This magical place with unique waterfalls and population under 100 is called Rastoke, and you'll be accomodated there for a part of this trip
Photo by Brch
This magical place with unique waterfalls and population under 100 is called Rastoke, and you'll be accomodated there for a part of this trip
Photo by BrchSports & adventure trip
Experience Croatia's inland while cycling 170 km through the globally recognised natural beauties such as Plitvice lakes, mountain Dinara, waterfalls, caves – and even through a unique jungle in the heart of Europe
Croatia is much more than the beautiful Adriatic sea: rivers and rapids, mountains and valleys, caves, waterfalls and lakes, forests and jungles... You can see them all on this 170 km easy cycling tour over 7 days through the Croatian regions of Gorski Kotar and Lika.
This tour is a part of Via Dinarica route for cyclists, hikers and other travelers in the Dinara mountain area. Mountain watercourses give it a special charm; on their way towards the river Sava they form attractive canyons with numerous waterfalls and other attractive sights, courtesy of the unrestrained power of the water.
Discover the less known part of our country – the “Green lungs” of Croatia: a place where nature dominates in its most beautiful appearance.
This tour is accompanied with our professional bike guide Antun, and the benefit is that he is also a designer of this programme. You can bring your bikes, or we will provide them for you.
| Trip available | APR - OCT |
| Duration | 7 days |
| Suitable for | 4-6 people |
| Support | Fully guided |
| Languages |   |
| Price per person | from 589.00 € |
UCI licensed bike guide, Gorski Kotar and Kvarner region specialist
Activities are taking place in Gorski Kotar and Lika regions
Photo courtesy of RaftrekCycling on the road, anticipation will rise as you approach Plitvice lakes
Photo © Antun AndrijaševićJust as your trip designer couldn't help himself but to stop and admire the view, you too might get overwhelmed with nature's beauty on the green line
Photo courtesy of RaftrekKorana village is at the northeastern entrance to the Plitvice National Park
Photo by Beata Angyalosi For 2 hours, you'll dip underground to the Barać caves, where it's constantly 9 deg Celsius.
Legend has it that Plitvice lakes emerged following a great drought in the area. People, animals and plants were longing for a drop of water. The people were persistently praying, and then one day, the Black Queen descended to the valley from her fairy castle. Having heard the peasants’ prayers, the Queen took pity on them and the rain finally started falling, accompanied by strong wind and thunder. It was raining for so long until the water level was high enough to form lakes.
Still, the science teaches us that Plitvice lakes phenomenon is the result of processes and limestone sedimentation over centuries.
In comparison with other similar phenomena in the world, vegetation in the sedimentation process makes a unique process developing on these lakes. The interaction between water, air, rocks and vegetation is constantly changing and the result can only be described as – magic.
Equally magical are Rastoke, a symbol of marvellous formations made by nature and technical discoveries by man dating back for centuries. Namely, the so-called spoon-like water-mills (mlinice-žličare) were built in the beautiful natural surroundings. This is the first time that primitive machinery is not run by human or animal force, and they were built so that several millstones are used for different types of grinding. It is also possible to see the so-called baskets (koševi), used for rinsing woollen objects and washing laundry, so we might as well call them the first washing machines.
You will be welcomed the first day of the tour in Ogulin, a town situated halfway between Zagreb and Rijeka. Today is check-in day without cycling, so discover this surrounding, like the magical Klek mountain. When viewed from the south, Klek resembles a sleeping giant with the rocks of Klečice as its feet and the peak rock as its head. Ogulin is also known as the birthplace of our most famous children fairy tales writer, Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić – the Croatian Tolkien, as people call her dearly. Don’t forget to take a look at the Đula's Abyss – the longest Croatian cave.
The most important gastronomic specialties of Ogulin are lamb, potatoes under the bell (ispod peke), cabbage with pork hocks, home-made polenta, bread with five types of flour, barbecue and beans. Your host will recommend the most delicious restaurants, depending on your preferences
Are you already feeling the fresh mountain air? This Lika region is called the lungs of Croatia. Today you will meet your trip guide Antun. Get on the bikes, because we are starting cycle adventure down the valley!
We will stop at the International Ceramics Centre in the village of Plaški for a lunch break and artistic inspiration. As creative work gives people the feeling of pleasure and fulfilment of their inner needs, a creative ceramics workshop will be organised, so you will get to make your own souvenir. Don't worry, the surrounding nature will most surely inspire you.
Did you know that forests cover as much as 47% of Croatia? Beech and fir are prevalent in this area. You will reach the village Rakovica through one of several Croatian preserved jungles. Get comfortable in your apartment where you will be accommodated two evenings in a row. Good night!
You are now at the entrance to the most famous Croatian national park – Plitvice lakes. Let its beauty carry you away and take you to completely new dimensions. Plitvice are ideal for exploring nature while taking long walks
Plitvice are 7 km from your apartment. You can get there by bike or use private transfer by car. Take a picture in front of the Big waterfall and share it with us on social networks
Croatia is known as the speleological El Dorado, and you will see that for yourselves during a tour to Barać caves – one of the numerous phenomena worth a visit. You can put bikes on safe spot over there, and then get ready for approximately 2 hour cave tour. We continue towards the town of Slunj and its main attraction – Rastoke, with its many unique waterfalls.
The temperature in Barać cave is always 9°C so don't forget to bring additional clothing to keep you warm during the tour
After breakfast we offer something special - optional event of the day: Mrežnica river kayaking. Your bikes will be stored and we will transfer you 2 villages away and then kayaking Mrežnica Canyon will take you pass cliffs of carved white rocks, lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls, but also through a gorge so narrow and deep that the sun enters it for only a few hours each day, around noon, creating spectacular light effects. You should bring a large memory card for your photo-camera as it will most definitely come in handy. Afternoon is reserved for some more cycling. This area is full of great easy going or moderate bike trails, so you can choose how long and how difficult you wish your daily rout to be, with your guide. In the evening, the culinary specialty of the area is on the menu - the brown trout.
No previous experience is needed. We use two-person sit-on-top kayaks which are easy and safe to navigate. You will get a life jacket, a helmet and a paddle, plus long neoprene suit and a rain jacket in case of cold weather. Waterproof containers are available for personal items. In case of colder weather take a long-sleeved shirt
The last day marks the end of this cycling adventure and return to the place where it all started – Ogulin. We are certain that you are now convinced that Via Dinarica is an inexhaustible source for the lovers of beautiful, preserved and untouched nature. Ideal for adventurous souls, everlasting explorers and adventurers, it won’t leave you indifferent. See you on a new adventure on Via Dinarica.
We will double-check availability and make reservations for your rooms, restaurants, guides etc.
With reservations confirmed, we will prepare the best offer possible in regard to your arrival date & party size
You will get the offer via e-mail, along with the payment options. Feel free to request further customisations!
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8 DAYS