Slovenia: The land of Tadej Pogačar and.. well.. Honestly I didn’t really know much about Slovenia before coming here. I’ve never heard much about the country and never seen it in a ”must-visit” list. But that’s why I like riding through unknown countries. Riding without expectations helps me stay open minded and see a country for what it really is.

Hills and Churches

You either hate them or love them but hills are a prominent feature of the Slovenian country side. And be warned: These are not your average cute gentle sloped hillsides. The Slovenian hills test your climbing capabilities with a 8-15 percent incline for 1-2 km. Your reward is a beautiful view over the countryside. You can see a small white church tower in every village before spotting your next hill. No wonder Tadej flies up those mountains during the Tour the France.

It does make for comfortable bikepacking though because most of it is paved. You can of course take detours through forests and seek out the gravel and wood logging trails (which we did) for an extra challenge.

A reserved lifestyle

The Slovenian people, at least those we met, didn’t seem too bothered by two cyclists roaming around. I’m used to people coming up to me. They would often ask where I’m heading or what I’m doing on a fully loaded bicycle. However in Slovenia everyone just goes on with their own business. The occasional friendly nod but usually nothing.

The exception being, which makes riding a bicycle really nice here, is when you need to cross a road. Every car stops and waits for you. No rush, no horns. Without exceptions every car would wait for us to cross the road. Even if we were still far from the crossing. A friendly wave from us, and a small nod back from the Slovenians. When staying in guesthouses we would walk into a super clean house and the host always greeted us really friendly. A homely feeling was missing but the stay were comfortable.

Onward to Hungary

The route we follow takes us across the middle of Slovenia. Through the capital Ljubljana and towards the Austrian-Hungary-Slovenia border point. The difference between Slovenia and Austria was almost invisible, the roads are really that good. Following the border we eventually made it across into Hungary. Here, a notable difference can be felt. The land flattened but the roads got bumpier. More potholes and rougher asphalt so both me and my dad were happy to go off-road more. Where in Slovenia the gravel trails would be double tracks with relatively fast gravel. In Hungary we found ourselves racing on the edge of fields through grass. What a difference a border can make. Our time in Slovenia has been short and I’m certain I haven’t experienced the country completely but for a first impression it’s been great. Good cycling, super clean accommodations and friendly, but reserved, people.

Slovenia might not be on every ”must-visit” list. Or have very dramatic views around every bend but it is definitely worth a visit on a bicycle. I’m glad I got to see more of the country that brought us so many great cyclists.

I understand why now.