Gorizia, a city on the border between Italy and Slovenia, is establishing itself as a prime destination for cross-border cycle tourism, thanks to the Pedemontana Trail, which crosses Friuli Venezia Giulia through hills, historic villages, and unspoiled natural landscapes.
This itinerary is not only an opportunity to cycle surrounded by the beauty of northern Italy, but also a concrete example of international cooperation, with Gorizia and its twin city Nova Gorica working together to enhance the area, share infrastructure, and promote joint cultural events. The Trail Pedemontana thus becomes a real bridge between nations, where soft mobility transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
A region to discover by bike
The Pedemontana Trail is a cycle route that stretches for approximately 181.9 km, connecting Sacile (in the province of Pordenone) to Gorizia, crossing the heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia and reaching the border with Slovenia.
Thanks to its variety of flat and hilly sections, which are well signposted and safe, the Pedemontana is suitable for all cyclists and enjoys great popularity. Along the route, you can discover medieval villages, castles, historic churches, and breathtaking views, making each stage a unique experience.
Some of the main sections of the route, which are also suitable for day trips or solo excursions, are:
- Forgaria – Lake Cornino: a natural and picturesque section leading to a small turquoise alpine lake, ideal for stops and photographs.
- Gorizia – Cormòns: an urban and hilly section that crosses vineyards and small villages, ideal for discovering the local culture and enjoying views of the Collio.
- San Giovanni al Natisone – Cividale del Friuli: a stretch rich in history, with the historic center of Cividale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and medieval views along the way.
- Trasaghis – Peonis: a segment between quiet villages and cultivated fields, with the suspension bridge between Trasaghis and Peonis as a unique vantage point.
Each stage of the Pedemontana Trail offers the opportunity to discover hidden corners and local traditions, making the bike trip an enriching and memorable experience.
National and international recognition
2025 marks a very important year for Gorizia and Nova Gorica, which share the title of European Capital of Culture: an unprecedented recognition that celebrates cross-border culture between Italy and Slovenia. This event underlines the commitment of the two cities to promoting art, history, and international cooperation, transforming the border into a symbol of union.
At the same time, Friuli-Venezia Giulia took the podium at the 2024 Cycling Tourism Oscars, alongside Calabria and Trentino, confirming the quality of its cycling infrastructure and its ability to create itineraries that attract tourists from all over Europe. Routes such as the Pedemontana Trail are not just roads to be traveled: they are cultural experiences that allow visitors to discover the shared history, local flavors, and artistic heritage of the two cities, transforming the bicycle into a means of knowledge and dialogue between peoples.
Cycling beyond borders
For the modern cycle tourist, Gorizia is an ideal destination: areas rich in history and natural beauty, safe and well-marked routes, and above all, an international cooperation project that makes cycling a chance for cultural discovery and exchange between communities.
The Pedemontana Trail is not just a cycle route: it is an invitation to cycle beyond borders, to discover a Europe that is both small and large at the same time, where soft mobility becomes a vehicle for unity, culture, and cross-border dialogue.
And to fully experience this international dimension, the Cycle Tourism Show is the ideal place: a true European hub where you can meet operators, associations, administrations, and enthusiasts from all over Europe. Here, connections, networks, and collaborations are built that can transform local projects into shared initiatives and cycle routes into successful cross-border experiences.
Participating in the Show means not only discovering the latest developments in cycle tourism, but also actively contributing to strengthening cooperation between territories, promoting sustainable itineraries, and experiencing firsthand a form of tourism that transcends borders and barriers, just like the Pedemontana Trail between Gorizia and Nova Gorica.
