October 21, 2022 - Bikademy, an innovative cycling tourism product, opened a new Study - Novalja, in the northern part of the island of Pag.

Pag is called Moon island for a reason. Its eastern part resembles the surface of the moon, with its landscape stripped by the northern wind Bura. Using the moon as a leitmotif, Bikademy launched the "Cycling on the Moon" campaign, emphasizing that we don't have to travel far to find unique experiences.

Bikademy functions like an academy whose users are called Bikademy Students. To become a Bikademy Student, you need to download and register on the free Bikademy application. The application offers Studies that represent a specific region or city. Inside each Study, there is a list of Exams, locations within the Study, to which you need to cycle and check in via the application. The course is completed by checking in at each exam, after which Bikademy rewards students with gifts from their sponsor, Giant Croatia.

The Novalja study consists of seven exams: the charming town of Lun, the popular Novalja and Zrće beaches, Novaljsko Polje, the incredible Svetojanj fortress, Ručica beach, and Žigljen.

The campaign started with the publication of this video.

Krešimir Herceg, the owner of Bikademy, points out that the bicycle is the ideal means of exploring the destination because it is slow enough to experience the surroundings and fast enough to cover longer distances, which is perfect for exploring the northern part of Pag.

As a product, Bikademy complements the Pag Outdoor project, which brands the destination through outdoor tourism. "With synergy and connection, Novalja forms a new image. In addition to being a party destination, it is also becoming an ideal destination for active tourism, which is evident from the continuous growth in the number of active tourists," added the director of the Tourist Board of the city of Novalja, Marina Šćiran Rizner.

As Bikademy adds, a bicycle is all you need to visit the moon.

The opening of this Study was made possible by the Novalja Tourist Board, PPD, and Enna Grupa, and the rewards, as always, are provided by Giant Hrvatska.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated Travel section.

September 6, 2022 – The grape harvest is the event of the month. In eastern Croatia, it always makes for some very memorable moments. The traditional Erdut Wine & Bike Tour takes place on the second weekend in September. It has since 2014 attracted wine and nature lovers to the "Erdut Wine Peninsula", located on the most popular European Eurovelo cycling route, Danube.

Every September, Croatians look forward to harvesting the fruits of their efforts and work, spreading good feelings, and giving thanks for the opportunities they have been given. The Erdut Tourist Board hereby invite you to find your own reasons for satisfaction and join them in Erdut at the Dionysian event celebrating wine, art, the beauty of socializing, and the last days of summer on the banks of the Danube.

This year's Wine & Bike programme will take place on the 9^th and 10^th of September, and its visitors can traditionally expect a rich mosaic made up of a drama and music programme, a bicycle-wine race, a sparkling breakfast, and an open cellar day of the Erdut vineyards.

The Wine & Bike Tour Erdut event is sponsored by the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Erdut, the Tourist Board of Osijek-Baranja County, the Municipality of Erdut, the Association of Winemakers and Vineyards Erdut, Osijek-Baranja County, Interreg Danube and their Amazing Amazon of Europe project, the Creative Agency of Adverta, and the Salon of Sparkling Wines Zagreb.

Osijek-Baranja County Tourist Board

PROGRAMME:

September 9 (Friday)

19.00 – 20.30 Performance: "Miracle", Moruzgva Theater

Free admission

Location: Erdut community centre, Josipa Krašteka bb (county road Aljmaš – Erdut)

September 10 (Saturday)

10.00 – 12.00 Wine & Bike bicycle-wine race: route Aljmaš - Erdut

Competitors will have the task of collecting wine bottles at specific locations along the route.

The winner of the race will be the participant who manages to collect and bring the highest number of bottles in the shortest possible time. All participants get to keep the bottles they collected, while the winner also wins an additional prize.

Participation is free, with mandatory online registration through the link:

https://bit.ly/wine_bike2022

The number of participants is limited.

