Exploring the 612 Plave – Gonjače Road: A Motorcyclist’s Guide through the Heart of the Julian Alps

The 612 Plave – Gonjače road is situated in western Slovenia, beginning near the village of Plave and culminating in the settlement of Gonjače. The route passes through several small communities, including Vrhovlje pri Kojskem, Kojsko, and Vojkova ulica, before reaching its endpoint. This area is characterized by its proximity to the Soča River and its position within the foothills of the Julian Alps. The region is renowned for its natural beauty and viticultural heritage, with the road itself serving as a connector between the Soča Valley and the Goriška Brda wine region. An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of the article.

The 612 Plave – Gonjače road extends for approximately 6.2 km (3.9 miles), offering a moderately twisty ride that will appeal to motorcyclists who enjoy a mix of gentle and more pronounced curves. The road surface is asphalt, with a quality that can be described as generally good, though some sections may exhibit minor wear. Riders will encounter a combination of one-lane and two-lane segments, with two-lane stretches making up the largest proportion (about 46%). The width of the road varies, with middle and wide sections each accounting for about 46% of the route, ensuring comfortable passage for most motorcycles. The elevation ranges from 78 m (256 ft) at its lowest point near Plave to 390 m (1,280 ft) at its highest near Gonjače, providing a gradual ascent through the foothills. Approximately a third of the road passes through inhabited areas, offering glimpses of local life and architecture.

One of the defining features of this route is its adjacency to the Soča River, a waterway celebrated for its emerald-green color and significance in both natural and historical contexts. The road also traverses the lower reaches of the Julian Alps, offering riders views of rolling vineyards and distant peaks. The Goriška Brda region, accessible from Gonjače, is known for its wine production and hilltop villages, with Gonjače View Tower providing panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Kojsko, another settlement along the route, is home to the Church of the Holy Cross, a notable example of local religious architecture. These attractions make the road a worthwhile detour for riders interested in combining motorcycling with cultural exploration.

The 612 Plave – Gonjače road is open to motorcycles throughout the year, with no regular seasonal closures reported. However, as with many mountain and rural roads in Slovenia, temporary closures may occur due to maintenance work, local events, or adverse weather conditions, particularly during periods of heavy rain or snow. Riders are advised to check local traffic updates before setting out. There are currently no restrictions specific to motorcycles on this route. For up-to-date information on road conditions and closures in Slovenia, consult the official Traffic Information Centre for Public Roads.

There is no toll or entrance fee required to ride the 612 Plave – Gonjače road. The route is classified as a local road and is free to access for all vehicles, including motorcycles. Riders should be aware that toll conditions in Slovenia may change in the future, particularly for major highways and expressways. For the latest information on road tolls and vignettes in Slovenia, refer to the DARS vignette information page.