Mrežnica River, Zagreb County
By Modzzak - Own work, Public Domain
From Zagreb take your bike and head 100 km south to Zvečaj, a quaint village on the banks of the Mrežnica River. Running for approximately 60 kilometres, this river has earned its title as one of cleanest rivers across Croatia.
Keep riding south, and you will reach the Mrežnica River Waterfalls, a series of 93 waterfalls that will welcome you. Sections of the river are perfect for rafting so, be prepared and make arrangements ahead of time to try your hand in the raft. Stick to the lower section of the river if you are a beginner or have children, for more serious adventurers make your way to the upper Mreznica canyon for some heart racing fun.
You can stay overnight in the area, where there are several family-run facilities so you can enjoy mingling with the locals who still make a living from farming. Depending on the time of year you choose, fields will be flushed with strawberries, chestnuts or even corn.
Gacka River, Zagreb County
By Roberta F., CC BY-SA 3.0
The Valley of the Gacka River can be reached from the Northern Velebit National Park. Starting 2600 metres above sea level, make your descent down to the river via Krasno, a must-see village in the heart of the mountains.
On your way down to the Gacka River - a river famed for world-class trout fishing, stop and eat a protein-packed fish lunch. The area is dotted with old wooden mills and makes a peaceful pit-stop.
If you're up for more cycling, make your way from the valley and set course for Plitvice Lakes National Park, which is 20 km east. Here you can rest for the evening in one of a number of hotels or private accommodation options.
Krka River, Dalmatia
By Lacen - Croatia, CC BY-SA 3.0
You may have heard of the Krka Waterfalls National Park, and if not, you should note it down as one of the top places to visit in Croatia. The karst landscape of travertine waterfalls is an ideal place to end a day of riding. Unlike Plitvice Lakes National Park, here at Krka, you can swim below the flowing waterfalls. The most famous waterfall is the 44 metre high Skradinski Buk. Spend your day cycling along the river, and visit ruins, including a 14th-century fortress and simply be in peace with nature.
By Zoran Knez & Dražen Radujkov - Own work, Public Domain,
While at the national park, take the educational trail around the waterfalls and visit the ethno village to learn how the locals learned to use the power of water and turn it into electricity. A trip in this area is an ideal choice for cyclists with a family.
