For bike lovers, cycling is often one of the sweetest ways to discover a city’s culture and daily life. Although Ljubljana, the beautiful capital of Slovenia, is not as famous for its cycling infrastructure as cities like Berlin or Copenhagen, it has a decent network of bike lanes. But, most importantly, the city shows a true dedication to cycling, and exploring Ljubljana by bike has slowly become a must-do.
I always enjoy bicycle rides in foreign cities, and when I visited Ljubljana, the first thing I did was look for a bike rental. It was actually much easier to find one and start cycling through the city. After my initial ride, it became apparent why Ljubljana was awarded European Green Capital 2016: almost 3/4 of the city’s surface is covered by green spaces, and several sustainability measures justified this decision. Honestly, I believe that renting a bike and exploring the Slovenian capital is one of the best things to do in Ljubljana.
Therefore, in this thorough guide about cycling in Ljubljana, you’ll read how I experienced cycling in the city. Moreover, I will show you how to get quickly a bicycle and start riding through the city. Lastly, I will suggest some itineraries to make the most of your stay.
So, let’s begin with the guide and discover how to explore Ljubljana by bike.
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Ljubljana by bike: the ultimate guide
Before we start this bicycle guide to Ljubljana, I want to say that you should always use the same caution as you do when you cycle in your hometown. Ljubljana is no different than any other country and especially its city center is often packed. That said, keep an eye on the pedestrians and give them priority at zebra crossings. You also avoid accelerating and always keep an eye on cars. These are the simplest rules that every cyclist should use, and being in a foreign country also means you should adapt to local habits.
So, after this short introduction, here’s what you need to know for your Ljubljana bike tours.
Is Ljubljana bike-friendly?
Yes, Ljubljana is bike-friendly, and the city is pretty serious about its cycling culture. It has more than 300 kilometers of cycling lanes and bike paths and is in very good condition. Moreover, the pedestrianized historical center means you can ride your bicycle through all the major attractions and along the Ljubljanica River.
One thing to remember while cycling in the city center is the cobblestone streets. Due to the surface, cycling can often feel shaky. Therefore, I highly recommend slowing down to enjoy the ride and also to prevent unwanted accidents with pedestrians. However, I found those city center rides incredibly scenic and a great shortcut when moving between places of interest.
Lastly, cycling in the opposite direction of traffic is also allowed on over 70 select one-way streets. This is an excellent addition to the bicycle network, allowing you to enjoy some of the most beautiful spots in downtown Ljubljana twice.
Overall, I found Ljubljana extremely bike-friendly. Yes, it might not compare to traditional European bike cities, but the city loves cycling and constantly expands its infrastructure.
Where to rent a bike in Ljubljana?
Although several stores offer bike rentals in Ljubljana, two options are the most attractive for travelers. During my trip to the city, I used both these options, and I found them great for short commutes. However, if you’d like to go on longer bike trips, I suggest asking around for bike rental shops because Slovenia’s surface is more demanding out of town.
So, here are the two best options for your Ljubljana bike rides.
The BicikeLJ bike-sharing platform
I wrote twice earlier that Ljubljana is dedicated and takes cycling seriously. One more proof is the BicikeLJ bike sharing system, introduced in 2011. It’s more than an app: it’s a method to expand public transport.
The BicikeLJ platform offers almost 1,000 bikes in 84 stations in town. What makes the app stand out is the fact that the first hour of use is always free. There are no asterisks here: you can get a bike and cycle for 30-40-50 or even 59 minutes and return it to a station. Then, you can unlock another bike and do the same thing. More than 98% of all rides via the BicikeLJ app are free. You will pay for a ride if it lasts for more than one hour. Since its introduction, more than 10 million rides have been booked.
I used the BicikeLJ app several times during my stay in Ljubljana, and I was delighted with the service. As is often the case with bike-sharing platforms, the bikes feel heavier and slower. However, their built quality is solid, and I found them comfortable for my rides. For city navigation, the BicikeLJ is a fantastic option, and I highly recommend it.
You can download the BicikeLJ app here (available for iPhone and Android). You should opt in for the Weekly Subscription, which costs 1 euro and offers you unlimited free 60-minute rides.
The Ljubljana City Card Free Bikes
The Ljubljana City Card saved lots of money in the Slovenian capital. All major attractions and river cruises are included, which makes sense when you want to do sightseeing. However, one of the lesser-known things about the City Card is that you can also get a free bike for four hours.