10.00 – 18.00 Open Cellar Day

Wineries of the Erdut Vineyards: Danubio, Brzica, Erdutski Vinogradi, Siber, Magistra and Antunović.

https://tz.opcina-erdut.hr/enogastronomija/

10.00 – 14.00 Sparkling breakfast of the Erdut Vineyards

At the sparkling breakfast of the Erdut Vineyards, organised by the Salon of Sparkling Wines, the Siber Winery and Osijek-Baranja Tourist Board, the sparkling wines of the Erdut Vineyards will be presented along with homemade Slavonian snacks. After breakfast, Erdut's "En Primeur" will be held, tasting of the premier wines selected by the respective wineries.

The ticket price is HRK 80.00, with mandatory online registration.

Location: Winery Siber, Erdut, Cesta Svetog Martina

20.00 – 21.30 Vineyard Concert in the: Rambo Amadeus

Tickets costing HRK 80.00 are available online through the Entrio system and in the Barcelona Pub in Osijek. The price on the day of the concert is HRK 100, and tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the concert venue

Location: Erdutski vinogradi d.o.o., Trg Branka Hercega 1, Erdut

18.00 – 00.00 DJ ON WINE SESSION @In Da Sofa

Free admission

Location: Erdutski vinogradi d.o.o., Trg Branka Hercega 1, Erdut

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated Lifestyle section.

August 3, 2022 - Bikademy – an academy where a good, strong connection is mandatory. The only other requirement is a bicycle. This innovative app explores cyclo tourism and places Croatia on the map of big European cyclo tourist destinations.

Bikademy is a unique Croatian product intended for all those who like cycling to explore new destinations and their cultural and natural heritage. It promotes cities and regions as desirable cyclo tourism destination, rewarding cyclists for their efforts. A bicycle is an ideal means of exploration, being slow enough to take in your surroundings, and fast enough to cover longer distances.

The Bikademy application is completely free for users who, just like in other academies, are called Bikademy Students. Within the application, you can choose from different Bikademy Studies, each representing a particular region, county, or city. Within each Study, there are different Exams, that is, locations and places of cultural or natural significance.

Photo: Bikademy

The main task of a Bikademy Student is to cycle to each Exam in the chosen Study. It is required to take a selfie and check in via the application. After passing all the Exams of the chosen Study, Bikademy Students receive a prize from the Bikademy sponsor, GIANT Croatia.

In just four steps, you too can pass the Bikademy Exam (photos attached).

1 Install the application and register

2 Cycle to the Exam (location)

3 Check in through the application

4 Repeat the previous two steps

Photo: Bikademy

One of the first Bikademy Studies was the Brod-Posavina County with seven Exams: Vrpolje, Gajna, Tvrđava Brod, Petnja, Stara Kapela, Cernik and Tvrđava Stara Gradiška. 

Check out the highlights of the Brod-Posavina Study here.

This Study is intended for more experienced cyclists who want to cover longer distances. The Exams are of similar difficulty for the four other four Slavonian counties. They reveal that Slavonia is not only made up of fields and valleys but also rich cultural heritage, natural resources, superb gastronomy and hospitality, at every turn. Although everyone knows about Slavonia, it is yet to be discovered as a hidden tourist gem perfect for cycling.

In cities like Zagreb, Šibenik, and Berlin, there are less demanding Studies for every traveler who wants to explore the area by bike.

Through its social networks, Bikademy presents its cyclo tourism destinations, and examples from practice, but also continuously rewards its followers. They are preparing new surprises and opportunities soon, so make sure you follow them on social networks.

If you would love to see Bikademy in your area, feel free to contact them, as they are expanding beyond the borders of the Republic of Croatia.

As for your holidays, choose your destination and explore it by bike, get to know the culture and nature of the region, and win prizes. Cycle your exams!

To learn more about some of the people behind the movement, check out TCN's interview with Krešimir Herceg.

For more on lifestyle in Croatia, explore our lifestyle section.

January 26, 2022 - As part of the construction of the new Cycling Information Center on the hill of Mađerka, a lookout tower will accompany it to offer visitors a vantage point that will allow them to enjoy a privileged view of the natural beauties of Međimurje, and the bordering countries.

The works on the construction of the new Cycling Information Center with a lookout tower on the hill of Mađerka will be completed soon, reports HrTurizam.hr. The idea of ​​the lookout tower came from the choice of a location that can present the natural beauties of upper Međimurje and its geographical position.

