The best cycling routes in Zagreb County

Zagreb County offers a wide array of touring cycling routes, with over 100 options available on komoot. These routes span more than 1,000 kilometers, catering to various skill levels from easy recreational rides to more challenging ascents through diverse landscapes.

The touring cycling routes in Zagreb County are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 150 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the region's diverse terrain, including picturesque river corridors, extensive forests, and rolling hills, which provide a varied and engaging experience.

Zagreb County, often called the 'Zagreb Green Ring,' offers a rich tapestry of landscapes. You'll encounter picturesque hilly areas to the west, vast forests, and floodplains in the south and east. Key features include the Sava River corridor, serene lakes like Sveta Nedelja and Jarun, and the forested slopes of Medvednica Mountain, alongside tranquil plains such as Posavina.

Yes, Zagreb County has numerous routes perfect for families and beginners. The region features flat asphalt roads, particularly around the Kupa River in Pisarovina, and smooth circuits near lakes like Jarun and Bundek Park. An easy option is the Pizzeria Gavran – Turopolje Museum loop from City of Velika Gorica, which is 24 km long with minimal elevation.

Experienced touring cyclists will find challenging ascents and longer distances in Zagreb County. The hilly areas, especially within the Žumberak – Samoborsko gorje Nature Park and the slopes of Medvednica Mountain, offer demanding rides. Consider the Budinjak Center – Divlje Vode Nature Park loop from Samobor, a difficult 68.8 km route with over 1000 meters of elevation gain.

Many touring cycling routes in Zagreb County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular circular routes include the Savski Most (Sava Bridge) – Bundek Lake loop from Zaprešić-Savska, which follows the Sava River, and the Lake Kipišće – Zagreb–Sveta Nedelja Bike Path loop from Kolodvorsko naselje - Sajmište, connecting various lakes.

Cycling in Zagreb County offers opportunities to discover rich historical and cultural sites. Routes can lead you to attractions like the medieval Medvedgrad Fortress, the ancient Old Town Okić, or through the Turopolje region, known for its cultural heritage. The Pizzeria Gavran – Turopolje Museum loop from City of Velika Gorica is an example of a route that passes by cultural points of interest.

Yes, Zagreb County is rich in natural attractions. You can cycle past several beautiful lakes, including Rakitje Lakes, Lake Orešje, and Čiče Lake. The region also features stunning waterfalls like Brisalo Waterfall, Cerinski Vir Waterfall, and Sopot Waterfall, particularly within the Žumberak – Samoborsko gorje Nature Park.

Absolutely! Zagreb County is known for its 'wine roads,' especially in the Samobor and Zelina hills regions, as well as Moslavina. Many cycling routes are designed to pass through vineyards and allow for stops at local wineries and restaurants, offering a chance to combine your ride with wine tasting and local culinary delights.

For those seeking longer rides, Zagreb County provides routes that can be linked for extended touring. The ongoing 121.6 km Greenway project along the Sava River, connecting the Slovenian border to Lijevi Dubrovčak, will offer a significant long-distance option with improved infrastructure. Currently, routes like the Savski Most (Sava Bridge) – Bundek Lake loop from Zaprešić-Savska (54.3 km) provide a good foundation for longer excursions.

Many cycling routes in Zagreb County are accessible from urban centers, including areas well-served by public transport. While specific public transport connections for each route vary, the region's proximity to Zagreb city and its developing infrastructure aim to make cycling routes more reachable, especially along the Sava River corridor.

Yes, Zagreb County's extensive forests, particularly in the south and east, and within the Žumberak – Samoborsko gorje Nature Park, offer shaded sections ideal for summer cycling. Routes winding through these forested areas provide a cooler and more comfortable experience during warmer months.

Scenic viewpoints are plentiful, especially in the hilly western parts of Zagreb County and on the slopes of Medvednica Mountain. The Japetić Observation Tower, located in the Žumberak – Samoborsko gorje Nature Park, is a notable highlight offering panoramic views. Many routes through these elevated areas provide rewarding vistas of the surrounding landscapes.