GROF GRAVEL 32 - From Ljubljana to Cerknica Lake

ALL TOURS      ROAD CYCLING      GRAVEL BIKING      MOUNTAIN BIKING      FAMILY CYCLING      

From Ljubljana to Cerknica Lake

This very demanding and varied circular cycling tour starts at Dolgi most in Ljubljana and takes you through the Inner Carniola region, along stunning panoramic roads to the remote village of Krvava Peč, before returning to Ljubljana via the southern edge of the Ljubljana Marshes.

The first few kilometers lead through Drenov Grič and Vrhnika, where a gentle but steady climb begins toward Unec, followed by a descent to the famous Lake Cerknica. The ride past the lake and through Cerknica to Martinjak is relatively relaxed but beautiful due to the scenic views of the Inner Carniolan landscape.

From here, the tour becomes truly challenging: after passing Malci, a long, steep climb begins toward Krvava Peč – one of the highest villages in this part of Slovenia (approx. 800 m above sea level). This section is the most physically demanding – a remote and rarely trafficked road, but it rewards with stunning vistas and deep tranquility.

After reaching the top, a rolling descent follows towards Pijava Gorica, then through Zalog pri Škofljici back to Ljubljana – with a few final short climbs before ending at Dolgi most.

 

Sights

  • Lake Cerknica – always scenic, regardless of water level

  • Krvava Peč – a historic and remote village with panoramic views

  • Dinaric landscape and forests between Martinjak and Krvava Peč – quiet and close to nature

  • View of the southern edge of the Ljubljana Marshes near the end of the tour

Itinerary: Ljubljana Dolgi most - Drenov grič - Vrhnika - Unec - Cerkniško jezero - Cerknica - Martinjak - Malci - Krvava peč - Pijava Gorica - Zalog pri Škofljici - Ljubljana Dolgi most
Length: 140 km
Elevation gain: 1.750 m
Time: 12 h
Terrain: Valley and hills
Suitable for gravel biking
Difficulty: expert
Maximum incline: 11 %

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.