Bater - Krasno Polje
Through the karstic hinterland of Novi Vinodolski and Senj to the Northern Velebit National Park
Bater – Luka Krmpotska (11) – Krivi Put (20) – Oltari (45) – Krasno Polje (53 km) |
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distance 53.00 km |
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start Bater |
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end Krasno Polje |
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total climb 1554.00 m |
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This section is particularly characterized by an unforgettable view of the sea from the mountains, as well as the pristine and preserved nature. The route leads from Bater along the southern slopes of Kapela and Senjsko bilo to the mountain pass Vratnik (698 m), where Velebit, the longest Croatian mountain, begins. The route passes along the vantage points called The Eyes of Vinodol, along a set of attractive stone installations Celestial Labyrinths and a Glass Chapel in the village of Omar, located in Luka Krmpotska. It passes through the villages of Javorje, Alan and Podbilo, and then past Krivi Put, the village with a wind farm, the impressive complex of big windmills spread over windy slopes of mountain Velebit. To be precise, at the peaks of Velebit, bura is born – a strong, dry, cold and turbulent wind blowing from the mainland. The road above Veljun Primorski leads to the mountain pass Vratnik (698 MAMSL) on road D23, which connects Senj with Otočac and Gospić in Lika. The route continues on D23 towards the villages of Stolac and Žukalj, along an asphalt and macadam road sections with attractive views of the sea and the islands. In the village of Oltari (940 MAMSL), the route exits onto ŽC5126 road and leads for another 8 km towards Krasno Polje (714 MAMSL), the largest village on Velebit. There is the Visitors Centre of the Northern Velebit National Park Velebit House here, a place perfect for exploring the natural beauties of Velebit and enjoying genuine beauty of nature. It is possible to find accommodation in one of the holiday houses or private rooms.
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km |
Description |
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Length of the section |
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53 km |
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Proportion of asphalt/macadam |
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88/12% |
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Total climb |
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1100 m |
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Higher climbs |
31-37 |
Demanding section with a total of 1100 m of climb 6 km 8% of constant climb More short steeper climbs |
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Macadam lining – moderately rideable |
29 37 |
From Vratnik to junction to LC59009 – 1 km From Žukalj towards Oltari – 5 km |
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Traffic density – moderate |
0 |
First 2.5 km on ŽC 5094 |
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Caution at intersection required |
29 |
Crossing D23 near Vratnik |
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Supply options |
11 19 30
45
53 |
Luka Krmpotska: a restaurant Before Krivi Put: a cafe/restaurant LC59009 and D23 junction below Vratnik (1 km off the route) Oltari (940 m) – a mountain hut
Krasno Polje: a shop, a restaurant |
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Rest options |
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Nature along almost the entire section, vantage points |
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Accommodation options |
20 35 45 |
Rare private apartments and rooms near the route, recommended to book them in advance Krivi Put Stolac Oltari |
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Bicycle repair service |
53 |
Krasno Polje |
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km |
Technical description of the section |
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0 |
The route continues from Bater on ŽC5094, and after 2.5 km, turns to the right onto a side road, following the signpost to Mataija Draga and the vantage point. |
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11 |
There is a junction to the right towards the restaurant and the Celestial Labyrinths; the route continues straight for 600 m, connects to ŽC5110 and continues to the left. |
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15 |
In the settlement of Alan, continue on ŽC5110, following the signpost for Krivi Put. |
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19 |
At the village of Podbilo near the church, continue on ŽC5110 to the left, and 1.3 km after that at the end of a steep ascent, there is a junction to the right to a side road. |
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24 |
At the Y intersection, continue on LC59132 to the right, following the signpost for Vratnik. |
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29 |
The route exits onto D23 at the mountain pass Vratnik (698 m). It continues at the other side of D23, 50 m to the right from the junction point. Carefully cross the road and ride below the ruins of a former motel. After 200 m, take a macadam road to the right. After 1 km, the macadam road leads to the asphalt road LC59009, which should be ridden along to the left. |
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33 |
At the Y intersection, it’s important to continue to the left (NOT to the right towards Ljubezine). |
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35 |
At the intersection in Stolac, continue to the left towards the village of Žukalj. |
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37 |
At the end of the uphill ride in Žukalj, turn from the asphalt road to the right onto a more demanding macadam road, which turns into an asphalt one after 5 km. |
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45 |
In Oltari, the route exits onto ŽC5126 and continues to the left for another 8 km towards Krasno Polje. |
