Admiring the Green Emerald Soča River from my Motorcycle

Photo: Lake Jasna

It's been a while since I last posted an article. It seems I saved the best for last, at least with regard to my bike trips in 2018. It was the beginning of October when I went on a trip to the Soča Valley; at that time I didn't know it was actually going to be the last this year. I was lucky that the warm weather lasted so long into the autumn that I was able to enjoy a couple of rides across my beautiful country.

I waited for the temperatures to rise a bit, before pulling my bike out of the garage. As I only rarely visit the beautiful Soča Valley, I decided it was high time to treat my bike to the long undulations of the Vršič Pass down to the valley of Soča River.

Lake Jasna

Photo: View of the Vršič Mountain Pass from Lake Jasna

It took me about an hour to reach Lake Jasna, located just outside of the town of Kranjska Gora, known as the town that hosts World Cup alpine skiing races for men and a popular ski resort of Slovenians and skiers from the neighbouring countries. Kranjska Gora and Lake Jasna are located in the centre of Triglav National Park, boasting some of the most spectacular nature, with forests as far as the eye could see, mighty peaks, and water sources with the most beautiful shades of blue and green.

Lake Jasna are actually two artificial lakes connected one to the other and located underneath the Vršič Pass which paves the way toward the majestic Soča Valley. In the summer months, this is a popular place for all who want to cool off and enjoy the crystal clear water of the lake and for all fans of hiking as this area provides lots of hiking trails towards the top of the surrounding mountain peaks. It is also a popular place to take magnificent photos of the surrounding Julian Alps and the glistering light on the surface of the lake in which one can easily see the reflection of the mountains rising above the lake. The amazing colours of the lake made me sit by the lake and just relax and enjoy the sights before heading to the top of the Vršič pass.

Photo: Wooden sculpture by Lake Jasna

Vršič Pass

The Vršič mountain pass is just a few kilometres away from Lake Jasna, yet the road uphill takes well over 20 minutes to reach the top. Why? Well, if you ride to the top of the mountain pass from the Kranjska Gora direction there are 24 turns to the top and then if you continue riding toward the beautiful Soča Valley you are blessed with 26 turns until your reach the valley of the emerald green river Soča. The ascent as well as the descent are quite tricky, since the road is uneven and in parts also covered with cobblestone; yet the numerous turns make this road perfect for bikers who crave such long undulations, although in some sections the road, especially while descending, gets rather dangerous, so extra caution must be given.

Photo: View from atop the Vršič Mountain Pass down towards the Soča Valley

Photo: The Russian Chapel 

On my way to the top of the mountain pass I stopped by the famous Russian chapel, built to pay tribute to Russian soldiers who helped build the road during WWI. The location is very peaceful, the chapel neatly situated amidst the trees, underneath mountain peaks to all sides. I walked around a bit, sat down on the grass, enjoyed the view of the peaks which were not yet covered with snow, before heading to the top of Vršič. 

Since it was a rather unseasonably warm day for October, there were a lot of tourists visiting this mountain pass, popular among fans of hiking and all those who love to admire the breathtaking nature offered by spectacular vistas. I found a spot to park my bike and immediately made a couple of new friends. The view of the valley below extends from the high mountain peaks to the forests and the river in the distance. It was time for me to descend to the Soča Valley below and tackle the 26 turns in front of me. 

Photo: Making friends ...

Soča Valley

All bikers will probably know what it means to cover an altitude of almost 800 metres across 26 turns while descending from atop a mountain pass. The brakes on my bike were working hard, but it was well worth it, as the undulations t down towards the Soča River offered spectacular views of the peaks and forests all around me.

When reaching the valley below, I stopped for a coffee in a quaint little place close to the source of the river Soča. As I was in my full gear, I did not take a walk towards the source, located just about 20 minutes of walking from the coffee place. Admiring the green emerald river, which was also a setting for the popular Hollywood blockbuster The Chronicles of Narnia made me realise in what nature-rich and beautiful country I actually live.

