Kranj will become a cycling city for L'Etape Slovenia on September 7-8, 2024
Kranj is the third-largest city in Slovenia, located halfway between Ljubljana and Bled and only 9 km from Slovenia's main airport, the perfect cycling getaway!
Experience cycling in the spirit of the Tour de France. Two-day festival: non-competitive family and children's cycling on Saturday and Ride/Race on the panoramical roads of beautiful Gorenjska on Sunday. 3rd edition of L'Étape Slovenia by Tour de France is taking place in Kranj on September 7-8, 2024.
Kranj, Alpine Charm, Urban Chic
Kranj is the third-largest city in Slovenia, located halfway between Ljubljana and Bled and only 9 km from Slovenia's main airport. It stands on a rock between two rivers, the Sava and the Kokra, surrounded by the Slovenian Alps. The Kokra River Canyon, winding 30 meters below the city, is the second-largest urban canyon in Europe.
In a city with a 6,000-year history, beautiful contrasts intertwine; modern blends with tradition, and above all, we breathe fresh mountain air in an urban environment. The destination holds the Platinum label of the Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism and the title of European Destination of Excellence 2023. The city is the guardian of the heritage of Slovenia's greatest poet, France Prešeren, the author of the Slovenian national anthem.
There is a huge weath of accomodation options on offer.
With one foot in the city...
St. Cantianus Church Tower One of the most beautiful Gothic churches in Slovenia. Its tower rises 60 meters above the city. Behind its 600-year-old walls, visitors discover the architectural and historical wonders of the church. A special feature is the church's bell tower. A step onto the viewing platform reveals views in all four directions and of the city. At the top of the church tower, ten small, bronze, and intricately crafted melodic bells play seven times a day.
SOS Proteus Info Center The SOS Proteus Info Center ranks among the 100 best sustainable stories in the world. It is located in the Tunnels under old Kranj with the mission of raising awareness about the endangered olm and the importance of preserving underground drinking water sources. Rescued olms, washed to the surface by floods, are on display, as they would not survive above ground. The purpose of the SOS Proteus Info Center is to introduce this most famous cave animal to the general public and contribute to its protection.
The City's Cultural Pulse Prešeren's Summer in Kranj is a mosaic of over 150 cultural, entertainment, sports, children, and culinary outdoor events intertwined with various festivals: the Krafft Film Festival, the Kaos Contemporary Collage Festival, the Flavors of Kranj Table culinary festival, and the Kran jFotofest photography festival. In autumn, Kranj hosts the International Festival of Fine Arts, and the 1,300-meter-long Wine Route takes place in the Tunnels under old Kranj. Kranj is the most beautifully decorated Slovenian city, with events during Prešeren's December, a festive market, and a concert program. The Prešeren Fair is a tribute to the greatest Slovenian poet, France Prešeren, and the 19th century. Spring brings the Slovenian Drama Week and the Biennial of Textile Art to the city. In all seasons, Kranj is a festival city of culture.
...with the other in nature.
Hiking Explorations The picturesque nature of Kranj and the nearby hills offer numerous active experiences. Šmarjetna Gora and St. Jošt are accessible to all. At the top of Jošt (845 m) stands a popular pilgrimage church and the Dom na Joštu inn with excellent culinary offerings. At the top of Šmarjetna Gora (646 m) stands a 13th-century pilgrimage chapel. The Hotel Bellevue gives the hill its distinctive silhouette. Jamnik (830 m) is a favorite among photographers; due to its exceptional viewpoint, it is known as the balcony of Gorenjska. Tip: all three hills are accessible on foot, by bike, or by car, offering views that stop time from their summits.
Tunnels under Old Kranj Under the city, 1,300 meters of secret tunnels were used as a city shelter during WWII, where residents took refuge during air raid alarms. Although they have long lost their original purpose, a hint of wartime remains. Today, the tunnels are an attractive tourist product with classic or digital guided tours, hosting numerous cultural and culinary events. The unique natural environment, similar to karst caves, has become home to interesting animals such as cave crickets and bats, and real stalactites are forming. The Tunnels under Old Kranj are one of Kranj's greatest attractions.
Cycling Explorations For a perfect cycling getaway, embark on the Kranj Cycling Rose or the Cycling Routes under Storžic. The Kranj Cycling Rose, in six stages, measures 427 kilometers. Six picturesque cycling routes starting in Kranj lead to nearby towns through diverse nature and past cultural heritage sites. Pedal to Ljubljana, Kamnik, Škofja Loka, Bled, Tržic, and Jezersko, forming a cycling flower around Kranj.
Cycling Highlight – L'Etape Slovenia On September 7-8, 2024, Kranj will become a cycling city. For the third consecutive year, it will host an international cycling caravan in the spirit of the Tour de France, offering cycling enthusiasts an unforgettable experience: to taste the legend of the Grand Tour. Saturday's rides are free and non-competitive, aimed at the youngest – even those on balance bikes – and slightly older children, and a family ride on a 13-kilometer route. Sunday's challenge on 80 km and 150 km routes allows recreational road cyclists to experience the Tour de France: from road closures to competing for the yellow, green, polka dot, and white jerseys, refreshment stations, and a cheering atmosphere along the route. Safety is well ensured, so no worries – there is no jostling at the start, as the rules of "closed" riding apply from the start to kilometer 0, located 7 km away – no overtaking, and the pace is set by the accompanying vehicle, which must not be overtaken. Cyclists are invited to join the international cycling caravan, including Matej Mohoric, a top cyclist and ambassador of the 2-day festival.
Registration for L'Etape Slovenia
Saturday rides are free, but registration is required due to the limited number of spots. Registration opens in June.
The registration fee for Sunday's challenge varies according to the cycling season. To attract more resilient female cyclists who love experiences, the registration fee is frozen. The upper part of the cycling jersey in mostly yellow – the color of champions – can be ordered with the registration fee but only until June 30, 2024. So don't hesitate – join the legends!
For more information, please visit: https://slovenia.letapebytourdefrance.com, or click the button below to register now.