Mađerka is a hill above Štrigova, towards the border with Slovenia, at 341 meters above sea level, and only three meters lower than the highest point of Međimurje. The advantage of Mađerka is that you can see as many as four countries - Slovenia, Hungary, Austria, and Slovakia, and in good weather, you can see Sljeme.

Photo: Međimurje County

"With the desire to raise the entire tourist offer to an even higher level, to offer tourists top tourist content, the municipality of Štrigova in cooperation with Međimurje County has designed a project to build a lookout tower with the aim of being a visitor center, cycling resort and presentation/tasting center for the Međimurje Wine Road", said Međimurje County Prefect Matija Posavec.

After its completion, which will give Međimurje another tourist destination, the final works in the new Cycling Information Center and its equipment will follow. At the location, visitors will have access to information about the tourist offer of the whole of Međimurje, and cyclists will have at their disposal a rest area equipped with a service station, adapted to e-bikes.

The new Cycling Information Center with a lookout tower is one of the components of the CycleSeeing Attractour - CSA project, co-financed from the cross-border program, implemented by the Municipality of Štrigova in partnership with the Tourist Board of Štrigova and the City of Nagykanisza.

"As there were no open tenders from national funds at that time, we applied for the cross-border program Interreg Croatia Hungary, and the project was assessed as very high quality and received the approval for co-financing of 85% of the total project value of 7,395,000 kuna," Posavec added.

Photo: Međimurje Bike

In order to attract as many tourists as possible, not only for short-term visits but also for longer stays, three tourist packages have been designed - a bicycle package, a health and wellness package, and an eco-tourist package. These packages will contribute to making the project area a more attractive tourist destination, not just a transit one. Tourists will get acquainted with the newly built attractions, but also with the existing cultural and natural heritage of the destination.

"The project is in the development phase and we expect it can be completed by May this year. Terme Sveti Martin is close to Štrigova and all this is important for further development of the overall tourist offer of Međimurje, since I believe that it will awake the great interest of domestic and foreign guests, and will further present the beauties of Međimurje and develop continental tourism.", explains Posavec.

The new Cycling Information Center with a lookout tower is located on Pušipel's bicycle route. It is a circular trail that connects Štrigovo with Čakovec and passes through the wine-growing area of ​​the county, so it is ideal for e-bikes.

Međimurje abounds in attractive and well-kept bicycle paths and is located at the crossroads of international bicycle routes. Recreational and fun cycling is ideal for family vacations, but also for socializing. Međimurje offers something for everyone, easier and more demanding sections, road and off-road routes, and there are also customized terrains for XTC and cross driving.

"We were the first in Croatia to introduce Cyclist Welcome Quality, a brand accepted by neighboring Varaždin and Zagreb counties, and applied in Hungary. Accommodation facilities are fundamental to the quality of the overall cycling offer of a destination and therefore their services are classified into five quality classes up to five gears", emphasizes the director of the Tourist Board of Međimurje County, Rudi Grula and adds that in Međimurje, in addition to groomed trails, there are a number of equally arranged rest areas, charging stations for e-bikes and other facilities that attract cyclists from all over Europe.

The emphasis, as he says, is on foreign guests, but also those from nearby destinations from which they can come to Međimurje by bicycle, and the e-bicycles, which are becoming more and more popular in Europe. For example, guests from Graz, which is 70 to 90 kilometers away, can cross the section by e-bike in one day, and then cycle around Međimurje, neighboring counties, or cross to Slovenia and Hungary. Namely, the desire is to make Međimurje a kind of base in which cyclists would spend several days and explore the whole area.

''Our plan is to connect the Goričan Border Crossing with a bicycle path along the Trnava River, with Čakovec, and then Varaždin. The bicycle path would avoid road crossings and move along the river bank.", Grula announced.

Cyclists aim not only to ride but also to rest, and such visitors are the target group of the tourist offer of Međimurje County. Ecological sustainability, reduction of carbon footprint, the offer of local producers... this is something that cyclists take special care of when choosing their holiday destination, and Međimurje is a region that can provide them with that.

