Along Erasmus’ Cycling Trail

9. July, 2026|Turizem Postojna

Erasmus’ Cycling Trail is an excellent choice for families who enjoy exploring nature at their own pace. The route starts in Razdrto and follows a quiet paved road through Veliko Ubeljsko and Malo Ubeljsko, making for a calm and easy start. It then continues through the village of Strane, where you’ll find one of the trail’s most memorable stops for both children and adults: the thickest, and according to local tradition, the oldest yew tree in Slovenia. A short break, a story about the ancient tree, and a family photo make the perfect motivation to continue.

The photograph shows two cyclists standing beside their bicycles in a meadow, admiring a sculpture. The sculpture depicts the dragon of Postojna Cave with its mouth wide open, accompanied by the shepherd boy Jakob carrying his satchel. Traditional houses, trees, and a blue sky with scattered clouds form the backdrop.

Two cyclists are standing beside an interpretive panel titled Yew Trees in Strane. Wearing helmets and holding their bicycles, they are reading the information displayed on the panel. The panel is sheltered beneath a wooden roof and features text alongside photographs of the yew tree. Surrounded by lush greenery and trees, the scene also includes part of a nearby building in the background.

From Strane, the route changes to a gravel road and winds peacefully through forests at the foot of the Nanos Plateau, eventually reaching the highlight of the day: Predjama Castle. For many children, this is the moment they’ve been waiting for: seeing the spectacular castle built directly into a towering cliff. It’s well worth taking your time here. The castle is impressive even from the outside, but even more fascinating if you decide to explore the interior. Children are captivated by stories of Knight Erasmus, secret passages, and local legends, while adults appreciate the extraordinary architecture and dramatic setting. If you need a break, one of the nearby village inns is the perfect place to recharge before continuing.

The photograph shows two cyclists standing by a railing, admiring Predjama Castle, spectacularly built into the towering limestone cliff.

The cycling route then continues to Šmihel pod Nanosom, where you’ll come across another stop that’s especially popular with families: the sculpture of Shepherd Jacob. Anyone already familiar with Jacob’s story will enjoy seeing the statue, while those discovering it for the first time can read the tale together and make the day’s adventure even more meaningful.

The photograph shows two cyclists riding side by side along a quiet country road. On the right, a large sculpture of the Postojna Cave dragon stands in a meadow beside the road, accompanied by the shepherd boy Jakob. The sculpture is surrounded by low vegetation, while traditional houses, open meadows, and rolling hills stretch across the background. Above them, a bright sky with scattered clouds and the low sun shining towards the camera creates a warm, atmospheric scene.

The trail then gently continues along gravel roads through meadows and pastures, eventually returning to the starting point.

The photograph shows two cyclists riding along a gravel road through an open landscape of green meadows and fields, with rolling hills stretching across the background.

QUICK TIPS FOR FAMILIES

Starting point: Razdrto, at the foot of Mount Nanos

Duration
: 2–3 hours

Where to get the trail map: TIC Gallery (Tourist Information Centre), or at www.postojnsko.si

The Shepherd Jacob storybook: Notranjska Museum gift shop, TIC Postojna

Picnic spots along the trail: Between Strane and Bukovje, and in the meadows at the foot of Mount Nanos

Best photo spots: Beneath the ancient yew tree in Strane, and below Predjama Castle