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Ljubljana - Lake Podpeč
Cycling route · Ljubljana & Central Slovenia · Gravel, Trekking
- Length
- 33 km
- Elevation gain
- 90 m
- Duration
- ~2 h
- Difficulty
- easy
- Region
- Ljubljana & Central Slovenia
- Route type
- Gravel, Trekking
- Surface
- asphalt 20 km · gravel 13 km
- Suitable for
- E-bike, MTB, Gravel, Trekking
A circular cycling route from Ljubljana onto the Ljubljana Marshes, where the city's bike paths quickly give way to open meadows, gravel, fields, and the marsh's characteristic trails. The route is easily reached by train, as the starting point is a short ride from Ljubljana's main railway station. Its central point is Lake Podpeč, a fine spot for a break and a summer dip. Flat and without any major climbs, the route suits a wide range of cyclists, including beginners and families.
Points along the route
Ljubljana
0 km
Špica
The route begins at Špica, where the Ljubljanica leaves the city centre and turns towards the Ljubljana Marshes. This popular gathering spot for walkers and cyclists is the starting point for the ride towards the southern edge of Ljubljana.
Path of Remembrance and Comradeship
Through Murgle, we continue along the Path of Remembrance and Comradeship, a well-kept recreational trail encircling Ljubljana. The shaded stretch beneath the trees makes a pleasant transition from the urban surroundings to the open landscape of the marshes.
Ljubljana Marshes
We ride out onto the Ljubljana Marshes, a patchwork of meadows, fields, ditches and wetlands. Asphalt gives way to gravel tracks, and with no traffic around, the riding becomes calmer.
New Bridge over the Ljubljanica
Along the way, we cross the Ljubljanica. From the bridge, a view opens up over the river and the characteristic flat landscape.
Lake Podpeč
16 km
Lake Podpeč
Lake Podpeč is the main attraction of the route and a fitting place for a longer break. In the summer months it is a popular swimming spot, and refreshments are available nearby. From the lake, we head back towards Ljubljana along the other side.
Podpeč
The route continues through Podpeč, past the Church of St. Lawrence, and then draws close to the Ljubljanica again. After crossing the river, we ride through the southern part of the Marshes and return towards the city by a different way.
The circular route leads through the landscape of the Ljubljana Marshes, an important wetland with rich flora and fauna. Among the meadows, ditches and hedgerows, you may come across numerous species of birds, butterflies and amphibians.
Along the way
Towns and villages
Ljubljana (0 km), Črna vas (9 km), Lipe (10 km), Podkraj (12 km), Jezero (15 km), Podpeč (17 km), Notranje Gorice (20 km), Vnanje Gorice (22 km)
Food and drink
- Špica Caffe (0 km from the start): A café by the Ljubljanica at Špica, with river views and a pleasant terrace.
- Gostilnica Jezero (15 km from the start): Gostilnica Jezero is located right by Lake Podpeč, offering views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. It is a popular stop for visitors to the lake throughout the year.
Sights
- Park Špica (0 km from the start): Špica is a landscaped city park at the edge of the old town, where the Ljubljanica splits into two branches. With its green banks, river views, benches, and cafés, it is a popular gathering spot for locals.
- Cycling bridge (9 km from the start): The bridge over the Ljubljanica offers a fine view of one of the Marsh's main waterways. Along the river's slow current unfolds the characteristic image of a lowland landscape of broad meadows and fields.
- Ljubljana Marshes (10 km from the start): The Ljubljana Marshes are an extensive wetland with a distinctive mosaic of meadows, drainage ditches, and hedgerows. Its unique natural conditions make it an important habitat for many rare plants and animals, among them birds such as the corncrake and the Eurasian curlew.
- Iški Morost Nature Reserve (10 km from the start): The Iški Morost Nature Reserve protects the characteristic wet meadows of the Ljubljana Marshes. The area is particularly important for its rich birdlife, and visitors can also enjoy an observation tower offering a closer look at life on the Marshes.
- Church of St. Lawrence (15 km from the start): The Church of St. Lawrence stands on one of the isolated hills rising above the Ljubljana Marshes near Podpeč. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, while today it is particularly notable for its setting and the views it offers over the Ljubljana Marshes.
- Lake Podpeč (15 km from the start): Podpeč Lake is a karst lake near the village of Podpeč and one of the deepest natural lakes in Slovenia. Surrounded by forest, the lake is a popular destination for day trips and, in summer, a popular swimming spot.
- Podpeč Quarry (17 km from the start): Podpeč Quarry is renowned for its distinctive dark grey limestone, which was valued for its quality as early as Roman times. The stone was also used in the construction of several notable buildings and structures in Ljubljana, including works by the renowned architect Jože Plečnik.
- Path of Remembrance and Comradeship (30 km from the start): The Path of Remembrance and Comradeship follows the route of the barbed wire fence with which the Italian occupying forces encircled Ljubljana during the Second World War. Today it is one of the city's most popular green trails, lined with trees and landscaped recreational areas.