If you want to learn more about everything Međimurje County has to offer on your next trip, be sure to check out Total Croatia's guide, Međimurje in a Page.

For more, check out our travel section.

September 22, 2021 – From cycling and kayaking to hiking and an epic zip line, see the fantastic natural landscape that holds active Šibenik's thrilling offer.

When temperatures ease off, the Croatian coast welcomes a whole different type of guest. Spring, Autumn and Winter is the favourite time for sports enthusiasts and fitness fans to visit. And, few places on the Mediterranean have an offer complete like active Šibenik.

Outside of the peak season, the stunning nature that surrounds Šibenik is free from the bustle of visitors. Cyclists and runners speed by unobstructed. Maybe they'll pass a couple of hikers enjoying the same trails and spectacular views?

St Anthony's channel, St Nicholas Fortress and the cycle and walking path that reaches it via an island © Šibenik Tourist Board

In the evenings, during their rest time, active Šibenik's guests have the city's best hotels, restaurants and charming Old Town almost to themselves. They share the cafe, bar and restaurant terraces only with Šibenik residents, relaxing once more now the city is returned to them.

Key to Šibenik's year-round appeal for fitness and sport fans is the city's unique landscape. No place in Croatia has natural assets like Šibenik. It is surrounded on all sides by a remarkable and startlingly varied topography.

Firstly, between Šibenik city harbour and the open Adriatic is a long waterway – St. Anthony's Channel. It is bordered on either side by two huge stretches of wild nature. Then, at the rear of the town, elevated up from sea level and next to Barone Fortress, the area of Šubićevac. Here, the entrance to the vast Šubićevac Forest Park, much of it an untamed, natural landscape. Thirdly, the vast Krka National Park, which lies just 10 kilometres north-east of Šibenik

Active Šibenik: St Anthony's Channel

Sailboats and speed boats sharing St Anthony's channel © Marc Rowlands

An epic 2000 metre long waterway, St Anthony's Channel is both a gateway to the open sea and the entrance to the city for anyone sailing into Šibenik. It is 140 – 220 metres wide and is bordered on each side by near untouched Dalmatian nature. On one side, sheer cliffs for one wall of the channel. At the top, dense pine forests, walking, hiking and cycling trails. Also, the famous recreation site of Martinska.

Cycle paths of Šibenik © Marc Rowlands

On the opposite side of the channel, a very different layout of the land. Here, the pines are much lower and closer to the channel. Between the two, idyllic beaches - the best in Šibenik – line a pathway designated for running, walking and cycling. Those on bicycles drop down from small hills on the interior. After following the path at the side of the water, their ultimate reward is the spectacular St Nicholas' Fortress. On both sides of St Anthony's Channel you'll see incredible views of Šibenik, its harbour and the side opposite.

Cycling across a section of St Anthony's channel © Marc Rowlands

For those who prefer recreation on the water, St Anthony's Channel is perfect to explore by kayak. It's also one of the easiest ways to discover all of Šibenik's best beaches. Sticking close to the pine-sheltered coast, beautiful sailboats pass you in the centre of the channel, on their way to or from the city.

Active Šibenik: Šubićevac Forest Park

View over Šibenik, with Šubićevac Forest Park at the rear of the city © Šibenik Tourist Board

To visitors, Šubićevac Forest Park is the least famous of all Šibenik's recreational areas. A huge stretch of forestland, much loved by city residents, it rises above the city near Barone Fortress. The section of forest closest to the Šubićevac is designated as a city park. Within this part, you'll find a children's playground, specially designed to be accessible to all, including children with special needs.

Easily accessible section of Šubićevac Forest Park © Javna ustanova Športski objekti Šibenik

Throughout this section, designated paths for cycling and walking. Running to the southeast, a much larger area of near untouched forest. Here, a wilderness ripe for runners or hikers to explore. It's worth seeking out the tiny Church of St Michael here.

Paths through forest wilderness © Javna ustanova Športski objekti Šibenik

Residents say the very best views of Šibenik come from Šubićevac Forest Park. Certainly, they are breathtaking.