Photo: Soča River in Lepena

I made about 20 kilometres more to the resort of Lepena, a popular camping place which is usually packed with locals and even more so foreign tourists in the hot summer months, since the Soča River represents a perfect place to cool off, as the water temperature never really reaches more than 16, 17 degrees Celsius. This also means that you don’t really want to swim in it, but rather just jump in it to cool off and quickly run out to dry off. There were some “brave” or “crazy”, if you like, tourists who were actually jumping in the little river pools, even though it was already October. I walked around a bit and just couldn’t get enough of the marvellous colours of the water. It was so peaceful on the one hand and so exhilarating on the other.

Photo: Soča River pools in Lepena

Photo: Soča River

It was almost 5 o’clock and the sun was already looking to find a haven for the day, which meant that I needed to get a move on. Even though I could choose a faster road, passing the towns of Bovec and Idrija on my way back to Ljubljana, I just couldn’t miss out on the opportunity to tackle the Vršič Mountain Pass again – this time in the other direction. The turns uphill from the Soča direction toward Kranjska Gora were even better! On the top of the mountain pass I took a few more photos with the mountains behind me before heading back home. 

Photo: Map of the Route

A perfect end to a perfect day. I want to stress it again – regardless whether you are a biker or not, you should visit this part of Slovenia – amazing scenery will leave you speechless and gasping for air. Click on some additional photos below to see what I mean.

Photo: Lake Jasna

Photo: Riding to the Top of the Vršič Mountain Pass

Photo: Bridge over Soča River in Lepena

Photo: Path towards the Russian Chapel

Photo: Sheep on top of Vršič

Photo: Viewpoint 

Photo: The Julian Alps from the Vršič Mountain Pass

I believe this was it for this year ... see you in 2019!

Breathtakingly Beautiful Zelenci Natural Park

Photo: Zelenci Nature Park

It was another beautiful late-summer day as sunlight burst into my flat already early in the morning. I left Ljubljana around 10:00 a.m. and headed north-west, towards the town of Kranjska Gora. If you follow my blog with more attention, you would probably think that Slovenia is just Gorenjska – the northwestern region of Slovenia – but I promise you that there’s much more to see of my country, as you will see and learn in the coming posts.

Zelenci

It took me about an hour and a quarter to reach Zelenci, located a couple of minutes away from the town of Kranjska Gora, a popular ski resort. The nature park Zelenci has over the past few decades remained a hidden gem of natural beauty – not just for tourists from abroad but also for many Slovenians. Due to the growing exposure of Zelenci in social media posts in the past few years, the site has become a very popular spot to take photos of breathtaking colours of the water and the mountain peaks in the background. 

Photo: Relaxing in Zelenci

Photo: A new friend maybe ...

I’ve parked my bike along the main road leading from Kranjska Gora towards Planica. As it was already pretty damn hot, it was quite refreshing to step into the forest and walk for about five minutes in the shade of huge trees on pathways leading towards the Zelenci swamp-pond area. This was actually my second time visiting this place, yet it was even more majestic than the first time. The rays of sun coming from atop the mountains shone directly onto the water which seemed to be changing colours, depending on the angle from which I looked at it. 

I sat on the wooden pathway and just relaxed, taking in the fresh air and making some amazing photos of the emerald lake the forests and mountains surrounding me. Zelenci is a natural habitat with an approximately 1,200 metres long and about 150 metres wide swamp area, which in its western part boasts the emerald green lake with lots of clear water sources, giving the lake a distinctive green-blue colours. Since I had a plan to see much more on that day, it was time for me to head to my next stop, Planica.

Planica

My next stop – Planica – is just 15 minutes away from Zelenci; my bike barely got started when I already parked it underneath the biggest ski flying hill in the world. Planica is a world renowned ski centre, known as the cradle of ski jumping and ski flying. Boasting a modern ski jumping and cross country centre, it is a popular training area for all winter sports enthusiasts.

