customize their itineraries.
The Great Krpan Trail
The Great Krpan Trail (Velika Krpanova Pot), dedicated to the legendary Slovenian hero Martin Krpan, is a 110 km circular route that traverses the entire Green Karst region. With an elevation gain of 1,300 m, the trail winds along dirt roads, passing by lakes, caves, castle ruins, and pristine landscapes.
This adventure can be completed on foot or by bike, preferably with an MTB, touring bike, or gravel bike. The trail starts in Pivka and leads through the Military History Park, Snežnik Castle, Lake Bloke, and the Rakov Škocjan Nature Park, offering a comprehensive experience of local nature and culture.
For detailed information and GPS tracks for both hiking and cycling, visit the Green Karst website.
The Green Karst Trail: A Bikepacking Adventure
The Green Karst Trail (GKT) is a cycling challenge designed for bikepacking enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in Slovenia’s wild Green Karst landscapes. The route follows dirt roads and trails, passing breathtaking locations such as Postojna Cave and Lake Cerknica. Approximately 70% of the itinerary runs through lush forests, home to Slovenia’s brown bears.
Along the way, cyclists can admire castles and secluded manors, including the stunning Predjama Castle, built into a 123-meter-high cliff over 800 years ago, and the romantic Snežnik Castle, surrounded by centuries-old tree-lined avenues.
With two route options, 300 km and 430 km, the GKT is a timed challenge. Participants must be fully self-sufficient, with no organized support. Gravel and MTB bikes are recommended, but e-bikes are also welcome. Finishers who complete the route within 150 hours will receive a commemorative medal.
The GKT 2025 will start on June 19 from Postojna, offering a unique opportunity to explore the Green Karst in an adventurous way. For details and registration, visit www.bikeslovenia.si/en.
With its spectacular landscapes and nature-immersed routes, the Green Karst is the perfect destination for cycling tourism.
