MTB 04*
Velebit 3
Road 02*
This bike route is intended for riders who prefer a long, constant but not too steep ascent. In addition, you will get the chance to see Velebit mountain range both from the southern and from the northern side. After the start in Starigrad, the route will first take you to the Adriatic road (Jadranska magistrala) right on the coast until you reach Rovenska and then you will start to slightly ascent the Zrmanja Canyon up to the highest point (765 m), followed by 11 km of well-deserved descent towards Gračac and Ričice lake.
This attractive trail through the peaks and slopes of the southern Velebit mountain will be especially appealing to the MTB and trekking riders in better physical condition for whom long ascents do not represent a greater problem. From the sea level start on almost 1000 m hights, beautiful panoramic views of the Velebit canal and the Zadar archipelago will help you master a long ascent without shades. Reaching the highest peak brings the reward of temperature difference and awe of Tulove grede towers. Long serpentine descent to the Zrmanja canyon will surely put a smile on your face. Given that there are no springs nor gastronomic facilities on the trail, make sure to bring enough liquids.
*Route to be marked by the end of 2020.
Paklenica 1
Start/Finish
Starigrad
Length
Via
Jasenice - Zaton
Physical Difficulty
2/3
Elevation
831 m
Start/Finish Rovanjska
Length
51 km
Obrovački -
Via
Libinjska kosa -
Physical Difficulty
3/3
Gračac - Štikada
Pariževačka
Technical Difficulty 1/3
glavica
Elevation
52.5 km
Discover MTB, ROAD or FAMILY cycling rutes in Zadar Region!
Riviera Paklenica
1268 m
MTB 01*
Veliko Rujno
MTB 12*
750
T&F 11
Zrmanja 1
Posedarje
Altitude M
600 1000
400
Via
Veliko Rujno
Technical Difficulty 1/3
Length
26.7 km
Elevation
0
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Distance KM
MTB 06*
Velebit 5
A demanding route starting from the Zrmanja River canyon to the peaks of the South Velebit Mountain range, is intended for MTB riders in better physical condition. In spite of a 20 km long ascent and moderately rough macadam during descent, riding on this trail will satisfy the needs of even most-demanding riders. Beautiful views of rocky and rare karst forms, a spring of clear water, numerous bends and unforgettable panoramic views of the Zadar Archipelago will make you want to ride on this trail again.
2/3 955 m
900 800 700 600 Altitude M
5
500 400 300
Start/Finish
Zaton Obrovački
Physical Difficulty
3/3
Via
tunel Sv. Rok
Technical Difficulty 2/3
Length
50.1 km
Elevation
Start/Finish Posedarje
Length
Start/Finish Muškovci
Length
34.3 km
Via
Physical Difficulty 1/3
Via
Manastir Krupa -
Physical Difficulty
2/3
Kaštel Žegarski
Technical Difficulty 1/3 Elevation
Elevation
734 m
300
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
0
2,5
5
7,5
10
12,5
15
17,5
20
22,5
25
27,5
30
32,5
Altitude M
250 0 15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Distance KM
MTB 07*
Velebit 6
Due to this circular trail of moderate technical difficulty you will have a chance to get acquainted with both sides of the Velebit mountain, especially riders in better physical condition. After starting with a long ascent along the south karstic part of the Velebit, you will enter, with a climate change, into more wooded continental part of Velebit. The return trip brings moderately challenging descent with beautiful views of Zadar hinterland, islands and the Zrmanja canyon.
