GROF GRAVEL 31 - From Ljubljana Around Lake Cerknica

ALL TOURS      ROAD CYCLING      GRAVEL BIKING      MOUNTAIN BIKING      FAMILY CYCLING      

Notranjski park, Cerkniško jezero, foto Jošt Gantar
cerkniško jezero, foto Nina Kurnik

From Ljubljana Around Lake Cerknica

This picturesque yet very demanding cycling tour takes you from Ljubljana (Dolgi most) through the varied landscapes of the Inner Carniola region all the way to the Lož Valley and back. It follows paved rural roads and includes numerous climbs, making it suitable for experienced cyclists in good physical condition.

The route starts in Ljubljana at Dolgi most and soon connects to local roads through Log pri Brezovici, Drenov Grič, and Vrhnika, continuing toward the scenic villages of Verd and Cerknica, where you'll get a stunning view of Lake Cerknica – one of the largest intermittent lakes in Europe.

The tour continues along the southern edge of the lake past Dolenje Jezero, Otok, and Laz pri Gorenjem Jezeru, with the terrain gradually climbing toward Dane and Stari Trg pri Ložu, one of the more challenging sections. There, you turn north past Žerovnica and Begunje pri Cerknici, followed by a demanding ascent to Padež.

The final part of the route leads through Vrhnika and Podpeč back toward Ljubljana, ending with a scenic descent or a flat stretch, depending on the chosen variant of the return.

Sights

  • Lake Cerknica – a natural phenomenon with several educational trails

  • Lož Valley – a peaceful region of cultural and historical importance

  • Snežnik Castle (near the route) – option for a short detour

  • Views of the Javorniki Hills and the Bloke Plateau

  • Green belts of Inner Carniola – great for relaxation and photography

Itinerary: Ljubljana Dolgi most - Log pri Brezovici - Drenov grič - Vrhnika - Verd - Cerknica - Dolenje Jezero - Otok - Laze pri Gorenjem jezeru - Dane - Stari trg pri Ložu - Žerovnica - Begunje pri Cerknici - Padež - Vrhnika - Podpeč - Ljubljana
Length: 148 km
Elevation gain: 1.580 m
Time: 12 h
Terrain: Valley and hills
Suitable for gravel biking
Difficulty: expert
Maximum incline: 12 %

Criteria of the difficulty level of cycling routes

 Criteria for family cycling

Easy

You are a family with small children who can already cycle on their own. You cycle mostly on a plain with short gentle inclines.

Normal

You are a family with young children, who cycle on diverse terrain with small climbs and descents.

 Criteria for road cycling

Easy

You are in a poor shape and cycle up to twice a week. You cycle on slightly diverse terrain with smaller climbs and descents.

Normal

You are in a moderate shape and exercise more than 3x weekly. You cycle on hilly terrain with medium length climbs and descents.

Hard

You are in a good shape and exercise regularly. You cycle on a hilly terrain and can spend multiple hours on a bicycle.

Expert

You are in an excellent shape and spend a lot of time exercising. You cycle on a hilly terrain with steep inclines and descents.

 Criteria for mountain cycling

Easy

You are in a poor shape and cycle up to twice a week. You cycle on slightly diverse terrain with smaller climbs and descents.

Normal

You are in a moderate shape and exercise more than 3x weekly. You cycle on hilly terrain with medium length climbs and descents.

Hard

You are in a good shape and exercise regularly. You cycle on a hilly terrain and can spend multiple hours on a bicycle.

Expert

You are in an excellent shape and spend a lot of time exercising. You cycle on a hilly terrain with steep inclines and descents.

Free cycling maps are available at Hotel Grof and you can also load gpx on you navigation device free of charge at the hotel Reception.