Photo: Underneath the ski flying hill in Planica

Photo: Ski Jumping Centre in Planica

I was surprised by the entrance fee that needs to be paid if one wants to visit the biggest winter sports centre in Slovenia. As I wanted just to have a look around the ski jumping hills and the ski flying hill, I managed to persuade the guy who was collecting the entrance fee to let me go in without paying anything – well, he said it was OK for fifteen minutes. It was an awesome feeling standing underneath the majestic ski flying hill, I actually felt so small and could not imagine the feeling of flying on such a big hill. I walked around a bit, took a couple of photos underneath the ski jumps and headed with my bike to my next stop ... 

Laghi di Fusine

My next stop was Laghi di Fusine, two beautiful lakes located just across the border with Italy. It took me about half an hour to reach them on my way to Planica, a couple of minutes longer than expected since I missed a turn on the road and needed to head back for a couple of kilometres. This was my first time visiting this beautiful region, boasting spectacular nature views across the mountains and forests surrounding both lakes.

Photo: Laghi di Fusine

Two glacial lakes – Lago Inferiore and Lago Superiore – are located just outside the town of Tarvisio. Both lakes are part of the Mangart mountain range (the highest peak being Mangart – 2,677 metres) and are connected to each other by paths hidden in a spruce forest. The breathtaking blue and green, almost turquoise colours of the lakes provide visitors and nature-lovers with a feeling of serenity. This site, which is also a very popular camping area, is a perfect destination for all fans of hiking, swimming, paddling, cycling, and other sports, truly an area where anyone can find something for themselves. 

Photo: Admiring the Mountain Peaks

I sat by the lake and drank a cup of coffee and dipped my toes in the water for a bit. The fresh air truly had a soothing effect, as I enjoyed the views of the mountain peaks to the north of the lake and of the forests to the south. It was freaking hot; luckily I had my motorcycle bag by Viking Bags with me and in it lots of water, otherwise I could spend a fortune on beverages.

Photo: By the lake (Photo taken with GoPro Hero 5 camera)

It was time for me to take my leave and slowly head back home ...

Although the days are getting shorts and the temperatures lower, the weather is still sunny and so inviting, which makes me confident that I still have a chance to put a ride or two under my belt in the coming weeks. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Follow my blog to see what I will “discover” next ...

Photo: Map of the Route

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Vogel – Reigning Triglav National Park

The warm and inviting September sun has immediately won me over. Well, it does not take much to make me jump on the bike and be one with the road, while admiring the nature of my country. Since it is already very cold in the morning, I waited until 10:00 a.m. before heading on the road. As I heard there were major traffic jams towards the southwest of Slovenia, towards the seaside, I decided to ride towards the mountains, to Gorenjska. The temperature rose just slightly over 13 degrees, as I started  my trip ... Off to my first stop – Lake Završnica.

Photo: Yamaha FZ8

Lake Završnica

I headed towards the north of Ljubljana, passed Šentvid, and rode past the town of Medvode, on the old regional road past Kranj on my way towards Bled. Coming to Radovljica, I turned right towards the well-known venue of catholic pilgrims, the town of Brezje. I passed the town before coming to Lake Završnica. It took me just shy of 45 minutes to reach it from Ljubljana. 

Photo: Lake Završnica

The artificial lake is situated underneath the Julian Alps and offers spectacular views of the surrounding forests and mountain peaks. The valley and the lake were formed by the stream Završnica, which comes down from the mountain peaks of Begunjščica and Stol. The road to the lake offers views across meadows and pastures to the left and right of the road. This is a popular venue of hikers and mountain bikers, as well as all adrenaline junkies who can find something for themselves in the adrenaline park. I am not sure whether the lake is suitable for bathing in the summer, yet it is a pretty cool spot to relax, unwind, have a picnic or simply enjoy the best nature has to offer. I sat by the lake for a couple of minutes before heading to my next stop – Castle Kamen.

Photo: Rest area by Lake Završnica

Castle Kamen

Photo: View towards Koroška at Castle Kamen

I’ve heard of Castle Kamen for the first time only a couple of weeks ago after a friend mentioned it to me. I spent just 10 minutes riding from Završnica to the entrance of Draga Valley, where the old medieval castle, or better said its ruins, is located. I walked around the ruins, climbed to the top of the preserved castle building and mainly enjoyed the views to the mountains towards Koroška to the north and towards the Julian Alps to the south. The nature there is truly magnificent with forests all around as far as you can see. As I was walking, I read a bit about the history of the castle and what actually happened to it, took some great photos and eventually left for the town of Bled.

Photo: Ruins of Castle Kamen

Vogel

I wanted to go to Bled to sit by the lake and enjoy a beautiful and warm sunny day, but just before entering the town I saw a big billboard sign inviting tourists to come and visit Vogel. The idea quickly crept into my thoughts and I didn’t even stop in Bled, but simply rode past the town and headed towards the town of Bohinj. It took me about 25 minutes to reach the lower cable car station underneath Vogel. I paid the ticket for the cable car ride to the top of Vogel at an altitude of 1,922 metres. Needless to say, I got quite a lot of odd looks and even stares as I was still in my full gear ...

Photo: Julian Alps from the top of Vogel

Photo: View over Lake Bohinj from Vogel

Vogel is a popular ski resort and a well-known destination for all hikers since the vistas on the top have visitors gasping for air at the sight of the Julian Alps and especially the Triglav peak – the national symbol of Slovenia. 

This was actually my second time on Vogel and if I hadn’t been in my full riding gear, I would probably go for a short hike or something. I sat down and admired the Julian Alps right in front of me, almost at the touch of my hand. The plateau was really lively and bustling with lots of people, mostly foreigners, to my surprise mainly tourists from the US. I had lunch at the tavern before heading to the cable car to descend back to the valley. It was almost 4:00 p.m. and the wind started to send shivers to my bones. 

Photo: Friendship for a lifetime :)

Lake Bohinj

Photo: Lake Bohinj

The cable car ride from the top of Vogel back to the valley to Lake Bohinj takes only about 5 minutes. After crowding with the Americans, I started my bike and found a spot for myself by the lake where I dipped my toes into the water which still had about 20 degrees Celsius, while admiring the mountains above the lake. The spot was really peaceful and I could enjoy the tranquillity of the nature around me. Lake Bohinj is twice as big as Lake Bled, but due to the distance from the motorway it is less known to tourists than Lake Bled. Over the last couple of years, Bohinj became a popular spot for all who enjoy camping, hiking, and the intact nature.

It was getting dark and I needed to get back to Ljubljana ... a perfect end to a perfect bike trip and one I will surely repeat soon. Hopefully, the weather will not spoil my plans for the coming weeks and I will manage to have a couple more trips under my belt before the freezing cold starts kicking in.

Photo: Before heading back to Ljubljana

Photo: Map of the Route

Jamnik – A Hidden Beauty in the Hills above Kranj

Photo: Admiring the beautiful St. Primus & Felician church in Jamnik

It was a beautiful September day – you know one of those days when on the one hand you can already feel autumn just around the corner, and on the other hand summer is just not yet ready to give up its reign. The skies were crystal clear, there was not much on the work itinerary – what else was I supposed to do than rev up my bike and take it out for a spin. I've decided to hit the road in the direction of the Gorenjska Region, to the north-west of Slovenia, attacking the roads of a few not well-known (at least not to me) towns and villages of this part of Slovenia. The first stop on the agenda was the old medieval town of Škofja Loka.