MTB 02*
Start/Finish Rovanjska
Physical Difficulty
Libinjska kosa
Technical Difficulty 2/3
Length
33.7 km
Elevation
Technical Difficulty 2/3
Length
43.8 km
Elevation
Altitude M
3/3
Altitude M
12
13
14
5
10
15
20
25
30
Physical Difficulty
2/3
Popovići - Bruška
Elevation
627 m
400 300 200
Length
6.4 km
Via
Physical Difficulty
1/3
Elevation
126 m
100
0
10
12,5
15
17,5
20
22,5
25
27,5
30
32,5
40
44
Velebit 2
Physical Difficulty
Start/Finish Rovanjska Zaton Obrovački
Via Length
Technical Difficulty 1/3
Length
Elevation
21.2 km
Elevation
1/3
23.9 km 1/3
50
- Muškovci
Elevation
378 m
0,5
1
1,5
2
2,5
3
3,5
4
4,5
5
5,5
200
6
100
50
0
Start/Finish Muškovci
Length
Via
Physical Difficulty 1/3
Bilišane
MTB 14*
50 0 0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Distance KM
1847 m
Start/Finish Muškovci
Physical Difficulty
Length
Technical Difficulty 1/3
31.2 km
2/3
50
55
60
65
70
18
20
22
Length
Via
Zaton Obrovački
Physical Difficulty
2/3
- Manastir Krupa
Elevation
1376 m
58.8 km
300 200
0 0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
Distance KM
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
Road 20*
Zrmanja 2
Maslenica
This circular route, intended for recreational MTB and trekking riders, is near the Zrmanja canyon and starts at locality Kaštel Žegarski. It leads through interesting landscapes of Dalmatian inland with typical vegetation and karst landscape. Route does not follow the river, but this ride on a technically undemanding terrain through the quiet and not very populated Zadar hinterland will meet the expectations of all MTB riders in moderate physical condition.
The road trail Maslenica is a demanding circular trail intended for true lovers of road cycling. All those who consider 100 km of cycling to be a pleasure or challenge will be thrilled with the long ascents with maximum decline of 15%, as well as with the magnificent panoramas of river canyons and the Zadar archipelago. The route starts at Maslenički most (Maslenica Bridge) along the Novigrad and Karin Sea, it ascends towards the canyons of the rivers Zrmanja and Krupa, and then follows the same downstream before returning back to the narrow Maslenica canal.
Start/Finish
Kaštel Žegarski
Length 29.15 km
Start/Finish Maslenica
Length 108.3 km
Via
Medviđa
Physical Difficulty
1/3
Via
Zaton Obrovački -
Physical Difficulty
3/3
Elevation
498 m
Manastir Krupa -
Elevation
1826 m
Novigrad
5
7,5
10
12,5
15 Distance KM
17,5
20
22,5
25
27,5
30 31,25
MOUNTAIN BIKING
TREKKING & FAMILY
ROAD BIKING
Find your route with downloadable GPS data and maps or download app with offline navigation!
www.zadarbikemagic.com
500 400
200
300 200 100
Impressum / publisher: Zadar County Tourist Board; for the publisher: Mihaela Kadija; text: HD Navigatio d.o.o.; photo: Vedran Metelko, CNTB Archive; design and prepress: Hoba Zadar; print: Kerschoffset d.o.o. Zagreb
0 2,5
The diversity of the Zadar region provides fascinating experiences for cycling-lovers. The long and rugged coastline, an amazing archipelago, interesting and authentic hinterland with unique views such as Paklenica and the three river canyons, along with the moon-like surface of the magical island of Pag…, are just the highlights of what Zadar region has to offer!
20
300
0
Zadar
400
150
2
Zagreb
24
500
400
Altitude M
Altitude M
Altitude M 45
16
Start/Finish Obrovac
356 m
100
40
14
Obrovac 2
100
512 m
500
0 35
12
100
T&F 20
Zrmanja 3
An interesting and technically undemanding route intended for the MTB riders in moderate physical condition. The trail starts on the Zrmanja River and continues with a light ascent towards almost abandoned parts of the Zadar hinterland, with numerous stone houses and vegetation typical for the karst landscape. After reaching the peak at almost 400 m above the sea level, you will easily ride downhill towards the Zrmanja River canyon and the belvederes where you will enjoy the view over a blue-green stream magnificently entering the sea.
0 Distance KM
10
20.6 km
21,5
200
30
8
A route a long the deep hinterland of Zadar, moderately difficult and lasting 2 to 3 hours, is intended for those who prefer long ascents with magnificent panoramas. You are starting from Obrovac to the south through an area with almost utterly abandoned settlements with stone houses built in a typical Mediterranean karst. Upon descending to the Zrmanja river canyon, the landscape becomes more picturesque and green, and the Monastery Krupa dating from 14th century and located at the Krupa river, will definitely not make you feel indifferent.
