Descent near Mislinja on the Štrekna Cycle Path

The Štrekna Cycle Path follows the line of a former railway in the Mislinja valley in Koroška, in the north of Slovenia, and it is one of the best family cycling routes in the region. The railway once climbed from the Mislinja valley towards the high ground of Pohorje and the neighbouring valleys, and when it closed, the track bed, with its embankments, cuttings, bridges and tunnels, was left almost ready-made for a cycle path. Railways are built to gentle gradients, so a path on an old line is comfortable for riders of all ages, with none of the steep climbs that make road cycling in this hilly country hard work for beginners. The section near Mislinja is a downhill stretch, a gentle descent that lets riders roll along with little effort.

The surface is paved and separated from traffic along most of the route, which makes it safe for children, older riders and anyone who wants a relaxed outing. Along the way you pass through cuttings and across small bridges and, at one point, through the Štrekna Railway Tunnel, a reminder that this was once a working line carrying passengers and goods through difficult terrain. The slopes either side are covered with forests of spruce and beech, with meadows and farms in the valley bottom, and the Mislinja stream runs alongside for part of the way. Rest areas with benches and information boards invite stops, and there are small villages where a drink or a snack is easy to find. The railway history is part of the pleasure. This was a line with stations in remote places and a role in the economy of the valley, and signs and remains tell the story.

Mislinja is worth a stop on its own. The valley has a mining and ironworking past, with small forges and old houses, and a number of local sights and museums are within easy reach. Check with the local tourist office for current information on what is open, since small museums have limited hours. The route also connects with other cycling routes of the Koroška region, so you can extend the ride.

Practical advice is simple. The path can be ridden in either direction, but going downhill is easier, so many people start at the top and arrange a lift or train back. Take water, a spare tube and a helmet, and be considerate of walkers. Spring to autumn are the best seasons, and in winter the path may be icy.

Nearby sights include Single Trail Park Jamnica and Park Jamnica – Mountain-biking Park Near Prevalje, Underground biking at Mt. Peca/Mining Museum, the Ribniška Koča mountain hut, Perger's Honey Heaven, the Jezerski Vrh Memorial to Fallen Mountaineers, the Štrekna Railway Tunnel and the UNESCO Global Geopark of Karavanke/Karawanken.

It suits families and leisure cyclists. Beyond the ride, the Mislinja Valley deserves a slow look. There is no better way to see Slovenia’s old railway landscape than from a saddle.