Cycling Croatian National Parks

Explore the most beautiful national parks of Croatia by bike!

This cycling adventure is all about Croatia’s inland mountain regions and National Parks. Nestled between the Adriatic coast and the continental part of the country, lies the greenest rustic area filled with spectacular forests, verdant valleys and clear rivers and lakes. Relishing the smell of fresh air, we'll enjoy a scenic ride each day, exploring five of the oldest National Parks and their surroundings - Risnjak, Plitvice Lakes, North Velebit, Paklenica and Krka River National Parks.

This is an easy to moderate bicycle tour with full vehicle support that can carry passengers, luggage and bicycles during bad weather or on more difficult sections for clients not fit for moderate climbs. We use modern multi-gear touring bicycles, paved roads with no or very little car traffic and most of the time downhill or flat sections. The climbs will be few and short, easy to walk along your bike.
The combination of activity, nature, scenery and cultural immersion makes this journey a unique and unforgettable experience. The areas that we travel through have no big cities, hotels or tourist resorts.

+385 1 618 33 33

Itinerary / Highlights

DAY 1
Arrival in Zagreb or Rijeka and transfer to Zvecaj in Zeleni kut Hotel by the Mreznica River. After settling into your room, we will take a short tour of the villages, forests and rivers of the area. In the evening we will have the chance to discuss the upcoming itinerary over dinner and get to know our guides and fellow travelers.

DAY 2
Risnjak National Park and Kupa River Valley. The Park includes Risnjak and Snježnik ranges, as well as the source area of the Kupa River which is beyond doubt one of the most beautiful places in Gorski Kotar. The Kupa flows through a picturesque valley, also known as the mysterious valley of butterflies - more than 500 species of butterflies inhabit the area! We will explore the valley and its surroundings cycling through little villages and forest paths, where the fresh clean air will renew your senses. After the tour and a break we will hike to Zeleni Vir waterfall and Vrazji Prolaz Canyon (the Devil's Passage) before returning back to our hotel for dinner.

DAY 3
North Velebit National Park. After breakfast, we’ll load our bikes and luggage and drive to the youngest national park of Croatia in the north of Velebit mountain chain at 800 meter above sea level. After a short walk in the Krasno village and the park area, we will descend by bikes to the Valley of Gacka River, world famous for excellent trout fishing. A stop for lunch will be made by its source surrounded by numerous old wooden mills. From here, we continue our bike tour towards the UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Overnight in Korana Village.

DAY 4
Countryside and Barac Caves. Today is all about exploring the lovely pastoral Croatian countryside by bicycle. We cycle on roads that are nearly traffic free through forests, between hills and across green fields. Cycling through traditional villages, we come to Baraceve Caves, where we stop for a guided underground tour of the cave's fascinating limestone formations. According to the oral tradition of the local people, a man named Barac fought heroically and defeated a raging Turkish giant near these caves which were thereafter named in his honor. After visiting the caves there will be time for an optional visit and walk in the national park (small lakes and waterfalls) before going back to Korana Village in time to enjoy a traditional Croatian barbecue.

DAY 5
Plitvice Lakes National Park. Visiting the most beautiful and stunning National Park of Croatia used to be possible only walking or hiking around its 16 lakes, numerous waterfalls fed by both the Black and White Rivers, and seemingly endless forests. An area of breathtaking views and stunning sceneries, the park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site finally opened its doors to bicycle lovers in 2009. We will explore the area by bike and admire beautiful nature.

DAY 6
Paklenica National Park hiking and cycling. After saying goodbye to our village hosts we continue south to the narrow "Wild West" canyons of Zrmanja and Krupa Rivers and visit the medieval Krupa Monastery. We continue to Paklenica National Park, part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a favorite hiking and climbing destination. Lying on the southeast slopes of the Velebit Mountains near the coast and cut by two awe-inspiring gorges, Mala Paklenica and Velika, Paklenica's scenery is one of the most pristine in the whole Mediterranean. The lofty peaks making up this range offer huge views of both coastal and mountain scenery. There are several wonderful hikes through beech and black pine forests to choose from. After descending all the way to the sea we drive to Skradin for the evening.

DAY 7
The last day of the journey takes us to Krka River National Park with its fantastic karst formations and travertine waterfalls. We explore the park's extensive waterways and complex history. Optional visit of the famous Skradinski Buk waterfall, the place where the second hydro plant in the world was built, just a few years after the one on Niagara Falls. We will bike to the shores of the Visovac Lake where the boat will take us to Visovac Island and Franciscan monastery. After biking, return to the hotel and enjoy late afternoon in the old town before the final evening dinner and a celebration of an amazing adventure.

DAY 8
Departure

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Zeleni kut ("The Green Corner") is a well known restaurant and a small family owned hotel overlooking the green river Mreznica and its waterfall. Each room has its own bathroom, most of them a sunny balcony as well. It is built above the old mill which now supplies electrical power and serves traditional specialities using fresh water fish from its own fish ponds, home made cheese, ham and sausages as well as local farm grown vegetables and fruit.

Accommodation in Plitvice Lakes NP is provided by the families of Korana Village, a small romantic place hidden away in a valley surrounding both sides of the Korana River. The houses are small, traditional dwellings with simple rooms in an idyllic setting. You will have a private room or apartment with bathroom. The peaceful atmosphere makes the village an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area – Korana Village has no pubs, restaurants, shops, schools, not even a church – it’s just a village as small and as wonderful as it can be, an ideal setting for a fairy tale.

The 3* hotel “Skradinski Buk” in Skradin, is only 300 meters away from the coast. You will be accomodated in completely renovated and refurbished rooms, all equipped with air conditioning, mini bar, satellite TV, telephone, bathroom and balcony.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

May 5, May 12, May 19, May 26, Jun 2, Sept 15, Sept 22, Sept 29, Oct 6, Oct 13, Oct 20: 560 Euro
Jun 9, Jun 16, Jun 23, Jun 30, Jul 7, Aug 25, Sept 1, Sept 8: 670 Euro
Jul 14Jul 21, Jul 28, Aug 4, Aug 11, Aug 18: 740 Euro

Other dates on request.

Child reduction (12-16 years): 10%
Single room supplement: 20%

+385 1 618 33 33