The best views over the city? It's a tough one to call - Šibenik has many contenders © Javna ustanova Športski objekti Šibenik

Active Šibenik: Krka National Park

Island in Krka National Park © Šibenik Tourist Board

A series of wide pools, fed by cascading waterfalls, Krka is one of Croatia’s best known and most spectacular National Parks. Famous water features like the unforgettable Skradinski Buk dominate the park's postcard images. You'll find it near the park's most southerly entrance, very close to Šibenik. But, beyond this eye-catching introduction lies a further 109 square kilometers of spectacular National Park to discover. The best way to experience it is by walking, hiking or cycling.

Countless captivating viewpoints © Krka National Park

Hiking and walking trails of Krka National Park

Walking and hiking trails © Krka National Park

The park's hiking and walking trails give you the most thrilling views of this epic landscape and its wealth of flora and fauna. At the side of the trails, educational panels detailing the plants and animals you pass.

Epic landscape © Krka National Park

There are three circular trails: Skradinski buk (1900 m), Roški Slap (1360 m) and Krka Monastery (2100 m). A walking/cycling trail also leads to Skradinski buk from the Skradin bridge (3400 m), while from Lozovac, it is possible to take a forest trail (875 m) down to the park's longest waterfall.

Walking over waterfalls © Krka National Park

The shortest trail is 300 m long and leads to Bilušića buk, while the longest trail is Stinice-Roški slap-Oziđana pećina and covers 8.5 kilometres. In total, there are 7 spectacular waterfalls to find as the river Krka descends through the park.

Cycling routes of Krka National Park

Breathtaking views on the cycling and walking routes © Krka National Park

Bicycling through Krka National Park is a journey of endless enjoyment. If your perfect cycling route offers stunning landscapes, then this is the place for you. But, if you're curious to learn about the park's cultural and historical heritage, then cycling also helps you unlock these park secrets.

Cycling © Krka National Park

No less than fourteen cycling routes crisscross the park. They are divided into three types:

Road route - perfect for racing bikes and dedicated cyclists

Trekking & family route - a mixture of paved roads and gravel paths, perfect for city bikes, mountain bikes, families with children and cyclists of any age and ability.

Mountain biking route – a mixture of gravel paths and unarranged forest paths, with sharp ascents and descents, designed for mountain bike enthusiasts in good physical condition and with advanced cycling skills.

Cycling above Skradin © Krka National Park

Šibenik zipline

On the northeast corner of the park, stretching across an epic canyon, one of Croatia's most thrilling ziplines. Flying from cliffs hundreds of metres above, so vast is the canyon that you can barely see the thrillseekers at the end of the first line. And, after that, there are still another two to go!

For more information and/or booking any of these activities, visit/contact Šibenik Tourist Board here

For more on great things to do in Šibenik, be sure to check Total Croatia News's dedicated pages here

May 26, 2021 - This weekend is surely a special one for the heart of Velebit. The Sveti Rok MTB Tour bicycle competition through the fields of Lika and the area of Velebit around Cnropac will celebrate five successful years of organization with several races, exhibitions, and a Matej Meštrović concert.

As reported by turistickeprice.hr, Sveti Rok MTB Tour is the name of the traditional, fifth in a row bicycle race through the fields of Lika and the area of Velebit around Crnopac, Tulovi Gredi and Zira. This is the first activity this year out of a total of seven that will be held under the common name ‘‘Srce Velebit’’, or ‘‘Heart of Velebit’’. Every day, as part of the Sveti Rok MTB Tour, three cycling or cycling-hiking tours with guides from the Heart of Velebit will be offered. One of them will be an easier, family route through the Lika fields, while two will be more demanding on Velebit.

Credit: Heart of Velebit

On the first day of the cycling race, on May 28, the new bike & hike Staza Malog Princa (Trail of the Little Prince) will be presented. It is intended for the most prepared, and this very difficult trail is covered by 40 kilometers by bicycle, and participants will then have another four hours of walking on very demanding terrain. Due to the complexity of the terrain and the safety of the participants, the number is limited to 30 participants.