Distance KM
250
25
6
Road 19*
200
0
700
20
4
2
Distance KM
Zrmanja 1
100
750
15
www.zadarbikemagic.com
50
400
10
Muškovci
Physical Difficulty
150
1000
5
50
250
459 m
Elevation
0
45
Length
300
3/3
500
40
Zaton Obrovački
Elevation
Technical Difficulty 2/3
71.2 km
35
Via
This recreational ride along the Zrmanja river starts at locality Paravinja Dolac. Route leads you to nearby hills which are not very demanding and are ideal for a light training. The last 4 km of the route are on top of the Zrmanja canyon, with breathtaking views. Zrmanja is rich in warm water, canyons and waterfalls, with its crystal clear waters meandering through 200 m deep canyon.
200
Altitude M
The riding on this demanding route, intended for recreational MTB riders in a physically and technically better condition, will offer a true experience of the Velebit Mountain Range. Right upon the start from Rovanjska a long and demanding ascent awaits you, by which you will come to the high rocky and rugged phenomena which will hover over you like guards – especially the tower-like rocky cliffs Tulove grede. The rugged Mediterranean landscape will be replaced by the mountains which will refresh you and lower the air temperature very quickly as well. On 33rd km you can refresh yourself with drinkable water before you start riding downhill towards the Zrmanja River canyon, which in some of its parts is very demanding. During your last 20 km you will enjoy in collecting impressions of blue-green Zrmanja River and views of the Zadar Archipelago.
Via Vinjerac
30
Start/Finish Obrovac
T&F 19
Altitude M
MTB 03*
Physical Difficulty
25
75
River Zrmanja canyon, barren land of the longest Croatian mountain range Velebit, a unique location where there are no visible buildings in 360 degrees’ view. An unspoiled nature reminiscents of the prairies of North America where, according to the novel by German writer Karl May, an Indian chief Winnetou lived. The location was used in the 1960’s to capture the widely popular TV show beloved by many generations. A wonderful and unique place to discover and experience while bike riding and surely one of the most attractive areas for mountain biking, covered with numerous bike trails that will clearly reveal why the film producers selected precisely this location to act as a homeland of Chief Winnetou.
Posedarje
Start/Finish Posedarje
20
150
This interesting and not very demanding route is recommended to all MTB and trekking riders of basic fitness who want recreation and sightseeing of the local paths and settlements. The route starts from the municipality Posedarje, mentioned as far back as the 13th century under the Latin name Possedaria. Riding on this recognizable karst under the Velebit Mountain, at the start you will see the Novigrad sea on one side and the Velebit Mountain and Velika (Big) and Mala (Small) Paklenica canyons on the other. After the settlement Vinjerac one more ascent follows, on the top of which you will once more be able to look at the Zadar hinterland before returning to Posedarje.
Distance KM
15
Easy route along the river Zrmanja canyon is ideal for warming up and getting acquainted with the hard and savage Velebit karst. The circular route starting in Obrovac will provide two moderate ascents with the same number of descents. What makes this ride incredibly interesting is double crossing of the river Zrmanja with the inevitable waterfall Berberov buk and the Obrovac fortress.
Altitude M
7,5
10
Road 18*
Altitude M
5
2,5
5
Distance KM
0 0
52 km
500
1378 m
35
Obrovac 1
15
Vinjerac
Vučjak
50
Distance KM
400
MTB 11*
250
11
Start/Finish Vinjerac
0
Distance KM
500
10
Did you know?
0
750
9
45
40
Length
0
0
1178 m
8
35
25
200
1000
Altitude M
Golubić
7
125
750
2/3
Via
Physical Difficulty
Via
6
100
1000
Velebit 1
This trail along the rocky regions of the Velebit mountain is intended for technically and physically advanced recreational MTB riders. There are no springs nor gastronomic facilities on the second serpentine ascent from the sea coast to the peaks of the southern Velebit, so make sure to bring enough liquids, although the temperature difference on the peak will refresh you soon enough. This very interesting landscape will give you an impression of the Alps rather than a place of only few kilometres from the Adriatic Sea. Descent will cross the highway several times, but be extra careful on the parts with rough macadam.
Start/Finish Muškovci
5
30
Karin Gornji -
A short and easy trail which starts and ends in Vinjerac settlement, intended for recreational riders of basic fitness and families with children on mountain or trek bikes. The ride starts at the centre of Vinjerac, a settlement which dates back to prehistoric times. It continues on a slight ascent to Paškina glavica – highest point of the route (125 m) from which a nice view stretches over to the massive Velebit Mountain and Velika (Big) Paklenica and Mala (Small) Paklenica canyons. Going downhill on mostly macadam roads, you will quickly come to small hidden bays just as made for refreshment in the Velebit Channel before you finish your ride.
