The GLR 48
The GLR 48 explores the beauty of Southern Slovenia and the Istrian Peninsula. From the Goriška Region in Slovenia to the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County in Croatia. Go on an adventure with this 361km adventure route with 113 kilometers of off-road sections! Don’t wait and adventurise this GLR!
The GLR 48
| Čepovan - Kamenjak | 361km | ||
| 113km off-road | May / September |
The GLR 48 motorcycle adventure route leads you for over 361 kilometers through the Goriška Coastal–Karst regions of Slovenia and the Istria and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County regions of Northern Croatia. 113 of those kilometers will traverse over off-road sections. If the going gets tough, The Back-up Tracks will support you with 13 different sections. With a total of 5 connecting GLRs to this GLR 48, you’re able to continue to Adventurise the region. Let’s get going!
The GLR 48 is a Moderate route and can be challenging for beginning adventure riders. More information about the GLR Route Gradings System.
Route info
With the GLR 48 motorcycle adventure route, you’re going to explore the famous Istrian peninsula, the beautiful south of Slovenia, and ride alongside the shoreline at Rijeka. With 361 kilometers of total length, of which 113 will traverse over off-road sections, this is going to be the Croatian adventure you’ve been waiting for!
From your departure, at Čepovan you don’t have to wait for long until you hit the off-road. Just after 1 kilometer, you’ll find yourself on the vast network of Slovenian forest roads. The best part of this, it’s a nationally recognized road! Follow this road 608 down south when it eventually turns into a paved surface.
This is going to be the pace between on-road and off-road sections for the upcoming 90 kilometers. After these, you’ll be able to see the coast from the hills. This is the Italian outpost of Triest. You’re riding down alongside the border, but you’ll never cross it.
After the Italian border, you’re making your way for the Croatian border, but not before you explore the beautiful hills surrounding Koper. It’s here where you’re going to see the border fence in the distance. Croatia still has active border control, so don’t wander too close to the fence.
With your passport in hand and a smile on your face, you cross the border into Croatia. After a few shorter off-road sections, you’re in for a somewhat longer on-road one passing the Butoniga reservoir. After 45 kilometers of an on-road section through the Istrian Peninsula, a beautiful 18,5-kilometer off-road section lies right in front of you.
You explore the region surrounding the city of Labin before you head in the direction of Rijeka. With another 22,5 kilometer off-road section ahead, I personally think this is the best part of the GLR 48 adventure route. With the shoreline to your right and the Island of Cres in the distance, you’re making your way towards the tourist city of Rijeka.
It’s at Rijeka where you can find the best restaurants to try Croatian cuisine. After the city, it’s the last on-road stretch towards your destination at Kamenjak. It’s here where you can continue your motorcycle adventure on the GLR 49 & GLR 51. More information about these connections can be found down below!
Goriška Region
The Goriška region is situated to the west of Slovenia bordering Italy. The name Goriška is an adjective referring to the city of Gorizia in Italy. The Region stretches from the Julian Alps in the North and follows the Soča River down south up to Nova Gorica and the Karst Plateau. It encompasses several municipalities like Tolmin and Nova Gorica which the GLRs explore.
The region’s climate is influenced by the variety of reliefs like the Julian Alps and the Adriatic sea. The Goriška region has a continental climate with great differences between summer and winter. Near the coastal areas, a more Mediterranean climate gets overhand. While up north to the Soča Valley, the climate starts to shift towards a more Alpine-influenced one. Goriška is best Adventurised from late spring up until early autumn.
Besides the region’s natural beauty, the Goriška region has a rich history as well. Dating back to the early 600 and its first Slavic Settlements, up to modern history and the disintegration of Yugoslavia. If you love history and visiting important landmarks, you’re going to enjoy the Goriška region!
Download the GLR 48
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Adventurising Europe
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Connecting Routes
Connections in Čepovan
At the Slovenian village of Čepovan just across the border from Italy, four amazing adventure routes come together. You’ve probably finished the GLR 48 and you’re looking forward to more! Great, because here they come!
The GLR 44 explores the border region between Slovenia and Italy. This 160-kilometer route leads you up north and will eventually cross the border into Austria. You’ll finish this route at Hermagor-Pressegger See.
Instead of the North, explore the region west of Slovenia. The GLR 45 guides you through the plains south of the Dolomites. With 145km in total length of which 26 kilometers of off-road sections, this is a different adventure route you’re used to. This route is best explored outside the summer months.
Or go for the GLR 47, which is the adventure route with an off-road percentage of 73%! Yes, this route consists mostly of off-road sections. With a smaller 89km in total length, this GLR 47 is worthwhile to do within one day. This route is best avoided when the road will be wet due to its off-road nature.
Connections in Kamenjak
At the Croatian town of Kamenjak, you have the opportunity to continue your journey on two adventure routes.
The GLR 49 heads for 125 kilometers northeast towards Kočevje. With an off-road percentage of 63%, this is an adventurous road, to say the least. Be aware, this route ends off-road!
Or choose the GLR 51! This route explores the Adriatic Coast of Croatia and takes you close to the Bosnian border. For 167 kilometers this route will be your guide through the less touristy areas of this beautiful country. This route is best-ridden during spring and summer.
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