Oltari is a district of Volarice. Two cycling routes start there and lead through the wider region: Oltari–Zavižan–Lom–Lubenovac–Alan and Oltari–Duliba–Krasno. Another cycling route runs from Senj to Oltari and ends there. When planning, it is worth looking at the different route profiles: for the two routes starting in Oltari, distance and surface are the main considerations, while the Senj–Oltari route also lists total ascent and elevation profile.
Cycling routes from Oltari
The Oltari–Zavižan–Lom–Lubenovac–Alan cycling route is 44.5 km long. From Oltari, it initially follows a paved road to the official entrance to Northern Velebit National Park at Babić Siča. It then continues on gravel to Zavižan and Mali Lom; the route goes on through Lubenovac to Alan. Overall, 32 percent of the route is paved and 68 percent is gravel. The stated elevation difference is 207 m. This makes it a longer route with a high proportion of gravel and several named stops.
The Oltari–Duliba–Krasno cycling route is considerably shorter at 10.8 km. It also starts in Oltari and leads through Duliba to Krasno. 71 percent of the route is paved and 29 percent is gravel; here too, the stated elevation difference is 207 m. Four circular cycling routes connect to this route in Krasno. The Northern Velebit National Park Information Centre and the Forestry Museum are also located there. This shorter connection therefore has a named destination where other cycling routes and two local attractions are located.
Both routes from Oltari are recommended for spring, summer, and autumn. Seasonal conditions may vary; check current route conditions before setting out. Bicycles cannot be rented on either route. Check bicycle availability in advance. The routes differ above all in their length, the respective proportions of paved and gravel surfaces, and their named destinations; the same stated elevation difference alone does not capture these differences.
Another route ending in Oltari
The Senj–Oltari cycling route ends in Oltari. It is 19.24 km long, with a stated total ascent of 1,033 m and an elevation profile ranging from 42 m to 1,017 m. These figures complement the information on the two routes starting in Oltari: for those, an elevation difference of 207 m is stated for each, while total ascent and elevation profile are listed for Senj–Oltari. When comparing routes, also note which elevation measurement applies to each one. This lets you consider distance, route, and elevation figures separately rather than combining them into a single metric.
Hiking in the wider region
There is also a dedicated regional focus for hiking enthusiasts: fifteen hiking trails run through the protected Velebit area. The 57 km Premužić Trail crosses the highest sections of the northern and central Velebit. It offers a different perspective on the area from the cycling routes that start or end in Oltari. The information on the trail’s length and location can help you decide whether a hike or one of the cycling routes described is a better fit for your travel plans. Conditions may vary on individual trails; check the latest conditions before setting out.
To choose between the cycling routes, start by comparing distance and surface: 10.8 km with mostly paved surfaces versus 44.5 km with mostly gravel. The routes also have different named destinations and elevation measurements. If you prefer hiking, the 57 km Premužić Trail is a separate, longer option in the wider region. This allows you to plan around your preferred activity and the specific characteristics of each route.
Discover more destinations: Senj, Vrataruša, Stolac, Jablanac, Prizna, Starigrad, Alan, Sveti Juraj.
To view the broader travel overview: Općina Senj.
