Podmeja
This climb is part of Štajerska region. Podmeja, at 873 meters, links Trbovlje and Vransko. Featuring steep 12% ramps on the Zasavje side and steadier slopes from Savinja, it offers quiet forested roads and rewarding central Slovenian views.Average gradient: 4.7%
Elevation difference: 456m
You start at 307.9m and finish at 729.0m
Athletes climbed: 1947 View on Strava
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Podmeja – A Scenic Climb Linking Trbovlje and Vransko
The climb to Podmeja, a mountain pass at 873 meters, is one of central Slovenia’s most rewarding cycling ascents. Connecting Trbovlje in Zasavje with Vransko in the Savinja Valley, it combines steep gradients, forested solitude, and wide views, making it a favorite among local riders who enjoy challenging yet scenic climbs. From the Trbovlje side, the climb starts almost immediately as the road leaves the valley. The gradients bite early, holding between 7–9%, with several ramps surging over 12%. The narrow, winding road offers little respite, so pacing and gear management are essential. The ascent is not overly long, but its steepness ensures that it leaves an impression. On the Vransko side, the climb is more gradual, with steady 5–7% slopes that allow for a smoother rhythm.
Podmeja – A Cyclist’s Link Between Zasavje and Savinja
This makes it accessible to a wider range of cyclists, though the length ensures a proper endurance test. Both approaches share the same qualities: quiet roads, dense forests, and occasional clearings that open onto beautiful views of central Slovenia’s hills. The summit of Podmeja is a peaceful mountain pass, surrounded by meadows and woodland. Unlike busier alpine climbs, there is no tourist bustle here—only fresh air, birdsong, and the satisfaction of reaching the top. From the pass, riders can continue into loops that connect the Savinja Valley with Zasavje, making Podmeja an excellent choice for longer, varied rides. Steep, scenic, and quiet, Podmeja is a climb that perfectly represents central Slovenia’s cycling experience: demanding enough to challenge, but peaceful enough to leave riders with a sense of discovery and reward.
