Cycling Trail of Gorski Kotar stages

The cycling trail is split into seven sections which take you on a tour across Gorski Kotar. In addition to a short description and technical information, you will learn more about the attractions and other useful facts on each section.

Stage E1: Delnice – Skrad

A section of Gorski kotar’s Cycling Trail from Delnice to Skrad will provide you with a possibility to truly experience Gorski kotar – combining rises and falls through its colorful woodland vegetation. You will start from Delnice, pass through the slopes of Petehovac to Karolina Road, the oldest road in Croatia, connecting hinterland with the sea. Karolina Road will lead you through a region where the famous gastronomic event – „Plodovi gorja“ (Fruits of the mountain) – takes place, then will continue along picturesque hamlets of Ravna Gora and Skrad and finally reach a destination that before was visited only by braver hikers. Today it is an unavoidable point of all nature admirers.

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Stage E2: Skrad – Severin na Kupi

The Skrad–Severin na Kupi section could be nicknamed “Cycling from the Dobra to the Kupa river”. Starting from Skrad, the source of the Dobra river, the trail first takes you across the hilly terrain of the river’s left bank where you can take in the scents of numerous orchards and their seasonal fruits. Follow the trail down the Dobra river valley, a treasure trove of Gorski Kotar’s many hidden gems. Keep cycling from Vrbovsko through vast beech forest expanses – the border separating the Croatian mountain region from continental Croatia. At the end of the section, you will find the Kupa river and Zrinski and Frankopan castles.

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Stage E3: Severin na Kupi – Brod na Kupi

Start your ride from Severin na Kupi to Brod na Kupi, two settlements with the Kupa river in their name, in the birthplace of Croatian poet Ivan Goran Kovačić. On your way to his home village of Lukovdol, you will instantly see what inspired so many of his works. Creativity is certainly in the air, and it will overcome you in Plemenitaš, where true Gorski Kotar works of art are made. Inspiration may be coming from the Orlova Stijena viewpoint, which will certainly take your breath away – and not because of the ascent to get there – but rather its magnificent view of the Kupa river, to which you will cycle via Brod Moravice. The section ends in Brod na Kupi, whose centre proudly houses the Zrinski Castle with its “Wilderness with a Sea View” permanent exhibition and the Routes of the Frankopans Interpretation Centre.

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Stage E4: Brod na Kupi – Tršće

The Brod na Kupi–Tršće section of the Cycling Trail of Gorski Kotar takes you upstream, along the upper flow of the Kupa river, whose preserved environment and biodiversity makes for a perfect home to more than 100 diurnal butterfly species. The entire Kupa river valley is often nicknamed the “Butterfly Valley” for this very reason. The road will take you along the right bank of the Kupa river, through the picturesque hamlets of Kuželj, Gašparci and Turke, and the numerous rapids and beaches are perfect for taking a dip. The water-powered mill and sawmill in Zamost and the ethnological collection of the house of Palčava Šiša in Plešce are also a must-visit. The development of this area is credited to Petar Zrinski, who had an iron smelting plant built in Čabar in 1651. The most famous structure in Čabar is the 16th-century Zrinski Castle, located only 700 metres from the Čabranka river source. A more demanding ascent awaits you on the way from Čabar to Tršće, but every metre crossed will be well worth the effort.

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Stage E5: Tršće – Crni Lug

The Tršće–Crni Lug section is the highest one of the Cycling Trail of Gorski Kotar, taking you through the most forested areas of Gorski Kotar. Riding down this section, the only sounds to reach you – apart from wheels turning on gravel – will be birdsong and the sound of the wind. Immerse yourself in the rich scents of forest plants and visit a few unique viewpoints which can be reached on bicycle. A visit to the mountain lodges of the section will reward you with an authentic atmosphere of Gorski Kotar’s unparalleled forests. The end of the section takes you to the Risnjak massif with its rich flora and fauna. The main entrance to the Risnjak National Park is located in Crni Lug.

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Stage E6: Crni Lug – Fužine

After pedalling through vast forests, Gorski Kotar treats you to another one of its treasures – water. Having passed the Kupa river, the rest of the Crni Lug–Fužine section could be nicknamed “Lakes of Gorski Kotar”. Immediately after Crni Lug, in Mrzla Vodica, you will come across two lakes named Mrzlica and Lokvar. The Lokvar lake, also known as the Youth Lake, was created as a result of a dam construction in Lokve in 1954. It guards the original route of the Louisiana road, a state-of-the-art road of the time which connected Rijeka and Karlovac more than 200 years ago, but got flooded due to the accumulation of the Lokvar lake. After cycling uphill to witness the most beautiful view of Risnjak at Ravno Podolje, take the trail downhill to the Lepenica valley. Follow the Lepenica stream to the eponymous lake, which is connected to the Bajer lake in Fužine. You will also come across the Vrelo cave, hiding a small lake within, thus perfectly rounding off the experience of cycling along the Gorski Kotar lakes. The section ends in Fužine, a settlement sitting at 730 metres above sea level and surrounded by picturesque mountains, the serenity of centuries-old coniferous forests and gorgeous lakes. For the full experience of Fužine, we recommend a couple of days’ stay. Other than on bicycle, you can explore the area – especially the Bajer lake – on foot or by boat, train or carriage.

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Stage E7: Fužine – Delnice

Cycling across Gorski Kotar is a treat for all senses. While riding your bicycle, enjoy the gorgeous views, scents of forest plants, birdsong and tastes of Gorski Kotar. The Fužine–Delnice section is fully packed with these – from cycling by a field of mountain lavender and forest fruits to tasting the blueberry strudel, Gorski Kotar liqueurs, marmalades, teas and the “škripavac” cheese. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the 200-year-old Louisiana road connecting Rijeka and Karlovac. The Vrelo cave and the Lokvarka cave, both open for tourists, will enchant you with their rich underground world. Also, make sure to stop by Mrkopalj, a village dating back to the late 15th century, which experienced a real boom with the construction of the Caroline road. Mrkopalj is also known as the “Cradle of Croatian Skiing”, seeing as the first ski course in Croatia was organised here in 1913. From Mrkopalj and Sunger, the trail takes you back to Delnice, the highest inhabited town in Croatia.

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Explore stunning landscapes, breathe fresh air, visit castles, stay in charming cottages, and savor authentic, nature-inspired cuisine.

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Gastronomy

Don’t miss out on the rich Gorski Kotar feast and enjoy gastronomic specialities prepared using ingredients sourced from the hills or venison specialities, along with other local delicacies. A richness of flavour, authentic dishes and local beverages offer a chance to sit back and rediscover long lost flavours.

Accommodation

Gorski Kotar offers a rest for the soul and body throughout the year. Look for accommodation, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you will fall asleep to the gentle murmur of the forest and the chirping of birds. In any larger settlement of Gorski Kotar you will find comfortable accommodation waiting just for you and inviting you to a revitalising holiday.

Events

Discover a wide range of events in Gorski Kotar that will enrich your experience. Learn about our customs, traditions, and rich gastronomy. Get involved and be an active participant in sports and recreational activities, or join us in cheering on the competitors. Join our irresistible cultural and entertainment events for the perfect dose of enjoyment and relaxation.