Top 3 Road Cycling Routes in the Soča Valley

The Soča Valley and the surrounding Julian Alps are among the best road cycling regions in Slovenia.

Quiet alpine roads, long climbs, and spectacular mountain scenery make this area a dream destination for cyclists.

Starting from Bovec, riders can access some truly unforgettable routes.

Here are three of our favorite road cycling routes if you are visiting the valley and want to experience the best climbs and scenery the region has to offer.

1. Devil’s Loop – The Ultimate Alpine Challenge

If you are looking for a truly epic ride, the Devil’s Loop is one of the most demanding and rewarding cycling routes in Slovenia.

The loop starts in Bovec and combines several legendary alpine climbs into one unforgettable day on the bike.

The route first follows the emerald Soča River through the beautiful Trenta Valley before climbing to the famous Vršič Pass.

After descending toward Kranjska Gora, the route continues toward Italy and crosses back into Slovenia via Predil Pass before finishing with the brutal climb toward Mangart Saddle.

In total, the route covers around 110 km and 2800 meters of climbing, making it a serious challenge even for experienced cyclists.

The combination of dramatic mountain landscapes, technical descents, and iconic climbs makes this ride one of the best in the Alps.

Full route details and GPX:

Devil’s Loop route

2. Sella Carnizza – Hidden Gem Above the Soča Valley

The ride from Bovec toward Učeja and Sella Carnizza is a fantastic route for cyclists looking for quieter roads and beautiful alpine scenery.

Compared to the famous Mangart climb, this route is less crowded but still offers plenty of climbing and spectacular views.

The ride begins with a warm-up climb toward Plužna before descending past the spectacular Boka waterfall.

From there, the road climbs steadily through the Učeja valley toward the former border crossing between Slovenia and Italy.

The main ascent continues toward Sella Carnizza, gaining more than 500 meters of elevation through a steady and enjoyable climb.

The road is narrow, peaceful, and surrounded by wild alpine landscapes.

Overall the ride is about 50 km with roughly 1300 meters of elevation gain, making it a perfect half-day ride for cyclists staying in Bovec.

Full route details and GPX:

Sella Carnizza route

3. Montasio Plateau – Italian Alpine Adventure

This route crosses into Italy and offers one of the most scenic rides near Bovec.

Starting in town, the road climbs toward the Predil Pass before descending briefly to Lake Predil on the Italian side of the border.

From there the road continues toward the Sella Nevea ski area before turning onto a smaller mountain road that climbs steeply to the Montasio Plateau.

The climb is shorter but intense, and the views from the plateau are spectacular, with panoramic views of the surrounding Alps.

The entire route is around 70 km with about 1700 meters of climbing.

While there is no single extremely long climb, the combination of multiple ascents makes it physically demanding and very rewarding for strong riders.

Full route details and GPX:

Monteplacio / Montasio Plateau route

Cycling in the Soča Valley

The Soča Valley offers an incredible mix of quiet alpine roads, legendary mountain passes, and hidden climbs that are perfect for road cycling.

Whether you are looking for a half-day ride or a full alpine challenge, Bovec is the perfect starting point.

If you need a bike for these routes, check out our road bike rental and guided tours in Bovec.

We provide high-quality bikes and local route knowledge to help you experience the best cycling the Julian Alps have to offer.