Days of Thunder

If we had to describe September in Kranjska Gora with a single sound, it would undoubtedly be the rumble of thunder. Add a little flash of chrome and the occasional squeal of tyres as they take on the bends, and you get a pretty accurate picture of our Alpine village during this half-summer, half-autumn month. 

September is the month when motorcyclists from near and far are especially drawn to the winding hairpin bends of the Vršič Pass. The autumn colours, pleasant temperatures, fewer summer crowds and, of course, the legendary character of this historic mountain road are more than enough reason for two-wheelers to set off on one last Alpine ride before winter and the cold set in. And when the traditional European Bike Week takes place at nearby Lake Faak in Austria – one of Europe’s largest and most renowned motorcycle events – the number of motorcyclists in our area increases noticeably as well.. This year, the 28th edition of the event, held from 8th to 13th September, once again brought motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world to the region, adding an extra dose of rumble, chrome and two-wheeled energy to the already lively autumn atmosphere of Kranjska Gora.

And since Kranjska Gora is just a few bends away from the event, there is no mistaking that it’s Bike Week all week long. The rumble starts early in the morning and continues throughout the day. Sometimes we hear it first – and only then see it coming. A group of motorcyclists rides past the hotel, followed by another, and then another. Some of these two-wheeled beasts could easily be mistaken for an approaching storm – except this one travels along the road rather than across the sky, and it certainly smells different. This particular “storm” fills the air with the unmistakable scent of petrol.The motorbikes come in every colour, shape, make and character. Some purr more gently, while others roar with a much more distinctive voice. And when they ride through Kranjska Gora in formation, it’s hard not to stop and watch.A true symphony of engines – a multi-voiced rumble you simply can’t miss.

Quite a few motorcyclists make a stop at our hotels every year and stay with us overnight. At first glance, they may seem a little different from the guests we meet every day – often bearded, dressed in leather jackets, with a look that suggests they are no strangers to taking on a good mountain bend. But once they step off their bikes, they are simply friendly, down-to-earth and cheerful guests, who know how to enjoy both the ride and our company. And yes, we’ll admit it – we, too, look forward to their arrival every year. Not only because of the guests themselves, but also because of the little “motorcycle exhibition” that appears overnight in our hotel car parks.A little admiring, a few photos,… and just like that, the day is made.

As the rumble of the motorcycles gradually faded, Kranjska Gora was already treated to another dose of automotive roar the very next weekend – this time in a somewhat different, more elegant guise. Our roads welcomed the participants of the 29th Historic a Quota 1000, a traditional gathering and sporting drive for historic vehicles organised by Historic Club Schio.This year’s event took place from 11th to 13th September, bringing a colourful collection of classic cars, characterful engines and plenty of vintage charm to the roads of the Julian Alps.

There was no shortage of colour, different makes, distinctive shapes and, above all, that special charm that only cars from another era can have. But don’t let their elegant looks fool you – these beauties didn’t come here simply for a Sunday drive. A sporting drive across the mountain passes of our beautiful Julian Alps means some serious work behind the wheel, especially on challenging mountain roads where bends, climbs and descents follow one another in quick succession. The demanding yet spectacular route is, after all, one of the defining features of the event – a perfect combination of driving skill, adrenaline and breathtaking Alpine scenery.

And how could such cars possibly resist the Julian Alps in September? They couldn’t. ❤️ The autumn sunshine, colourful forests, winding mountain roads and breathtaking views opening up around every bend seem almost made for a drive in a classic car. Even more so when you can leave the roof down and cruise through a golden autumn day. Just like in the old movies – only this time, the colours are much more vivid.

The classic cars also stopped by, stayed at our hotels, enjoyed some time together and – as befits guests like these – brought a little extra liveliness to the evenings after a day on the road. So, this September was truly all about Days of Thunder. And while motorcycles and classic cars may look and sound very different, they share something wonderfully simple: a love of driving, winding roads, breathtaking views and the Julian Alps. And us? We’ll be more than happy to welcome them back next year. The parking spaces are ready. The ears are ready too. 😉