Comfort road for mountain biking
If you like to take your bike on an off-road adventure, Zagreb and its surroundings have plenty of options. There are so many that it's hard to select. That's why some people have their comfort trails - trails that always work for them.
Let me guide you to such a tranquil comfort trail, perfect for a two-wheel adventure and a first-time descent from the Zagreb mountain. Please don't attempt this if you have never experienced biking on uneven terrain, and use this suggestion at your own risk.
What makes this trail special? It's the serene spots for leisurely breaks and the uncrowded, wide path that ensures you won't get lost, allowing you to immerse yourself in the mysticism of the forest.
When it comes to reaching the mountain's peak with your bike, the cable car is your best friend. Once you've ascended, keep an eye out for the sign pointing to Grafičar. This is the name of a mountain lodge, our first proper stop.
Mountain lodge Grafičar has been here for over seven decades! While you're there, enjoying the typical cuisine of the region, you might not be aware of the hollow womb of the mountain under your feet. Down the hill, very close to the mountain lodge, there is an entrance to the silver mine from the 1500s! This unique location can be visited on weekends or upon request. Don't get too excited when you hear about the silver - the historical mine operated for just a short while, as it didn't pay off. Now that I think of it... it has never been a good idea to search for treasure within the mountain, as there are many stories about magical creatures that prefer to keep precious gems to themselves.
The most challenging part of our descent is immediately below the mountain lodge, as the terrain is quite steep and uneven. But once you reach the road underneath, everything will become much smoother. Plus, there will be a chance to take a well-deserved break on the meadow Falat. Many hikers and mountain bikers bring their own food, making a place like this an ideal stop.
If you didn't take anything with you, please don't miss out on what could be the most authentic mountain lodge: Risnjak. It's not far from the city, but it's far enough from the main road, so it's visited almost exclusively by "real hikers". This makes the atmosphere more genuine than in the lodges that can be accessed by car. The only drawback is that they often run out of food early on, so you might end up hungry if you were counting on eating there but didn't start your day early enough.
It's time to head back to Zagreb. Simply return to the gravel road and follow it until you reach the city's neighbourhood of Kustošija. When you finally get to the bottom of the hill, you will be on Ilica Street, which leads straight to the main city square. Easy as can be!
This suggestion may not be the best fit for you, and you might prefer hiking over biking. There's a solution for that, too - a new app that will show you all the available trails on Mount Medvednica.
If you have some free time in Zagreb, why not spend it in the woods of our mountain? Where all the trails are comfort trails taking you on a green-bathing adventure.
Author: Iva Silla