Črni kal
This climb is part of Primorska region. Črni Kal is a short but steep cycling climb above Koper, with gradients over 10%. It combines vineyards, Karst cliffs, and sweeping Adriatic views, offering a unique coastal-to-plateau ascent.Average gradient: 4.2%
Elevation difference: 260m
You start at 69.2m and finish at 329.8m
Athletes climbed: 1785 View on Strava
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Črni Kal – A Coastal Gateway Climb
The climb to Črni Kal, located above Slovenia’s coastal lowlands, is a unique ascent that blends Mediterranean charm with the challenge of steep gradients. Famous for its viaduct and historic village perched on a rocky outcrop, Črni Kal offers cyclists a demanding but rewarding ride. The climb typically starts near Koper or Dekani, where the road immediately begins to rise toward the Karst plateau. The gradients quickly bite, with several ramps pushing above 10%. Though the climb is not particularly long, its irregular profile makes it tough—short, steep sections are broken up by brief flats, forcing cyclists to constantly shift gears and manage their effort. As you ascend, the scenery captures the spirit of coastal Slovenia. Vineyards, olive groves, and dry stone walls line the lower slopes, while higher up, the limestone cliffs of the Karst rise dramatically above the road.
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Črni Kal – A Steep Gateway from Coast to Karst
Traffic is light on the smaller access roads, offering a peaceful alternative to the nearby highway. The historic village of Črni Kal, with its medieval church and stone houses, stands as a striking cultural landmark along the route. At the top, cyclists are rewarded with wide views across the Gulf of Trieste, the Adriatic Sea, and the fertile Istrian plains. The contrast between the coastal atmosphere below and the rocky Karst plateau above makes this climb uniquely memorable. Whether tackled as part of a loop through Slovenian Istria or as a training ascent, Črni Kal offers both difficulty and beauty in equal measure. Though not Slovenia’s highest climb, Črni Kal embodies the coastal region’s cycling experience: short, steep, scenic, and steeped in history.
