TERME SNOVIK – VRANJA PEČ (650 m) – VOLČJI POTOK ARBORETUM – BRDO PRI LUKOVICI – TERME SNOVIK (Gravel)

Experience the vibrant green countryside between two popular excursion destinations in the hinterland of Ljubljana: the Terme Snovik spa and the Volčji Potok Arboretum. Indulge in the shelter of vast forests and blooming meadows accompanied by the melody of murmuring streams surrounded by beautiful vistas and a touch of history. The tour is somewhat ‘spicy' as it features a few longer but not overly steep climbs; however, it is recommended for cyclists who are in good shape.

Terme Snovik, where you start your trip, is the highest thermal spa in Slovenia. The spa is surrounded on one side by the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and on the other by the beautiful forests and unspoilt nature of the Tuhinjska dolina valley. Shortly after crossing the road through the valley, you can fill your water bottle with fresh spring water. A signpost with the inscription “Izvirska voda” (spring water) will guide you there, and you only have to go about 100 m off the path. When you return to the route, you will quickly reach a gravel road that starts gently climbing through the forest. At the end of the climb, you will reach the highest point of the tour (650 m).

From this point to Arboretum Volčji Potok, the most visited botanical park in Slovenia, you will have a scenic ride through villages (with Ljubljana and its hilly backdrop in the distance), downhill through the forest, along the gravel road, and across a plain in the middle of meadows and forests ...

The Arboretum is sure to be a pleasant stop - with more than three thousand plants from all over the world, including colourful flowers that are a feast for the eyes. In front of the entrance to the park there are bicycle racks.

From Arboretum Volčji Potok, continue to Radomlje, and from there through settlements, along the edge of forests, meadows, and pastures to the well-preserved remains of the castle of Brdo pri Lukovici. It was the birthplace and home of the Slovenian writer Janko Kersnik, who wrote of the castle, "I know of many a castle in Slovenia, but none with a better location and more beautiful surroundings..."

The castle's avenue is certainly part of the latter, and it is the route taking you back towards the starting point. And here's another interesting fact: near the castle is the Beekeeping Centre of Slovenia (Čebelarski center Slovenije) where you can learn about the Slovenian beekeeping tradition and about honey.

The last, longer but moderate, climb on the way will take you through scenic villages where you will admire the green countryside and discover how hilly the hinterland of the Slovenian capital truly is.