Epic Route Carinthia - Slovenia
Bikepacking tour through varied landscapes
The Epic Route - Carinthia - Slovenia is a five-day gravel bike tour covering 508 km and 5,910 metres in altitude. It starts in Feld am See and finishes in Koper on the Adriatic. The stages lead across Lake Wörthersee, Ribno, the Savinja Valley and Crni Kal. The distances vary between 65 and 156 kilometres per day.
Facts about the bikepacking tour
- Starting point: Feld am See - NOCKBIKE Area
- End point: Koper - Slovenia
- Number of stages: 5 stages
- Total distance: 508 km
- Elevation metres: 5,910 m
Who is the bikepacking tour suitable for?
This demanding gravel bike tour is ideal for experienced and sporty riders who want to tackle long and challenging routes. A very good level of fitness and excellent riding technique are required, as some passages are technically demanding. If you are looking for a real adventure in a breathtaking alpine landscape, you will love this bikepacking tour.
Practical info & tips for the bikepacking tour
- Packing list: Recommended equipment especially for the bikepacking route
- Best time to travel: May - October
- Catering: Numerous huts, inns and restaurants offer catering options. Bars, gels and electrolytic drinks are of course a must-have along the way.
Stages & elevation gain of the bikepacking route
Stage 1
From Feld am See to Lake Wörthersee
This gravel tour leads from Feld am See to Lake Wörthersee and, at 65.8 kilometres and around 450 metres in altitude, requires a very good level of fitness. The route runs through delightful landscapes and charming villages in Carinthia. There are beautiful views along the way, for example of the lidos in Döbriach and later of the Drau. If you cycle through the small villages, you will experience more of the regional atmosphere. The tour ends at Lake Wörthersee, one of Austria's most famous lakes, and rewards you with a marvellous backdrop. Ideal for ambitious gravel bikers who appreciate nature, exercise and impressive panoramas.
Highlights of the stage
- Drau cycle path
- Lake paradise
- Dreamlike scenery
Key data for the tour
- Distance: 65.8 km
- Elevation gain: 450 m
- Duration: approx. 4 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
Stage 2
From Lake Wörthersee to Ribno
This second stage of the Epic Route leads from Lake Wörthersee to Ribno in Slovenia and, with 76.2 kilometres and around 1,170 metres of elevation gain, demands quite a bit of stamina. The route is particularly scenic and takes you from the shores of Lake Wörthersee through alpine regions until shortly after Bled. The tour runs through varied nature with wide views, quiet valleys and small Slovenian villages. Ribno near Bled offers a relaxed atmosphere at the end, perfect for rounding off this challenging day.
Highlights of the stage
- Crossing the country
- Bled
- Kranjska Gora
Key data for the tour
- Distance: 76.2 km
- Elevation gain: 1,170 m
- Duration: approx. 5 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
Stage 3
From Ribno to the Savinja Valley
The challenging gravel bikepacking tour leads on the third day from Ribno to the Savinja Valley over 90 kilometres with an ascent of 830 metres and a descent of 970 metres. The route runs through varied landscapes in Slovenia.
Highlights of the stage
- Savinja Valley
- Kranj old town
Key data for the tour
- Distance: 90 km
- Elevation gain: 830 m
- Duration: approx. 5 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
Stage 4
From the Savinja Valley to Crni Kal
The queen's stage of the bikepacking tour leads from the Savinja Valley to Črni Kal and stretches over 156 kilometres with 1,750 metres of ascent. It requires a very good level of fitness and offers impressive landscapes between the Alps and the Karst. This stage is characterised by its length and variety and is one of the most challenging sections of the entire tour.
Highlights of the stage
- Ljubljana
- Ljubljana Springs
Key data for the tour
- Distance: 156 km
- Elevation gain: 1,750 m
- Duration: approx. 9 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
Stage 5
From Crni Kal to Koper
On the fifth day, the tour leads from Črni Kal to Koper and covers 120 kilometres with 1,710 metres of ascent. This stage again requires a very good level of fitness and connects the mountainous hinterland with the coast. Highlights include historic towns such as Buzet and marvellous sections along the Adriatic coast. The route ends in the charming coastal town of Koper and marks a spectacular conclusion to the tour.
Highlights of the stage
- Cycling along the coast
- Railway tunnel
- Crossing the border to Croatia
Key data for the tour
- Distance: 120 km
- Elevation gain: 1,710 m
- Duration: approx. 7 hours
- Difficulty: Difficult
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