Nanos

Nanos – A Mighty Plateau Climb in Southwestern Slovenia

Nanos, the imposing limestone plateau above the Vipava Valley, is one of Slovenia’s most iconic cycling climbs. Although geographically far from Bled, cyclists staying in the famous lakeside town often target Nanos as a day trip or part of a longer tour across the country. Rising to around 1,240 meters, the climb to Nanos offers a mix of steep gradients, dramatic landscapes, and a true alpine-to-Mediterranean transition that sets it apart from many other Slovenian ascents. The classic ascent begins near Vipava or Podnanos, where the road wastes little time in rearing upwards. Gradients quickly push into 8–10% territory, with long ramps that demand strong climbing legs and careful pacing. Unlike the long, steady climbs near Bled such as Pokljuka, Nanos is shorter but far more aggressive, testing a rider’s ability to sustain power on punishing slopes. Several switchbacks add rhythm to the effort, and the higher you climb, the more spectacular the views become.