For participants with less driving experience on difficult terrains, a light route, Suvajski bunari (Suvajski wells), with a length of about 35 kilometers with an altitude difference of 350 meters has been prepared. The third route offered on the first day of the cycling race is the Velebit šišmiši (Velebit bats), and it is a night bike ride through Velebit for participants with previous experience and equipment for night driving, who should expect 25 kilometers of forest roads.

Credit: Heart of Velebit

Tulove Grede - bike & hike is the first route in Saturday's offer of cycling. The lighter version via Mali Alan is 42 kilometers long with 2 and a half hours of ascent and descent from the top, and the more advanced one goes along the Road to Hell route through Male Jasle, 60 kilometers long with 2 and a half hours of ascent and descent from the top. The Heart of Velebit Epic is very heavy, fitness, and technically demanding. Perhaps the most beautiful route in Croatia. It is 62 kilometers long, from 553 to 1211 meters above sea level, and a descent to the starting point. Winnetou - from Lika to the sea, is medium and technically demanding, 37 kilometers long. The reward for the effort is a descent from 1050 meters to the sea, for swimming.

On Saturday, May 29, a special program was prepared to mark the first five successful years of the Heart of Velebit. A celebratory concert of the famous pianist Matej Meštrović (author of the album Sounds of Velebit) will be held for all participants at the Cvituša Excursion Site, with video recording and millennial photography with a camera and drone.

On the last day of the Sveti Rok MTB Tour, on Sunday, May 30, participants can expect Zir - bike & hike, an easy route that everyone can ride, 40 kilometers of Lika fields with springs and rivers, then the Mile vode / River Deep Mountain High, which is a difficult route of 65 kilometers and Mali Epic, a shortened difficult and technically demanding bike route. From the initial 553 meters above sea level, there is an ascent along the Master Road to 1001 meters, then to 1230 meters, followed by a descent along a forest road to 580 meters above sea level, rewarding the cyclists with a road descent to Sveti Rok through the forests and paths of Velebit.

Credit: Heart of Velebit

As part of the cycling race, Lika family farms will also present themselves. In front of Hostel Sveti Rok, there will be a sales exhibition of delicacies and souvenirs before leaving for home.

Those interested can participate for one, two, or all three days. You can find more about the cycling race and how to register HERE.

Velebit Nature Park is one of the 12 natural parks in Croatia, and you can learn more about them in Total Croatia's Guide to National and Natural Parks in Croatia, HERE. Now you can find Total Croatia articles in your language!

For more information about cycling in Croatia, go to Total Croatia's dedicated page.

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

ZAGREB, 23 May, 2021 - The Daruvarske Toplice spa in Daruvar, 140 km east of Zagreb, is the first tourism facility in Bjelovar-Bilogora County that has met all the criteria for providing specific services intended for cyclists and has gained the right to use a Bike & Bed Certificate. 

This continental county has more than 400 kilometres of cycling trails and routes.

So far HRK 2 million has been invested in the development of cycling tourism, installation of info boards, development of the mobile application for cycling trails and routes, installation of solar stands for bicycle repair, and preparation of new trails.

One of the activities was also the development of the standard for bike & bed accommodation facilities, which includes provision of information on cycling trails, cycling guides, repair, rental and transport services, and various events.

The first Bike & Bed Certificate has been awarded to Daruvarske Toplice hospital for medical rehabilitation and a dozen more are expected to be awarded in Bjelovar-Bilogora County in the coming period.

For more on lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

For more news in Croatia, CLICK HERE.

April 30, 2021 - After a great start with their learning-by-cycling app, a Bikademy virtual loyalty card with discounts on bicycles and parts is now available for its users.

Hrturizam.hr reports that a Bikademy virtual loyalty card has been announced by its creators who, through a strategic partnership with the Giant cycling store, will offer discounts and offers for the Bikademy students.

