From Dalmatia to the Alps in a Single Day's Riding
One of the most remarkable things about riding north from Split is how quickly and completely the landscape transforms. In four to five hours you travel from the Mediterranean – the sea, the limestone, the olive trees, the scent of rosemary – through the karst plateau of the Croatian interior, across the Lika highland and into Slovenia: green, dense with forest, framed by the Julian Alps on the horizon.
This transformation of landscape is one of the great pleasures of the Split-to-Slovenia route. No other journey of similar length in Europe crosses as many distinct biomes, climates and cultural zones, and the road quality is excellent for virtually the entire distance.
The Route: Plitvice, Ljubljana and Lake Bled
The recommended route north from Split follows the A1 motorway toward Karlovac, then exits onto the regional road toward Plitvice Lakes – a UNESCO World Heritage site worth a half-day stop. The 16 interconnected lakes and their cascading waterfalls are among the most photographed places in Europe, and the motorcycle provides the ideal arrival: a parking space at the entrance, a peaceful approach and freedom to leave when you're ready.
From Plitvice the road continues north into Slovenia via Ljubljana – a compact, walkable capital with a medieval castle and a food market on the Ljubljanica river – and then to Lake Bled. The view of Bled from the castle above the lake, with the island church and the Julian Alps as a backdrop, is one of those postcard images that actually exceeds expectations in person.
The Vršič Pass – the Julian Alps' Greatest Road
The Vršič Pass (1,611 m) is the highest mountain road in Slovenia and one of the finest motorcycle roads in Europe. Built by Russian prisoners of war during the First World War, it climbs through 24 numbered hairpin bends on the ascent and 26 on the descent, with the Triglav massif rising above and the Soča valley – a river of impossible turquoise colour – waiting below.
The Vršič Pass is open from approximately May to October. Riding it on a clear morning in June or September with minimal traffic is a genuine milestone for any motorcyclist. Moto Andro provides documentation for riding in Slovenia and recommends the Honda Transalp 750 or Yamaha Ténéré 700 for this mountain route. Book at motoandro.com.
Book Your Ride in Split
Brand new motorcycles and scooters. Fast delivery. Expert advice from local riders.
Browse rental vehicles