R27 - Žička Kartuzija

Grof Bike | December 16 / 2024

ALL TOURS      ROAD CYCLING      GRAVEL BIKING      MOUNTAIN BIKING      FAMILY CYCLING      

Šmartinsko jezero, foto Andrej Tarfila
Celje in Celjski grad, foto Nina Kurnik

Žička Kartuzija

A picturesque tour to one of the oldest monasteries of its kind in Central Europe. We begin our journey at Hotel Grof and cycle toward Celje, passing through Prebold and Griže on less busy roads. You’ll know we’re nearing Celje when the Savinja River appears on your left. We soon cross the river and ride past the First Grammar School of Celje, heading through the city center, where we recommend a short stop. The route continues toward Teharje and Proseniško. Along this stretch, keep an eye out for stork nests perched atop streetlights.

We’ll also pass through Ponikva, renowned for its habitat of a unique and protected purple-flowering plant called the pasqueflower, named after the season when it blooms. A gentle climb takes us to Žiče Charterhouse (Žička Kartuzija), where we highly recommend taking a break.

The second part of the journey includes a short ascent to Sojek, followed by a gradual descent toward Črešnjice. From there, we descend along winding, traffic-free roads toward Frankolovo. Instead of taking the main regional road, we opt for quieter roads to Socka. Passing through Nova Cerkev, we cycle along the regional road toward Vojnik, then turn at the Vojnik cemetery toward Šmartno in Rožna Dolina. Enjoy the stunning views along the way.

We conclude the tour on the opposite side of the Savinja River, passing through Levec, Petrovče, Žalec, Šempeter, and Polzela.

Sights

Itinerary: Hotel Grof – Tabor – Griže - Celje – Proseniško – Ponikva – Pleterje – Žička Kartuzija – Sojek – Frankolovo – Socka – Nova Cerkev – Vojnik – Šmartinsko Jezero – Medlog – Žalec – Polzela – Hotel Grof
Length: 115 km
Elevation gain: 1.250 m
Time: 4h 30 min
Terrain: plains and hills
Surface: asphalt
Suitable for road cycling
Difficulty: Expert
Maximum incline: 16% (200 m)

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.