Golovec, Krim and the Lake below Krim
© Andrew Lloyd / STO
A route for experienced cyclists
Ljubljana is one of the few cities with direct access to top-quality cycling trails and singletracks. No wonder that for many Ljubljana residents, the proximity of hills and lush forests is one of the biggest advantages of living here. The Golovec, Krim and the Lake below Krim Cycling Route is suitable for experienced touring cyclists with good physical fitness. The route mainly follows macadam and asphalt roads, although there are some sections on cart tracks and paths.
This varied route leads from the city over Golovec and Krim and across the Ljubljansko Barje wetland back to the city. Head south out of the city (stopping to visit the Ljubljana Botanic Garden). Follow the road to the foot of Golovec and then climb gently up the hill past the astronomical observatory and across the green ridge at the top. After descending on the other side, cross the eastern edge of the Ljubljansko Barje Nature Park, a unique landscape on the doorstep of Slovenia’s capital city. Continue on across the flat terrain to the village of Ig and then to Iška Vas at the foot of Krim. Now it is time for the day’s biggest challenge: a climb up to the summit of Krim (1,107 metres), with an elevation gain of around 800 metres over a distance of 15 kilometres. Your effort will be repaid by stunning views of the Karavanke range, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and part of the Julian Alps. A pulse-racing descent, initially on macadam road and then on the asphalt road from Rakitna, will take you back to flat terrain and the village of Podpeč. Here you could also make a detour to nearby Podpeč Lake, a popular excursion destination, and then cycle on through the villages of Notranje Gorice and Vnanje Gorice towards Ljubljana. Once back in the urban area within the Ljubljana ring road, you will be surprised by the picturesque and green environment of the Path of Remembrance and Comradeship. A pleasant and easy ride will now take you to Barjanska Cesta and back towards the city centre and the starting point of the tour.
