Tromeja - junction of three cultures and nations

Be advised

DESCENT: takes place over hiking route, we have to be careful and consider the rules for the descent.

TRANSFER or E-BIKE HIRE: the trip is long and could be challenging for some people. To help you overcome the significant height difference, especially if you're not used to it, we recommend that you consider hiring an E-bike or arranging a van shuttle for bikes (Kofler Sport).

For cycling recommendations based on terrain difficulty, please refer to the grades and their descriptions.

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The Zgornjesavska Valley, where your cycling journey will begin, ends just before the village of Rateče (870 m), the last Slovenian village to the northeast. Rising above it is the prominent hill Peč (1507 m), better known as Tromeja, marking the junction of three nations—Slovenia, Austria, and Italy. This unique cultural intersection is one of the few places in Europe where three different cultures converge. Since 1991, the three nations have maintained their connections through annual meetings held in early September.

In the past, access to this area was restricted, particularly during the era of former Yugoslavia, making hiking and cycling impossible. Today, however, Tromeja has become a beautiful viewpoint. To the north, you can see the Podklošter-Arnoldstein ski slopes, the Ziljska Valley, and the powerful Dobrač mountain. To the west, the view opens up to the Carnic Alps, which naturally connect with the Karawanks. Turning east, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Planica Valley and the northern part of Mojstrovka, Travnik, and Šit.

Below lies the village of Rateče (870 m), where many residents continue to engage in agriculture, beekeeping (notably Beekeeping Toni, the most famous beekeeper in the valley), and other traditional crafts, preserving their cultural heritage. Every year on Assumption Day, the locals gather to showcase life as it was in the past.

A notable part of Slovenian heritage, the Sv. Tomaž Church in Rateče is the site of one of the oldest written texts in the Slovenian language—the Rateški or Celovški Manuscript. Dating back to the second half of the 14th century, likely around 1380, the manuscript was written by a German pastor and is now housed in the National Museum in Celje. For a deeper understanding of the local culture, you can visit the Kajžnikova House, which has been renovated into a museum.

This area is well-known across Europe for its ski jumping and cross-country skiing competitions held in Planica. The Planica Nordic Centre, one of the most modern facilities of its kind in Europe, opened in December 2015. It features eight ski jumping hills, including the second largest in the world. Planica has played a key role in the development of ski jumping, with the first jump over 100 meters made here in 1936, the first jump over 200 meters in 1994, and the last of 41 world records set here in 2005 with a jump of 239 meters. The current world record stands at 252 meters. The centre is also preparing for upcoming World Cup cross-country skiing competitions.

This tour combines cycling with a journey through history. You’ll begin by cycling to Kranjska Gora along a dedicated cycling path. From there, you’ll ascend through Podkoren, passing by Peč on a macadam road, and almost touch the Austrian border. The route continues on a macadam road up to Tromeja-Peč (1507 m), which will be the highest point of your trip.

The first part of the descent to the crossroad takes place on a trail (hiking path), which includes several detours and sections rated S3. The second part of the descent follows a hiking path down to the former Tromeja Mountaineering Hut and Trebiž Creek. This section doesn’t require advanced technical skills, but the last part is rated S4 due to its proximity to the creek.

Check step by step instructions

Slovenian Alpine Museum (650 m) - Kranjska Gora (810 m) - Podkoren (866 m) - Tromeja - Peč (1507 m) - Rateče (870 m) - Slovenian Alpine Museum (650 m)

You will start your journey in front of the Slovenian Alpine Museum. From here, head towards Dovje and turn left at the main crossroads, approximately 600 meters from the starting point. Continue past Triglavski Park (on a macadam road) and cross the blue bridge over the Sava Dolinka river. After crossing the bridge, ascend and turn left onto the paved cycling path.

Continue past the cycling station (Wi-Fi point, Sonček cycling station) towards Kranjska Gora. Along the way, you will cross three bridges over the Sava Dolinka river and pass several smaller cycling stations. Upon arriving in Kranjska Gora, the cycling path merges with the main road near the cemetery. Cross the Pišnica river over a bridge, and at the end of the bridge, turn right. Continue straight until you reach the main crossroads, then turn left in the direction of Kranjska Gora. At the bus station, turn right, passing Hotel Lipa, and take the narrower path that leads to a macadam road.

Cross the main road and continue straight towards Kamp Natura. Pass the campsite, following the dirt track through the pastures, which gradually ascends until you arrive in Podkoren on an asphalted road. Continue straight to the crossroads with the macadam roads. Here, turn left towards the west, gradually ascending to the crossroads that leads to Tromejafrom Rateče at approximately 1280 meters. At this crossroads, take the right path that ascends above the road towards the top of Tromeja - Peč (1507 m).

The descent follows a hiking path to the east. This section has many roots and tilts, and is rated S3. Continue until you reach a crossroads with a macadam road, then follow it for about 100 meters. Turn left towards Planinski dom Tromeja and continue along the hiking path, following the direction signs towards Rateče. Most of the descent is rated S2, with the lower part rated S4 as you connect with the forest road leading down to the turnoff for Rateče. Take the left path down to Rateče (S2), then turn left onto the asphalted road and pass through the village to the square. Continue to the end of the village and connect to the old road, following it until it joins the regional road. After 1 km, turn left towards Podkoren.

Ride through the village along the main road, and at the crossroads, turn right and descend. After 50 meters, turn left (do not continue on the main road). Pass the last houses and take the first turn on the right. At the crossroads with the main road, turn left and after 1 km, turn left again, cross the bridge, and immediately turn right towards Sport Park Rute. Continue above the left side of the park, behind the playgrounds, and follow the path next to the Sava river in the direction of Gozd Martuljek, following the signs.

The path ends at Hotel Špik. Continue on the asphalted road to the crossroads with the main road, turn right, and before the bridge, turn left onto the cycling road. Head towards Mojstrana until you reach the bridge, cross it, and bear diagonally right towards the football playground. Ride around it, ascend the hill, and at the first crossroads, turn right. At the end of the street, turn left and then right, under Grančišče, in the direction of the museum. At the crossroads, turn left and continue straight until you reach the museum, which will be on your right.