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Mangart Saddle
Cycling route · Slovenian Littoral · Trekking, Road
- Length
- 22 km
- Elevation gain
- 981 m
- Duration
- ~2 h
- Difficulty
- hard
- Region
- Slovenian Littoral
- Route type
- Trekking, Road
- Surface
- asphalt 22 km
- Suitable for
- E-bike, MTB, Gravel, Trekking, Road bike
The Mangart road, the highest in Slovenia, is one of the most scenic mountain routes in the Julian Alps. Built in 1938, it climbs almost 1,000 metres in 11 km from the Mangart Waterfall, up hairpin bends and through five tunnels. Every bend opens wider views of the peaks and valleys. The road is mostly open from June to November, though the last section below the top may be closed because of a rockfall. It is free for cyclists and at its best early in the morning, when traffic is lightest. The tunnels are unlit, so front and rear bike lights are mandatory.
Points along the route
Mangart Waterfall
0 km
Mangart Waterfall
The waterfall is located approximately 16 kilometres from Bovec and makes an excellent starting point for the climb to Mangart Saddle. The route is challenging enough on its own, but if you're well prepared, it can easily be incorporated into a longer cycling adventure through the Upper Soča Valley.
Start of the climb
The climb is steady and almost without flat sections, averaging around 9%, so it pays to find your rhythm in the first few kilometres. The road is narrow but mostly well surfaced.
Mangart Saddle
11 km
Mangart Saddle
At an altitude of 2,055 metres, the summit opens up spectacular views of Mount Mangart, the Kanin mountain range, Mount Triglav, and the Koritnica and Resia valleys. On a clear day, the view stretches as far as Friuli in Italy. The descent follows the same route: long and demanding due to the narrow road and numerous hairpin bends, but immensely rewarding.
The route ends at Mangart Waterfall. You can extend your trip with a visit to Bovec or Lake Predil on the Italian side.
Along the way
Parking and trains
- Parking (0 km from the start): Parking area with approximately 20 parking spaces. Parking is free.
Sights
- Mangart road tunnels (4 km from the start): Here begins the first of five tunnels, one of the Mangart Road’s special charms. Together, they stretch for almost 800 metres, with the longest measuring just under 300 metres. The tunnels are narrow and unlit, so bike lights are mandatory.
- Mangart (11 km from the start): Mangart (2,679 m) is one of Slovenia's highest mountains and sits on the border with Italy; the road and the saddle are named after it. A demanding mountain path leads from the saddle to the summit.
- Mangart Saddle (11 km from the start): At an altitude of 2,055 metres, the summit offers spectacular views of Mount Mangart, the Kanin mountain range, Mount Triglav, and the Koritnica and Resia valleys. On a clear day, the view stretches all the way to Friuli in Italy.