Kamnik - home for cyclists

City bike KAMkolo

Whether it's riding a city bike, KAMkolo, to the Arboretum Volčji Potok, cycling with a road bike towards the source of the Kamniška Bistrica river, or embarking on a mountain bike ascent to Velika Planina, Kamnik has something to offer for every cycling enthusiast.

Under the auspices of the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism and the Golden Slovenia Green Destination label, a sustainable cycling route called Slovenia Green Wellness Route has been established. This route connects Slovenian natural spas, local gastronomy, cycling through beautiful natural environments, and sustainable hospitality. The final result is an itinerary that leads cyclists from one beautiful place to another, allowing them to experience this wonderful country in a different way. Individuals can embark on the journey independently using the route plan or choose to join a local tourist agency for organized tours. Two new cycling routes have also been added to Kamnik as a cycling destination: one from Kamnik to Ljubljana and another along the Kamniška Bistrica river from Kamnik to Godič.

The Kamnik-Mengeš-Trzin-Ljubljana regional cycling connection is an excellent example of collaboration not only between municipalities but also with agricultural landowners. Together, they have successfully established a high-quality cycling connection in Kamnik, which provides both safety and exceptional recreational opportunities. This project has been recognized as one of the most important regional projects in the Ljubljana Urban Region, where a total of 13.7 kilometers of new cycling connections have been created between Kamnik and Ljubljana.

The cycling connection is a significant asset for the entire country as it connects the most urbanized part of Slovenia with the capital city. The project aims to promote sustainable mobility and enhance the safety of cyclists. Shifting travel habits towards greener options such as cycling, walking, and using public transport is one of the main goals of sustainable mobility. By doing so, we contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, enhancing quality of life, and taking care of our health.

Last year, the Municipality of Kamnik started and completed the construction of the Kamnik-Godič cycling connection. They have established a 3.2-kilometer cycling route along the Kamniška Bistrica watercourse, including 12 rest areas equipped with benches, wooden playgrounds, and bicycle racks. Additionally, they have created the Kolesarčkova učna pot (Children's Cycling Learning Path), which introduces visitors to the natural, cultural, and other heritage of the area. The area along the Kamniška Bistrica river, from Godič to Domžale (with a few missing sections), is now well-developed for cycling.

If you're looking for cycling escapes from hot cities, Kamnik and its surrounding areas offer several options:

Kamniška Bistrica – Brsniki:

Mountain bikers will find plenty of opportunities in the Kamniška Bistrica valley. One of the most popular routes leads through Brsniki, known for being challenging yet incredibly beautiful. The more adventurous cyclists can even climb to Kamniški Vrh, even if it requires carrying the bike on their shoulders at times.

From Snovik Thermal Spa to Velika Planina:

The ascent to Velika Planina presents a real challenge. You can start the journey from Snovik Thermal Spa, climb to the Črnivec mountain pass at 902 meters above sea level, and continue towards Velika Planina. There, you can take a break at numerous refreshment points and mountain huts. Alternatively, you can start the journey from Kamnik to Črnivec and end with a relaxing dip in Snovik Thermal Spa.

Cycling to the Source of Kamniška Bistrica:

The source of the Kamniška Bistrica river is a popular destination among Kamnik cyclists. The route serves as a warm-up for more experienced cyclists and a suitable challenge for occasional riders. Everyone, however, is delighted when they reach the end of the path and see the refreshing lake where they can take a dip.

Cycling along the Kamniška Bistrica River:

The cycling and walking path along the Kamniška Bistrica river extends from Kamnik to Domžale. Suitable for all generations, this path allows you to enjoy the journey with even the youngest members of your family. Several playgrounds and benches are available along the route, providing opportunities to rest in the shade. The path also passes by the Arboretum Volčji Potok, where you can take a break and explore the largest Slovenian botanical park. If you're not an avid cyclist, you can also walk the entire path. Every year, a hike from Kamnik to Domžale takes place along this route.

Trans Slovenia:

For more adventurous cyclists, the Trans Slovenia route offers a multi-day cycling journey from Koroška through Logarska Dolina, Kamnik-Savinja Alps, Ljubljana, Postojna, and across Kras to Piran. This 359-kilometer route involves 8,859 meters of elevation gain. In Kamnik, the route passes through Velika Planina and Kamnik.

These cycling options provide a taste of the diverse and exciting experiences that Kamnik and its surroundings offer for cycling enthusiasts.

Slovenia Green Wellness Route (SGWR) also passes through Kamnik, offering a cycling exploration of Slovenian natural spas. The circular route begins in Ljubljana and initially takes travelers north towards the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. It then heads east through Štajerska to the hills above the Pannonian Plain in the northeastern part of Slovenia, before turning south, almost reaching the southern border, and returning to the capital. In 16 days, the route visits the following destinations: Kamnik, Ljubno ob Savinji, Rečica ob Savinji, Velenje, Zreče, Maribor, Lenart, Sveta Ana, Moravske Toplice, Ljutomer, Jeruzalem, Ptuj, Čatež and Brežice, Kostanjevica na Krki, Novo Mesto, Laško, Celje, Šentjur, and Žalec.

In Kamnik, the route is planned from Ljubljana heading north, where cyclists can spend the night. After 30 kilometers, cyclists reach Kamnik, a destination with the Slovenia Green gold certification and a paradise for nature lovers. The town is situated on the doorstep of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and is surrounded by natural gems such as the Kamniška Bistrica Valley, Velika Planina, Tuhinj Valley, and not far away, Logar Valley. Nature enthusiasts could easily spend weeks in this paradise, not just a day or two! The journey continues through the Savinja Valley to Velenje and beyond.

After a day of pedaling on your bicycle (even if assisted by an electric motor), reward yourself with a visit to Terme Snovik, another recipient of the Slovenia Green gold certification. In addition to indoor and outdoor pools, the complex offers Finnish and Turkish saunas, an ice bath, various massages with herbal oils, as well as simple and therapeutic Kneipp treatments.

On the website of Terme Snovik, you can explore ten cycling routes of different lengths and difficulty levels that start from Snovik:

• Kamnik - Arboretum Volčji Potok - Kamnik
• Kamnik - Vaseno - Kamnik
• Stolnik - Zdravilni gaj Tunjice - Kamnik
• Kamnik - Stari grad - Kamnik
• Kamnik - Izvir Kamniške Bistrice - Kamnik
• Kamnik - Črnivec - Kamnik
• Terme Snovik - Budnarjeva domačija - Stari grad - Kamnik - Terme Snovik
• Terme Snovik - Arboretum Volčji Potok - Zdravilni gaj Tunjice - Terme Snovik
• Motnik - Terme Snovik
• Motnik Cycling Trail

These routes offer a variety of options for cyclists, allowing them to explore the picturesque surroundings of Kamnik and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Source of photo Zavod za turizem in šport KAMNIK. Photographers: Boštjan Tacol, Matevž Hribar, Matej Povše.