Circular Cycle Route Metlika
The cycle route is designed as a circular tour, starting and finishing in the old town centre of Metlika. The route takes you through the typical Bela Krajina landscape, alternating between gentle stretches along the Kolpa River and moderate climbs.
The route symbolically starts in the old town of Metlika, which is situated on a pier above the Obrh stream. Right at the start, the cyclist is surrounded by the historic backdrop of Metlika Castle. The first kilometres are dedicated to a relaxed warm-up as the route slowly descends from the urban centre towards fertile fields. This part of the route offers wonderful open views of the Gorjanci Hills in the distance.
As the trail descends to its lowest point (about 140 m above sea level), you enter a world of silence and greenery. The route takes you through typical villages such as Zemelj and Podzemelj. Here, the pace of cycling slows down as it follows an almost perfect flat. The proximity of the Kolpa River can be felt in the freshness of the air, and this is the ideal part of the route to stop by the riverside, where time stands still for a moment.
The second half of the route brings a short but sweet challenge. The trail begins a moderate climb back to the starting point, with the terrain changing from flat fields to rolling hills. The elevation gain is not excessive, but it is just the right amount to stretch the body and give the cyclist a sense of conquest of the landscape.
In the last part, the trail flattens out again and leads you safely back into the embrace of Metlika through the suburban hamlets. The whole tour is designed so that the cyclist does not feel the pressure of traffic, as most of the route is on less busy local roads, where you will meet mainly locals and other recreational cyclists.
Technical description
Length: 18 km
Difficulty: easy