Škofja Loka

Photo: Škofja Loka Castle

Leaving Ljubljana city centre and heading to the north, passing the town of Medvode, it took me just about twenty minutes to reach Škofja Loka. The beautiful old medieval town is located between the Škofja Loka Hills and the Polhov Gradec Hills, with two rivers (Sora and Selca) having paved the way for the streets and roads of the town. It has a population of just little over 12,000, yet it has plenty to offer to even the most-demanding a visitor, culture- and nature-wise. The town's architecture and history were most affected by the Bishops of Freising who lived here in the 10^th century, while the town's appearance was extensively affected by the Turkish attacks in the 15^th century and by peasants revolting in the 16^th century. 

Photo: The remains in the park along the castle

Even though the town's centre is inviting, pleasant and clean, graced by some old architectural marvels, I opted to ride atop the town, to the old Škofja Loka Castle which was renovated a couple of years back. First, I needed a couple of minutes to cool off, so I sat down in the shade and studied the architecture of the castle, as well as the neatness of the park near-by. I walked through the park, observed the sights over the town and the surrounding hills and even “discovered” a natural amphitheatre – well, made of stone – where I guess they hold old medieval games with horses and knights and maybe some cultural events, such as concerts. Off to the town of Železniki ... 

 Železniki

Photo: Who won in the end?

Photo: Železniki

Železniki is a town literally just around the corner from Škofja Loka, so I rode the bike for just fifteen minutes before stopping in the centre of the town. I actually didn’t even plan to stop there, but riding through the town I saw something that immediately caught my eye. The town is known for its smelting and production of iron, marked also by a huge monument in the town. What made me stop in Železniki was a big chessboard with chess pieces. Of course – wouldn’t you stop? Well, I played a quick chess match with a worthy opponent, as you can see from the photo, but I am not too eager to share who actually won the match. Soon, I left Železniki to continue on my way to Davča ...

Davča & Dražgoše

Photo: Road to Davča

I had a plan to visit Davča, a village with a population of only 250, known for being the most spread out village in Slovenia, at an altitude of almost 1000 metres. But as the weather quickly shifted and it looked like there was going to be a heavy storm, I decided to turn my bike around on my way to Davča. But not before reaching the section of the road which carves its way between the mountain rocks, as you can see in the photo. As mentioned, I didn’t ride all the way up to the village, but instead turned my bike in the direction of another village – Dražgoše, known as the place where one of the most known WWII battles on Slovenian soil took place. 

Photo: Parked in front of the WWII monument in Dražgoše

The village of Dražgoše is located at an altitude of 900 metres with lots of long and twisty turns towards the big monument in honour of those who fell during WWII. I went to check out the stone monument first before having some coffee in the near-by tavern, where the view over Lubnik and the Blegoš peak was just perfect. Soon, even the sun burst through the clouds with its rays. The game of light and shade started to unfold right before my eyes which made this a perfect opportunity to take some beautiful photos of the majestic scenery. After having a chat about the birds with a local, I left Dražgoše for Kropa.

Jamnik

Photo: Road to the Church in Jamnik

Photo: A New Friend ...

Even though I was planning to visit the town of Kropa in the valley just underneath the Škofja Loka Hills, I was so smitten by the beautiful St. Primus and Felician Church in the hamlet of Jamnik that I needed to stop there. First, I passed the church, but later on returned back on the road as I really wanted to see the view of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps gracing the background of the church. It was again very hot, and walking in full gear from the road to the church was kind of a pain in the ass, but it was well worth it. The grass was as green as it gets, the mountain peaks in the distance were truly majestic due to the rays of sunshine and I met a new friend, as you can see in the photo. I sat down on the bench by the church and was left speechless by the beautiful vistas to all sides – the Alps to the north, the town of Kranj and the hills and forests to the other side. 

Photo: Taking in the Views in Jamnik

It was almost 6 o’clock and I still wanted to have some lunch, so I took the road through the forests down to Kropa, where I could not really find a good place to eat so I simply continued my way towards Ljubljana and stopped at a pizza place in Kranj before heading back home. 

Follow my blog to find out what my next bike destination will be ...

Photo: Map of the Route