Seven Serpents is one of Europe’s most distinctive unsupported gravel bikepacking events, taking riders on a spectacular journey through Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy. Starting in Ljubljana, the route heads south across Slovenia before island-hopping along Croatia’s Adriatic coast and finishing in Trieste, combining rugged gravel roads, quiet secondary tarmac, mountain climbs, and breathtaking coastal scenery into an unforgettable ultra-distance adventure.
The flagship event covers approximately 1,000 km with around 18,000 m of elevation gain, making it a demanding challenge that rewards endurance, route management, and self-sufficiency rather than outright speed. Riders navigate a fixed GPX route without outside support, relying on local towns, ferries, and careful planning to complete the course within the time limit.
What sets Seven Serpents apart is its constantly changing terrain. Fast Slovenian gravel roads give way to remote mountain tracks, Mediterranean islands, rocky coastal paths, and quiet inland villages. The frequent transitions between landscapes make every day feel different, while ferry crossings and technical gravel sectors add an extra layer of strategy to the ride.
For riders looking for a shorter challenge, the organizers also offer Quick Bite!, a 500 km version with around 10,000 m of climbing that delivers the same adventurous spirit in a more accessible format. Whether tackling the full Seven Serpents or its shorter sibling, participants can expect a route that blends challenging riding with some of the most beautiful scenery the Adriatic region has to offer.
Based on this event's terrain, difficulty and riding style.
Seven Serpents covers 1000 km with 18000 m of climbing along the way — a steadily rolling profile from start to finish.
A Gravel Bike is the right tool for Seven Serpents. Set it up with 45-50mm Tubeless rubber and gear it low — a 38-40T (1x) chainring and 10-51T cassette will keep you spinning on the steeper sections.
Seven Serpents carries an overall difficulty rating of Advanced. The terrain itself is rough, technical terrain for a good stretch of the route, the climbing is steadily rolling, with a healthy amount of climbing, and conditions tend to run mild and generally comfortable.
Seven Serpents runs on June 7, 2026, placing it firmly in the summer riding season, with long daylight hours, though heat can become a real factor.
Seven Serpents's route is gravel. Plan your tire choice around 45-50mm Tubeless for the best combination of speed and comfort.