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Nova Gorica - Plave - Grgar
Cycling route · Slovenian Littoral · Gravel, Trekking
- Length
- 43 km
- Elevation gain
- 968 m
- Duration
- ~3,5 h
- Difficulty
- hard
- Region
- Slovenian Littoral
- Route type
- Gravel, Trekking
- Surface
- asphalt 34 km · gravel 9 km
- Suitable for
- E-bike, MTB, Gravel, Trekking
The route offers a beautiful combination of well-maintained cycling paths and views of the Soča River, steep climbs, and remote gravel sections. It is an ideal choice for cyclists with a decent level of fitness who want to explore the diverse landscape between Nova Gorica, Plave, and the edge of the Trnovo Plateau.
Points along the route
Nova Gorica
0 km
Nova Gorica
We start the ride in Nova Gorica, at the Lunca parking area, and head towards the city centre. This pleasant urban ride offers a gentle start to the route while subtly introducing us to the story of this border region.
Europe Square and the railway station
For a moment, we cross the border into Italy and immediately return. Cycling through this urban intersection of history, everyday life, and architecture is a short and playful part of the route.
Soča River
5 km
Soča River
We cross the Soča River via a new cycling bridge that connects the city with nature. The cycling path then leads us along the river towards Plave. This is a pleasant section where we can enjoy views of the emerald Soča.
Plave
Near Plave we cross the Soča River again and turn into a more demanding climb towards the village of Paljevo. The surface starts with asphalt and then turns into gravel, while the route gradually moves further away from civilisation. This is the most physically demanding part of the tour, but also one of the most authentic. A road that connects views and solitude.
Gravel part
20 km
Grgar
The route takes us through the forest, past scattered homesteads and the village of Bitež, and then on to Grgar. The landscape here is typically karst, with sinkholes, pits, and open views. Grgar was heavily affected during the period between the two World Wars, but today it is a quiet village with a rich history.
Ravnica
From the village of Ravnica, a descent leads into the valley, opening up views over the Goriška region. The descent is smooth, the road is well maintained, and the feeling is almost meditative.
Panovec Forest
38 km
Panovec Forest
To conclude the tour, we pass through Panovec Forest. A cool, shaded, and quiet area right on the edge of the city. It acts as a natural buffer between the cycling experience and the return to urban life.
Nova Gorica is a city on the border where Slovenian and Italian cultures meet. The tour concludes in an urban environment with a Mediterranean atmosphere.