500
10
4
T&F 12
0
1330 m
750
5
3
25
Via
Distance KM
Distance KM
0
2
20
Start/Finish Obrovac
100
1000
26,47
1
15
Riding on this circular route is adjusted to cyclists who prefer a dynamic exchange of grounds with moderate ascents and very diverse landscapes. The route starts from Obrovac with stone contours of the Kurjaković dukes fortress in the blue-green river Zrmanja and continues along the Novigrad and Karin Sea, through nearly abandoned villages of Zadar hinterland.
0
Distance KM
2
353 m
50
0
10
Road 05*
15.5 km
100
200
5
Distance KM
150
100 0
0
200
400
200 0
Vučjak
0
Altitude M
Physical Difficulty
0
This interesting and not very demanding route is recommended for recreational MTB or trekking riders in basic physical condition who are looking for recreation and sightseeing. It starts from Posedarje, a 13th century latin locality Possedaria, and continues familiar karst with beautiful views of Novigrad Sea on one side and Velebit mountain, Velebit channel, Velika Paklenica and Mala Paklenica canyons on the other side.
Altitude M
Starigrad
250
The canyon of Zrmanja River, a beauty which will take your breath away, is one of the most attractive locations for all those thirsty for adventures. It is a river which in its canyon has created many lime cascades of which the most well-known is Berberov buk, from where this attractive circle route starts. With its technically easy terrain it is intended for MTB riders of moderate fitness and it offers a ride with many sights of the Zrmanja and Krupa Rivers, and the friary as a sacral object on the Krupa River makes this ride even more of a special tourist attraction.
Altitude M
Start/Finish
500
Altitude M
This ride towards the plateau Veliko Rujno is intended for MTB and trekking riders who like steeper and longer ascents which are not technically very demanding. From the center of the town Starigrad you start on a long ascent towards the very middle of the Velebit Mountain, a habitat to hundreds of plant and animal species, full of karst phenomena and speleological wonders. At the end of the ascent, at almost 900 m above the sea level the plateau Veliko Rujno awaits you – the most spacious upland of the Velebit Mountain which stretches seven km in length and one km in width. After a deserved break, a downhill ride towards Starigrad follows, whereby you will enjoy in beautiful panoramic views of the Zadar Archipelago. Considering that the whole route does not provide any shadow nor restaurants or shops, make sure to bring enough water with you.
Altitude M
200
0
2,5
5
7,5
10
12,5 Distance KM
15
17,5
20
22,5
25
27,5
0
10
20
30
40
50 Distance KM
60
70
80
90
100
MTB 01
Road 02
MTB 03
T&F 12
MTB 06
MTB 02
MTB 07
MTB 11 MTB 04 T&F 11
MTB 12
Road 18
T&F 19
Road 20
T&F 20 Road 19
Road 05
MTB 14
Legend Motorway
Peak
Tunnel
Windmill
Bridge/overpass
Cave
Major Roads
Pit Watercourse
Minor Roads
Occasional Watercourse
Gas Station
Spring
Railway line
Sinking river mouth
Populated area
Waterfalls, Rapids
Old Town, Walls
Lake
Archeological site
Marsh area
Church, Chapel, Monastery
Puddle, Well, Tank
Cemetery
Watermill
Sports ground
Lighthouse
Camp site
Meadow, Orchard
Mine, Excavation
Forrest
WARNING! Pay attention to signs and markings indicating the possibility of left over mines. Do not leave the marked roads and routes.
Disclaimer This map and accompanying information is intended solely to assist bicyclists in their selection of routes to ride on throughout Zadar Region. This information does not designate formal bikeways, so Zadar region Tourist Board (ZTB) does not guarantee the stability, condition or fitness of any of the listed routes. ZTB disclaims responsibility and shall not be answerable or held accountable in any matter for loss, damage or injury that may be suffered along any route marked as Zadar Bike Magic. Use at your own risk. Izrada karte: Sveučilište u Zagrebu - Geodetski fakultet - Katedra za kartografiju, 2019. Autor: prof. dr. sc. Stanislav Frangeš, Suradnik: izv. prof. dr. sc. Robert Župan