Nestled in the heart of Slovenia, Camp Velenje is not just a place to rest; it’s a haven for adventure enthusiasts seeking diverse activities and immersive experiences. Beyond the tranquil retreat it provides, the camp invites you to explore the surrounding wonders, and one exciting way to do so is by embarking on the Štrekna bike tour.

Štrekna Bike Tour: Unveiling Nature’s Beauty on a Historic Trail

Štrekna is a cycling route tracing the path of a former railway line connecting Velenje to Dravograd. Named after the Slovenian word for “track,” as the route follows the abandoned railway, Štrekna stands out as one of the best-maintained cycling paths in Slovenia. Spanning 24 kilometers from Gornji Dolič to Otiški Vrh, the trail is asphalted, uniformly marked, and traffic-free. Lined with numerous stations equipped with all the necessary amenities, Štrekna’s mild and consistent incline makes it particularly suitable for families and older cyclists.

The route offers a picturesque panorama of Pohorje and Uršlja gora, reaching 345 meters above sea level in Otiški Vrh and an impressive 590 meters at its highest point in Mislinja. The section between Velenje and Gornji Dolič will be completed in 2023, while a new, shorter section between Otiški Vrh (TC Dipo) and Dravograd is already in use.

Technical Heritage Along the Trail

Štrekna isn’t just a modern cycling path; it’s a rich repository of technical heritage, a timeless monument to human ingenuity and determination in conquering challenging natural terrain. Former infrastructure along Štrekna includes tunnels, bridges, viaducts, and other architectural interventions, allowing modern cyclists to discover the scenic natural beauty and technological legacy of Koroška. Notable points of interest along the way include the renovated former railway bridge in Slovenj Gradec, former tunnels in Mislinja and Gornji Dolič, and a stone viaduct near the latter. The trail also takes you through the medieval city center of Slovenj Gradec.

Štrekna Bus: Connecting Destinations

Complementing the cycling experience is the Štrekna bus, a thirty-seat bus with a trailer for sixteen bikes. Operating between Velenje, Gornji Dolič, Mislinja, Slovenj Gradec, Otiški Vrh, Dravograd, and the bathing lake in Labotu (Lavamünd) on the Austrian side, Štrekna bus runs every Saturday and Sunday from July 1st to September 30th, and on the holiday, August 15, 2023.

Camp Velenje serves as your starting point for this exploration, offering an array of activities and the perfect gateway to the wonders of Štrekna. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and the rich history that accompanies this scenic cycling adventure. Book your spot at camplinq.com now and join the exploration at Camp Velenje.