Although I mainly used BicikeLJ, I was also curious to ride the ones offered by the tourist office. Exactly like with the BicikeLJ app, the bikes are solid and in mint condition. Four hours is enough time to get to the city’s outskirts and still ride for free (remember, the BicikeLJ costs money after the first hour). Therefore, while for short rides the BicikeLJ is the best option, the City Card bikes are a great addition if you want to cycle a bit longer.
The only downside is that you can get those bikes only at the Tourist Office. It is very conveniently located straight at the iconic Triple Bridge, but there’s no station to leave it, so you’ll have to bring it back. Overall, the bikes offer the same comfort levels as the ones on the bike-sharing platform and are ideal for longer itineraries.
You can purchase the City Card here, which entitles you to four free hours of cycling in Ljubljana.
Ljubljana bike tours (and which ones to choose)
The growing popularity of cycling resulted in various operators offering bike tours in Ljubljana and beyond. Bike tours are always a wonderful option to meet like-minded people when traveling. Moreover, it offers a certain level of comfort if you are anxious about cycling alone in a foreign city. And, of course, it’s always a plus to have a local show you around.
Various local guides offer Ljubljana bike tours, and the bikes are always included in the price. That’s definitely a pricier option than the two I described above, but if you’d like to see more places and enjoy being among other travelers, it’s actually a great way of exploring.
For your convenience, I handpicked the best cycling tours in Ljubljana and here’s the selection.
Ljubljana 3-hour bike cruise. That’s the best and most famous bike tour in Ljubljana. As its name suggests, it lasts three hours, and it takes you along the city’s architectural landmarks and places of interest. This small group tour is limited to six participants, and the bike and a free drink are included. The prices start from 49 euros per person. You can book the 3-hour tour here.
Ljubljana Sightseeing by E-bike. What makes this tour different is that you will use an E-bike instead of a traditional one. E-bikes are easy to use and are better if you prefer sightseeing at a more relaxed pace. It’s a slightly pricier tour (from 60 euros per person), and it also lasts three hours. You can book the E-bike sightseeing here.
City Center and Golovec Trails. Last but not least, this is a bike tour for more advanced cyclists. Apart from sightseeing in the city center, you’ll also get to cycle around the nearby Golovec mountains. This small group tour offers a mountain biking experience, and you should consider it if you are a more experienced cyclist. The tour lasts four hours, it’s limited to eight people, and prices start from 109 euros. You can book the City Center and Golovec Trails here.
Ljubljana bike itineraries
In the final section of the guide about exploring Ljubljana by bike, you will find the four nicest cycling itineraries in town. While cycling without purpose is a great way to enjoy and unwind, those designated bike routes will offer you a more immersive experience. Centered around a theme, these itineraries are a fantastic way of uncovering the heritage and history of the Slovenian capital.
The Jože Plečnik Route. That’s the tour I enjoyed the most on my journey to Ljubljana. Jože Plečnik was a pioneer architect who transformed Ljubljana from a small city into a modern capital (I wrote about Jože Plečnik here). This bike itinerary explores his legacy and takes you to every important location in town. It takes approximately two hours to complete this 13-kilometer trail.
The Waterside Cycling Route. That’s the most popular cycling route among travelers. It takes you across the banks of the Ljubljanica River and its bridges and exposes you to the stunning urban cityscape of Ljubljana. Similar to the Plečnik path in duration and distance (13 km, 2 hours), it’s a must-do if you enjoy easygoing rides.
The Path of Remembrance and Comradeship. Lastly, the longest bike itinerary is interconnected with collective memory. This 35-kilometer route will probably last more than six hours, but you can, of course, do only a small part of it. The path runs along the course of the military barbed-wire fence that surrounded Ljubljana during World War II. It is also known as “The Path along the Barbed Wire,” and you’ll find lots of green spaces to take a break and unwind.
Ljubljana by bike: Conclusion
As you’ve read and seen in the previous lines, exploring Ljubljana by bike is a great addition to your travel schedule in the Slovenian capital. Moreover, the two options -BicikeLJ and the City Card– make cycling a cost-effective way of sightseeing. The bike lanes network is extensive and in good condition, and the bike culture is growing in town.
Ljubljana is one of the most sustainable European capitals and almost 75% of its surface is green space. Now, add on top the serene Ljubljanica River and the vibrant atmosphere, and you have a picture of how joyful this place is. Cycling in Ljubljana is pure joy and pedaling through its small streets will definitely add an extra layer to the whole experience. That said, practice common sense, rent a bike or join a tour, and explore in an environmentally friendly way one of the hidden gems of Europe.
More about Ljubljana: Ljubljanica River Cruise Review, Cukrarna Gallery
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Last Updated on September 19, 2024 by George Pavlopoulos