Every year on 3 June, we mark World Bicycle Day, which was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018. The purpose of the day is to highlight the importance of the bicycle as a simple, affordable, sustainable and environmentally friendly means of transport that promotes a healthy lifestyle, sustainable mobility, and connects people and communities around the world.
Cycling holds a special place in Novo mesto. With more than 50 years of cycling tradition, the city rightfully bears the title of Slovenia’s cycling capital, combining an outstanding sporting heritage, modern infrastructure, and excellent opportunities for both professional and recreational cycling.
A particularly important moment for Novo mesto is the finish of the Tour of Slovenia. As the largest cycling event in the country, the final stage has traditionally ended in Novo mesto for many years. Riders are first challenged by the iconic climb to Trška gora, followed by a spectacular finish at Glavni trg – the largest preserved medieval square in Slovenia. This sporting spectacle attracts numerous fans, visitors and cycling enthusiasts to the city every year.
The strong cycling identity of the city is also co-created by the Novo mesto Cycling Team. As the most successful cycling club in Slovenia, it is where one of the world’s best cyclists, Primož Roglič, began his competitive journey. For decades, the club has played an important role in the development of Slovenian cycling and organises numerous high-profile sporting and recreational events, including the international road race Grand Prix Novo mesto, the international velodrome event I Feel Slovenia Grand Prix Novo mesto, the popular cycling marathon Along the Krka River, and the children’s stage race Kids Tour of Slovenia. The club is also closely involved in the organisation and development of the Tour of Slovenia.
A key part of the city’s sports infrastructure is the Novo mesto Olympic Centre in Češča vas. It features the only indoor velodrome in Slovenia and one of the most modern facilities of its kind in this part of Europe. Together with the athletics hall and other sports facilities, it enables year-round high-performance training and further strengthens Novo mesto’s position as one of the key cycling centres in Slovenia.
Novo mesto is also a true paradise for mountain biking (MTB) and adrenaline cycling experiences. The urban and surrounding areas offer MTB trails and technical skills parks that allow riders of all generations to develop their skills in a fun and engaging way. Among the most popular spots are the Soteške Trails along the Krka River, Bike Park Fratko, and Skill Park Zverinice, which offers varied tracks for technical training. The Portoval Sports Park also features a modern pump track designed to develop balance, speed and bike control, suitable for both children and experienced cyclists.
A major step forward in cycling tourism development was the opening of the Trška gora Entry Point in 2025. Visitors can use an interactive information board presenting the Trška gora offer, rent e-bikes, and access information on cycling routes through vineyards and wine cottages. E-bike rental is managed by the Novo mesto Tourist Information Centre, where bicycles are also available in the city centre.
To make exploring the destination even easier, the Novo mesto Cycling brochure was published at the beginning of 2026. It presents the most attractive road, recreational and tourist cycling routes, as well as key cycling stakeholders, providers and attractions in Novo mesto.
Cycling development extends beyond the city limits and connects into the wider story of the Dolenjska region. As part of the Visit Dolenjska destination promotion, the cycling guide Cycling through Dolenjska was published in 2025. It brings together a variety of cycling routes across the region, from vineyard hills and river valleys to forest roads and scenic climbs. The guide includes marked routes of varying difficulty, GPX tracks, and useful information on bike rental, cycle-friendly accommodation, and other services for active exploration of Dolenjska. The promotion is complemented by the Cycling through Dolenjska video and the organisation of the first Dolenjska Brevet cycling event.
Novo mesto successfully promotes its cycling story both nationally and internationally. This year, the destination was presented at Velofollies in Belgium, the largest cycling fair in Europe, where it showcased its rich offer of road, mountain and tourism cycling in the heart of Dolenjska under the umbrella of the Slovenian Tourist Board and Slovenia Outdoor.
All cycling routes, trip ideas, bike rental information and inspiration for active exploration of the destination are available on the Visit Novo mesto website.
On World Bicycle Day, we invite all lovers of active holidays to discover Novo mesto on two wheels. Among the vineyards of Trška gora, along the Krka River, through the historic town centre, or on the scenic roads of Dolenjska – there are countless reasons why Novo mesto is one of the most attractive cycling destinations in Slovenia.