LJUBLJANA – ORLE (458 m) – LJUBLJANA (MTB/trekking/gravel)

Q: Return to the starting point

The starting point is Krekov square . From the Gostilnica Orle inn , climb a little further toward the middle of the village where a long descent leads you down a quiet road winding in the midst of vast meadows, orchards, forests, and occasional sparsely populated villages. The ride features a single moderate climb. At the end of your descent you will have returned to your starting point along the backroads at the foot of Golovec , and then back to Ljubljana along a pleasant cycling path. The route will also take you past a pumptrack so you can test your cycling skills before completing your ride!

Q: Zanimivosti na poti

Astronomical observatory of the University of Ljubljana. Closed to the general public, but they organise open days for sky observation several times a year. Sleeping in the lookout tower on Orle Ljubljanica River Barrier Cukrarna Gallery Center Rog

Q: Please note

Golovec is also a popular hiking destination , so special care and respect for pedestrians is required.

Three cyclists are riding uphill on a narrow country road, surrounded by meadows and trees.

Complete cycling experience of a green urban oasis

Path recap

Enjoy a dynamic cycling experience through one of the most beautiful green oases in the Slovenian capital, followed by a pleasant descent through its authentic rural hinterland. Before heading back down the hill, take a break at a popular inn above the city and hop on the lookout tower. Set off on a cycling trip to Orle, a popular excursion spot above Ljubljana, through the hilly Golovec city forest!

Detailed path description

Golovec is one of the largest and most beautiful green areas in Ljubljana. It is covered by a dense forest canopy and is interspersed with numerous well-maintained and marked paths and trails. It offers a wealth of recreational opportunities: for walking, hiking, jogging and, of course, cycling.

You can start your cycling journey in the heart of Ljubljana, opposite the city's central market. From here, it is just a stone's throw to the foot of Golovec. It “warms you up" with the longest and steepest hill on the route (but it is not too long!). When a residential area is completely replaced by the forest, the gradient eases and from then on you cycle along an undulating forest path without any long steep climbs or descents.

At the beginning of the gravel road, you will find the first interpretive sign, which presents Golovec and its well-maintained paths and trails, and from here you are dutifully guided by signposts towards the finish in Orle.
When you leave the gravel and cart tracks and turn onto the asphalt road, it is only a few hundred metres to the Gostilnica Orle inn. Next to it is the 22 m high wooden tower, which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding hills and of the Ljubljana basin, and even of the Alps in clear weather.

Return to the starting point

The starting point is Krekov square.

From the Gostilnica Orle inn, climb a little further toward the middle of the village where a long descent leads you down a quiet road winding in the midst of vast meadows, orchards, forests, and occasional sparsely populated villages. The ride features a single moderate climb. At the end of your descent you will have returned to your starting point along the backroads at the foot of Golovec, and then back to Ljubljana along a pleasant cycling path. The route will also take you past a pumptrack so you can test your cycling skills before completing your ride!

Zanimivosti na poti

Astronomical observatory of the University of Ljubljana. Closed to the general public, but they organise open days for sky observation several times a year.

Sleeping in the lookout tower on Orle

Ljubljanica River Barrier

Cukrarna Gallery

Center Rog

Please note

Golovec is also a popular hiking destination, so special care and respect for pedestrians is required.

Gastronomy offer

Gostilnica Orle inn