Rogla – Pohorje, a premier starting point for cyclists of all kinds
When you mention Rogla to a Slovenian, they probably recall memories of excellent skiing or fun times at elementary school winter camps. Many also remember the magnificent Treetop Walk. But at Rogla and the entire Pohorje, there’s much more to do than just skiing and wandering among the tops of Pohorje spruces. For instance, cycling – on smooth roads, solid gravel, or steep wild trails.
Gravel Riding: Rogla – Klopni vrh
A full-day, fairly challenging trip for fans of compact gravel paths, best suited for trekking or gravel bikes. You will cover almost 50 kilometers and enjoy views from Pohorje in all directions, towards Zreče and Maribor. Since the route passes three huts (Koča na Pesku, Dom na Osankarici, Koča pod Klopnim vrhom), you don’t necessarily need to pack snacks. You can also walk to the Šumik waterfall, which at 24 meters, is the tallest waterfall in Slovenia located on non-carbonate ground.
Trekking: cycling along the Slovenia Green Wellness Route
The Slovenia Green Wellness Route is a planned route that takes cyclists through the eastern half of Slovenia. The route also passes under the Pohorje mountains, where two different routes are foreseen on the stage between Zreče and Maribor – via Oplotnica or via Slovenske Konjice. If you combine these two routes, you get a nice circular route for a day trip. It is mostly on the road, but occasionally you will have to cross a stretch of gravel. Navigation information, including signs for sights, accommodation and restaurants, can be found on the Wellness Route page.
Road Climb: Zreče – Rogla
Zreče is at an altitude of 396 meters, while Rogla is at 1,517 meters above sea level. This means you’ll sweat quite a bit on this 17-kilometer asphalt climb, one of Slovenia’s classic road ascents. You can also compete in the “Skok na Roglo” race, which happens annually. You can see the whole climb in this video. All that’s left is to decide: will you reward yourself with a snack in the mountain air at Rogla or descend back to Zreče and treat your tired legs to a thermal bath and sauna.
MTB: Bike Park Rogla and Konjice Trails
In the ski areas of Mašinžaga, Planja, Jasa, and Ostrušica, 7.5 kilometers of tracks for downhill enthusiasts have been set up. The difficulty levels of the six tracks vary from blue to black, so you can gradually increase the adrenaline level. And several times a day, as the Planja chairlift takes cyclists and their bikes back up the hill.
Another spot for such fun is Konjiška gora (starting at the Bike Center Konjice). The bike park currently has 7 trails over almost five kilometers, which, they say, aren’t the easiest. It is free to use, but you can opt for a shuttle bike taxi and accommodation.
E-bike Rentals
If you are new to cycling or simply like to keep the pedal power up (too much), you can rent e-bikes at 8 locations: at TICs around the destination (Oplotnica, Slovenske Konjice, Vitanje and Zreče) or from our providers (Smogavc Guesthouse and Accommodation, Hotel reAktiv, Terme Zreče and Rogla). There are a total of 58 e-bikes in the destination, plus 3 children’s e-bikes. e-bikes for children and adults are also available. To help you explore our places in the full meaning of the slogan: “Explore, feel, enjoy”, we have prepared an attractive e-bike experience package. For more information, visit the official Rogla-Pohorje website.
Cyclist-friendly Accommodations
If you’re exploring the Rogla – Pohorje destination by bike, visit cyclist-friendly providers (Hotel Rogla Superior, Hotel Vital and Smogavc Guesthouse and Accommodation) who know how to cater to the desires of cycling enthusiasts.
Green. Safe. Friendly. Sustainable. Authentic. Tasty. All this and much more is the Tourist Destination Rogla – Pohorje, where you are always welcomed with open arms.
Photo: Miha Matavž Photo & Video, Iztok Medja – arhiv Unitur, Miha Matavž Photo & Video – Dan Briški, Alen Jesse Štefane – FJPRODUKT, Matevž Hribar
This activity is part of the “Green #RoglaPohorje” project – Public call for co-financing activities promoting the tourist offer of leading tourist destinations in Slovenia in 2023.