Cycling
There are more than 50 km of cycling routes around Vransko jezero, which differ from each other in terms of difficulty as well as the landscape they pass through! Touring the entire lake by bicycle is the most beautiful, but also the most demanding activity! We suggest that people who decide to take this route are fit enough and have experience in cycling.
The route around the lake passes through areas with limited or no protection from the sun. During heat waves, high temperatures, intense solar radiation, heat reflected from the rocks alongside the cycling trail, and the lack of shade can significantly increase the risk of dehydration, exhaustion, and heatstroke.
Cyclists are therefore advised to:
- Start their ride early in the morning or late in the afternoon and avoid cycling during the hottest part of the day.
- Plan their route and rest stops in advance.
- Bring sufficient amounts of water, as there are no sources of drinking water or refreshment facilities along the cycling trail.
- Bring adequate sun protection.
- Monitor their own physical condition as well as the condition of other members of their group.
In the event of forecasted extreme temperatures or official heat-wave warnings, postponing the tour of the lake until more favorable weather conditions is strongly recommended. Safety must come first, and cancelling a planned activity during extreme heat is a responsible decision that protects both your own health and the health of other participants!
For your own safety, and in light of the recent increase in interventions by the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) within the Vransko Lake Nature Park area—particularly involving cyclists attempting to ride around the lake during heat waves—we kindly ask you to take this notice seriously and share this information so that it reaches as many visitors as possible!
Note: Since it is an off-road ride (unpaved surfaces made of gravel, stones and sand), it is necessary to use mountain bikes (MTB bikes).
The longest cycling route at the Nature Park Vransko jezero starts in the village of Vrana near the local church and climbs to the Majdan hill which overlooks the ornithological reserve, then continues along the eastern shore of the lake in a southerly direction, i.e. to the info centre Prosika.
The part of the path along the east coast to Prosika is short and passes along the Babin škoj peninsula, where there are the remains of the Liburnian fortress and the remains of the Venetian guardhouse.
On Prosika you can rest in the shade by the canal that connects the lake and the sea and buy water.
From Prosika, the trail leads over the wooden bridge on the Prosika canal along the shore of the lake through Modrave and further through the backcountry of Drage and Pakoštane in the direction of Crkvine.
Bicycles can be rented at the info centre Crkvine and info centre Prosika. We suggest making a reservation prior to your arrival.