The only step that users have to take is to register on the Bikademy app, which is available in both Google Play and the Apple App Store. ‘‘Once installed, you will find in the upper right corner of the Index your virtual card with which you will have additional benefits from our partners. And the first partner is Bikademy sponsor: Giant Croatia! When you buy in the Giant Store, you must show your Bikademy virtual loyalty card with the code, and the following benefits are provided: -10% on Giant Liv bikes, -20% on Giant Liv accessories -5% on Maxxis tires and tubes, Shimano, Salomon, BikeWorkx, Endura, Basil and a complete range of other brands and brands”, says Krešimir Herceg from Bikademy.

Credit: Ivan Vuksa (Pixabay)

The Bikademy app was launched as an interesting concept that shows destinations through studies, consisting of natural and cultural heritage sites, representing the Bikademy Exams. Ideal for exploring the entire destination and connecting with tourist attractions and entities.

It promotes micro-regions (cities and regions) as desirable cycling tourist destinations in an interactive, educational and fun way. The basis of this product is a platform with fields of studies that represent certain regions or cities. Each study has its own exams (locations). Exams are passed when a user, also called Bike Student, visits that location with their bicycle and takes a selfie at the location.

For users to pass any exam, they shall first register if they are new users (Bike Student). Their tasks are visiting locations (also known as the exams) of certain studies, by bicycle. They have to take a selfie with their bikes at that location through the app (GPS and data have to be turned on). After passing every exam of a certain study, they will be rewarded. There is no order to pass the exams, as they can be taken randomly.

“Many thanks to Giant Croatia for its great long-term support to the entire project. We certainly plan to introduce other partners who are primarily in the world of cycling, and then cycling as a sport. We will continue to build this story so that our customers can have even more benefits’’, stated Herceg.

The platform is primarily intended for an increasing number of cyclists, both foreigners visiting our country and domestic, and thus can serve as an excellent tool and added value in the tourist offer of destinations. How to extend the tourist season? By creating quality content, especially in the post-corona era where the focus is on active and sustainable tourism.

Currently, Bikademy has ten exams or studies in Croatia and one in Berlin, and soon Bikademy will be implemented in Šibenik as well. ‘‘We just found out how the project passed us in a tender of the Ministry of Tourism which will make several trainings on the use of the Bikademy application and concept, and we will open a new study: the region of Sibenik. I hope that we will soon come out with more concrete information and details’’, concludes Herceg.

To learn more about Bikademy, visit their official website.

For more information about cycling in Croatia, go to Total Croatia's dedicated page.

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

March 16, 2021 – Croatian city of Ludbreg, also called the center of the world due to its geographical position, becomes the center of sports games in March as the Ludbreg Spring Outdoor Festival begins.

To encourage the development of Ludbreg into an outdoor excursion destination, the new sports festival – Welcome Spring – started last Saturday in this Croatian city, also known as the center of the world. The Ludbreg Spring festival began with an exciting kayak race.

On the river Bednja, which flows through the very center of Ludbreg, the forces were measured by different types of rowers in several categories. The exciting Watermark Kayak Race attracted curious citizens on Saturday morning, who watched the open championship of the Ludbreg city in kayaking on the 300 meters long route.

Ludbreg Tourist Board Facebook

In addition to the kayak race that started the Ludbreg Spring outdoor festival, the Ludbreg Tourist Board tried to bring kayaking closer to people by organizing a free kayak demonstration hour on the island Mladost in Ludbreg.

Ludbreg Tourist Board Facebook

Since this small town in Zagorje is already known for trail running and cycling, as well as for the beautiful nature that surrounds it, the Ludbreg Spring festival is an excellent meeting place for sports fans. To popularize the active outdoor lifestyle, Welcome Spring Festival will attract sports fans to Ludbreg with more sports competitions every weekend in March.

The schedule includes:

Centrum Mundi road running – March 21, 2021

On City Day, Ludbreg honors the entry fees for the already traditional road race "Centrum Mundi." This 10-kilometer race is officially scored for the Northwest Croatia Cup. In addition to the competition race, a 2.5 km long race for citizens will be organized.

Gravel cycling race – March 27, 2021

The beautiful and exciting but also demanding route of the Gravel race around Kalnik (the so-called "up-down" route) requires good preparation. Hence, its trail, as well as other helpful information, are available online. You can buy the tickets here.

Crazy Hill Trail running – March 28, 2021

The legendary Crazy Hill Trail race – now that it is official – will run on three tracks: green (10 km), blue (16 km), and red (34 km) so that runners of all profiles can find their place. You can register here.

Ludbreg Tourist Board

Welcome Spring festival is unique and intended for everyone, which is proved by the fact that there are two races for people with disabilities in wheelchairs. Namely, the road race for people with disabilities in wheelchairs will be held together with the Centrum Mundi road race with a route of 2.5 km, and the cycling race as part of the Gravel race with a route of 10 km.

In anticipation of spring, the positive and active energy of the Ludbreg landscape allows sports competitors and visitors to enjoy sporting events in this charming town. With its flat and hilly surroundings, the landscape of Ludbreg offers a multitude of opportunities for pre-season warm-ups and winter training testing.

Ludbreg Spring outdoor festival is here to encourage citizens to restart with sports activities. At the same time, for those who have diligently maintained their shape, it gives opportunities to show themselves in the best light.

For the latest news from Ludbreg, check out the dedicated TCN section.

January 28, 2021 - Red bull has promoted cycling tourism in Croatia on its official website, inviting cyclists to experience a winter adventure on Croatia's most beautiful bike trails.

Namely, HRTurizam reports that the energy drink brand known for its sponsorship of a range of sporting events and teams has announced cycling in Croatia, which is a great advertisement for the country and destinations located on selected bike routes. The trails marked as the most beautiful in Croatia are located in Istria, Krka National Park, on the island of Brač and the Zadar archipelago.

Deservedly, two trails recommended by the Red Bull brand are located in Istria, one in Grožnjan, the other in Rabac, which is a recognition that Istria deserves because they have invested in the development promotion of cycling tourism for years. Today, it is reaping the results. The development of cycling tourism in Istria County has been of strategic importance for many years for the stakeholders of the Istria County Tourist Board, the Istria County Tourism Department, large hotel companies, and local tourist boards. The same has been systematically coordinated since 2014 within the Bike & Outdoor Department at the Istrian Development Tourist Agency.

Today, one-hundred-forty-five objects have the Bike & Bed label. 

Zadar County also turned to cycling tourism and, in 2015, launched a program for the development of the cycling-tourist destination Zadar Bike Magic. On the website www.zadarbikemagic.com, in addition to bike paths, destinations are promoted. The Zadar Bike Magic application is an excellent tool that certainly contributes to the fact that this county is recording increasing interest from bike guests. The app is handy and is related to destinations and stories that cyclists need to experience. 

Krka National Park in the spring of 2019 expanded its tourist offer by arranging fourteen cycling routes that connect the most attractive parts of the park. All the advantages of cycling in Krka National Park can be found in one place on the website specializing only in cycling tourism Krka Bike.

Cycling or cycling tourism is a form of sustainable tourism that has been developing more and more in almost all countries. In addition to including day trips that regular tourists or locals take during their holidays or weekends, it also applies to long-distance cycling on cycling routes.

The development of cycling tourism on the continent could be the main driver of guests' increase in continental Croatia. Good examples come from Međimurje County, where they are working on the CycleSeeing Attractour - CSA project, thanks to which the Cycling Information Center with the Goričko Sviralo lookout will be built and equipped on Mađerka Hill. As part of the project, a bicycle information center with a lookout tower, "Goričko sviralo," will be built and equipped. At Nature Parks such as Kopački rit and Papuk Nature Park in Slavonia and Medvednica in central Croatia, many interesting bike trails lack promotion and projects that we witness on the coast. Almost every county in Croatia is working on cycling tourism, but many are not yet close to the final goal.

Croatia is also integrated into the EuroVelo network of bicycle routes that connect the entire European continent. The EuroVelo network includes 15 cycling routes through 42 European countries with a planned more than 70,000 km when the network is fully completed. The Coordination Body's establishment for the Development of Cyclotourism in Croatia enabled the accession to the ECF (European Cycling Federation), which is the holder of the EuroVelo project, a network of European cycling routes connecting the countries of the European Union. 

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