Municipality of Lovinac – Cycling Routes, Nature and Culture

Almost half of the municipality’s territory lies within Velebit Nature Park. In the Lovinac area, the A1 motorway has interchanges at Gornja Ploča and Sveti Rok. Walking and hiking options include the 2,175-metre-long Ričica educational trail and the 6,108-metre-long Resnik educational trail. Four cycling routes are designated in the region.

Velebit defines the municipality’s natural landscape: in 1978, the mountain range was included in UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme as a biosphere reserve. Almost half of the municipality’s territory lies within Velebit Nature Park. The Sveto Brdo–Babin vrh Strict Nature Reserve, also within the municipality, is part of Paklenica National Park.

The mountains also offer distinctive landmarks. At 1,752 metres, Sveto Brdo is the municipality’s highest peak. The 833-metre-high Zir is located in Lovinac and offers panoramic views in every direction. Mount Zir in the Lovinačko kraje also contains a 350-metre-long cave with a lake. Rokina Cave, also known as Brkića Cave, is located in the mountain above Piplica and is notable for its cave formations.

Local bodies of water include Lake Obsenica, also called Lake Sv. Rok. A canal connects it to the Ričica River, which continues on to Lake Štikada. Lake Sv. Rok was renovated in 2018 and named “Lovinačka rivijera.” It has been described as rich in fish and as a swimming spot for visitors during the summer months.

The Ričica educational trail runs along the north bank of the Ričica River between the bridges on the roads near Matijevići and Mašića most. It is 2,175 metres long. The Resnik educational trail is longer, at 6,108 metres in total, and follows a different route: it starts on the mountain’s southern slope by the access road to the hamlet of Matijevići, heads in two directions across the mountain’s southern and western or northern sides, and ends at the summit of Resnik. Signposts and information boards line the route; tables and benches provide places to rest.

Four cycling routes are designated for exploring the region by bike. Another cycling option is the three-day Srce Velebita cycling festival, which includes organised rides with licensed cycling guides through the Velebit Mountains, the Lovinac region and other parts of Lika-Senj County. This allows you to choose between designated routes and a festival format with organised rides.

Remains of a Roman road lie at Pod Cvitušom. The site is important for understanding Roman road construction and transport routes in Lika. At Štikada, a medieval cemetery contains 23 late-medieval stećak tombstones in situ, along with the remains of the Temple of the Holy Archangel.

Several buildings also offer insight into local history. The parish church of St. Michael in Lovinac was built in 1704 and altered in the second half of the 18th century and the middle of the 19th century. The parish church of St. Mary Magdalene in Ričice was built in 1795 in the Baroque style and is valued for its architecture, history and contribution to the local townscape. Those interested in older construction can combine a visit to these churches with the stone bridge over the Ričica stream near Lovinac, built in the 19th century.

Another historic stop is the 19th-century Travić Mill on the Banica stream in Lovinac. The water from the stream powers its grinding mechanism. Unlike a simple ruin, the mill thus demonstrates a specific technical function: using flowing water for milling.

Dani sira i ličkog krumpira showcases the culinary qualities of potatoes and cheese, and visitors can sample both products. The food event has been held in the Municipality of Lovinac since 2013. The traditional Lika dish “pole” is also prepared using different varieties of potatoes.

Lovinački Advent was launched in 2022 below Mount Cvituša, at the Izletište Cvituša excursion site. From December through 7 January, its programme included weekend events, food and the sale of local products. These events are therefore distinct in timing and theme from the landscape and cultural sites that can be described year-round.

For travel by car, the two A1 interchanges in the Lovinac area are relevant: Gornja Ploča and Sveti Rok. In the wider region, the Zagreb–Knin–Split railway line and the Gospić–Gračac–Obrovac regional and state road provide transport links to the Adriatic. This information helps put the area’s transport connections in a broader context.

For orientation within the municipality, the localities of Raduč and Lovinac provide additional context. Discover more destinations in the municipalities of Municipality of Perušić, Municipality of Karlobag, Municipality of Rakovica, Municipality of Brinje, Municipality of Gospić and Municipality of Udbina.

How long are the Ričica and Resnik educational trails?

The Ričica educational trail is 2,175 metres long, and the Resnik educational trail is 6,108 metres long. Ričica runs along the river’s north bank; Resnik ends at the summit of the mountain of the same name.

How is Lake Obsenica connected to other bodies of water?

Lake Obsenica, also called Lake Sv. Rok, is connected to the Ričica River by a canal. The river continues on to Lake Štikada.

What does the Srce Velebita cycling festival offer?

The three-day recreational festival includes organised rides with licensed cycling guides through the Velebit Mountains, the Lovinac region and other parts of Lika-Senj County.

For the broader travel overview: Lika-Senj.