Country: Croatia
Area name: Istria peninsula
Activity: MTB
Date of the ride: 20-Jan-2008
Length (km): 63.3
Elevation gain (m): 2020
Technical difficulty: ●●
GPS tracklog: download
Overview of mountain biking route:
Učka is the mountain located on Istra peninsula. From the peak named Vojak at elevation of 1.401m over the see level is very nice view on islands, Adriatic coast, mountains in Slovenia, Gorski Kotar and Velebit area. The access on the ridge is possible from all sides. This mountain bike route starts from the coast side. The route is recommended during all seasons. The route can be combined with Ćićarija – Veliki Planik route.
Getting there: Europe, Croatia, Rijeka, Opatija, Lovran, Medveja (check below map).
Map of mountain biking route:
Description of MTB route:
The starting point of the mountain bike route is Medveja village. Medveja is situated at the coast. From Medveja follow the main highway to Mošćenička Draga and on the crossroad turn to Mošćenice village. Pass the village and ride straight via paved road. In Sveta Jelena village turn right on the labeled paved road and proceed on bike trail no. 8. Above the village there is the crossroad and turn right on the paved road. After around 1.2km there is a crossroad again, turn left on unpaved road, than on the next crossroad turn right. After around 3km keep left. Near the crossroad there is the hunters shooting stand. The steep ascent follows to the ridge of Učka mountain. On the ridge there is a plateau with the crossroad. Keep right along the ridge. On the next junction keep straight and follow the labels for Vela Učka. The peak with radio relay station is easy visible. The unpaved road continues along the west side of the peak through the area Vela Učka. From Vela Učka follows the paved road to the peak of Učka. The gradually climb is easy. At Vojak peak take the break and enjoy in nice view. The route continues via rocky singletrack down to Mala Učka village. From Mala Učka follow the carriageway road to the south west course. There are few ups and downs and then follows a long descent section to the coast. The trail leads near the entrance into the tunnel through Učka mountain and then follow the narrow paved road to the Lovran near the Adriatic coast. Just few hundred meters from the tunnel there is the crossroad. I turned right on unpaved road and this section is recorded in the GPS tracklog. Due to muddy section from my point of view the better solution is to ride straight via paved road down to Lovran at Adriatic coast. From Lovran ride on main highway to come back to Medveja village. For more details check above Interactive Map and below Gallery of the route.
Elevation profile of MTB route (ascent + descent):
Notes & references: UST tires are recommended. The route is recommended during all seasons. During winter time check the snow conditions.
Gallery of mountain biking route: