Cycling Routes in Zagreb for Recreation and Exploring

Welcome to Zagreb on Two Wheels

Zagreb’s cycling story began long before modern bike lanes or GPS apps. In 1867, Ladislav Belus returned from the Paris World Expo with a Michaux velocipede, the city’s very first bicycle. Less than twenty years later, in 1885, the Prvo hrvatsko društvo biciklista (First Croatian Cycling Society) was founded. It sparked organised rides, races, and even the publication of the first Croatian cycling regulations.

At the time, high-wheeled “velocipedes” whirling around Zrinjevac were more than a pastime. They were a fashionable spectacle, often staged to raise money for public projects such as the Croatian National Theatre. These early pioneers were not only chasing a new sport, they were weaving the bicycle into the rhythm of city life.

By the turn of the twentieth century, cycling was part of Zagreb’s everyday fabric. In 1895, local craftsman Ivan Dirnbacher opened the city’s first repair workshop, which later grew into a full bicycle factory, producing his own models “Croatia” and “Ilyria”. Streets like Koturaška still carry the memory of those first “koturaši,” the passionate riders who shaped the city’s identity. Cycling clubs flourished, publishing maps and organising tours, while adventurers such as Ferdinand Budicki rode thousands of kilometres across Europe and North Africa, placing Zagreb firmly on the map of long-distance cycling.

Today, that spirit of tradition and progress still defines the city. Zagreb offers kilometres of cycling routes that connect history with natural beauty, from cobbled streets in the old town to leafy paths along the Sava River. Riding here is not just about moving from one place to another. It is about stepping into the city’s past, feeling its present, and pedalling toward a more connected, sustainable future.

Cycling in Zagreb at a Glance

Modern Zagreb boasts approximately 220 kilometres of marked cycling routes, with paths stretching from the heart of the city to its green surroundings. The network is not yet fully connected, which means riders sometimes blend official bike lanes with quiet side streets, riverside paths, and park trails, a mix that keeps rides varied and full of surprises. Many of these routes are flat and accessible, which makes them ideal for families, casual riders, and visitors exploring the city at an unhurried pace.

Public bike rental has made access easier than ever. Since 2017, the Nextbike system has operated across Zagreb, allowing you to pick up and drop off bikes at dozens of stations. For those staying longer or seeking sport-oriented rides, local shops offer road bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes for hire. The variety means you can choose the ride that matches your style: a relaxed riverside cruise, a brisk commute, or a climb into the mountain air.

To help plan your trip, the City of Zagreb offers a detailed Cycling Map PDF and an interactive GeoHub cycling route explorer. These tools show official lanes, recommended paths, and nearby attractions. While many routes can be enjoyed spontaneously, using these resources allows you to design rides that match your available time, skill level, and interests.

Scenic Urban Routes

Photo: Zagreb.hr – Official Website of the City of Zagreb

One of Zagreb’s most beloved cycling stretches is the Sava River Embankment. This broad, traffic-free corridor runs parallel to the river, offering long, uninterrupted views of both Old and New Zagreb. It’s perfect for an easy ride from bridge to bridge, with stop-off points like Bundek Park in the east and the more rural Podsused in the west. The corridor even takes you to the Jarun Lake. The changing skyline of church spires and modern towers will give you a constantly shifting backdrop.

Photo: Sanjin Kastelan - Maksimir Park

Maksimir Park is another gem for cyclists. Founded in 1794, it’s one of Europe’s oldest public parks, with five lakes, dense woodlands, and open meadows. Cycling here is a generous sensory experience. Here you can enjoy birdsong overhead, cool shade from ancient oaks, and sudden openings where sunlit water reflects the sky. It has got a lush animal life as well, and even a zoo so you can stop by. The park’s network of paths is well-suited to relaxed rides, especially for families and couples wanting a slower pace.

Photo: Boska i Kreso - Maksimir Park

For history lovers, cycling through the Upper Town (Gornji grad) offers a more intimate look at Zagreb’s heritage. Narrow cobblestone streets wind past landmarks like St. Mark’s Church, the Stone Gate, and the Lotrščak Tower. While some climbs can be pretty steep, the reward truly is in the details: colourful façades, hidden courtyards, and panoramic views across the city.

Combining these urban routes gives a perfect introduction to Zagreb’s character and soul, it is a city that blends culture, nature, and community in every ride.

Nature Close to the City

Photo: Julien Duval - Jarun Lake

Zagreb’s green spaces make it easy to combine cycling with nature escapes. Jarun Lake is a favourite destination for both leisure and sport. The 6 km circuit around its shores is flat and smooth, dotted with cafés, sports facilities, and picnic spots. Summer brings swimmers, rowers, and windsurfers, turning the lake into a lively scene, but early mornings offer calm waters and misty reflections.

Photo: Julien Duval - Bundek Lake

Bundek Park is a smaller and more compact park which offers a relaxed 3 km ride among manicured flower gardens and grassy lawns, including a beautiful lake as well. It’s an ideal stop for families, especially during seasonal events when the park comes alive with music, art, and food stalls. Bundek is also a link in the chain of riverside cycling routes, making it a pleasant detour on longer rides along the Sava river.

Photo: Marija Gasparovic - Medvednica

Furthermore, to the north, Medvednica Mountain rises as a natural border and a cooling escape in summer. While its forested slopes are best known for hiking, they also host eight to nine marked cycling routes (around 100 kms of them), from short scenic loops to demanding ascents. Attractions along the way include the medieval Medvedgrad Fortress, the geological wonder of Veternica Cave, and sweeping viewpoints over the city and Zagorje. Even a partial climb rewards riders with fresh mountain air and a sense of accomplishment.

Spotlight: The Greenway Project

The Greenway – State Cycling Route No. 2 is one of the most ambitious cycling infrastructure projects in Croatia. Following the Sava River for 121.6 km, it will link the Slovenian border to Lijevi Dubrovčak, passing directly through Zagreb. Designed with cyclists’ needs in mind, it will include lighting for safety, e-bike charging stations, rest areas, and improved access to bridges and connecting bike lanes. Once complete, it will serve both daily commuters and cycle tourists exploring the wider region.

The project’s benefits go far beyond mobility. By encouraging more people to cycle, Greenway aims to reduce traffic congestion, cut air pollution, and promote healthy lifestyles. It will also showcase the natural beauty of the Sava corridor, from wetlands and wildlife habitats to riverside villages and cultural landmarks. The route will become a living gallery of landscapes, accessible to all.

Currently in progress, the Greenway project has shifted from drawing board to reality, and cyclists, both local and visiting, are eagerly awaiting more. For Zagreb, it promises more than just a new route because it offers fresh connections to neighbourhoods, the surrounding county, and even to broader European cycling networks. When fully complete, Greenway won’t be just a line on a map. It will be a vibrant ribbon connecting history, nature, and community.

Tips for Visiting Cyclists

Summer in Zagreb offers long, sunny days, making early mornings and late afternoons the most comfortable times to ride. Midday heat can be intense, especially on open routes like the Sava embankment, so plan shaded stops or lakeside breaks when possible. Carry water, sunscreen, and light clothing, and don’t forget a small repair kit for longer rides, just in case.

For bike rentals, the public Nextbike system is the easiest option for short trips. For mountain or road cycling, local bike shops rent high-quality models, including e-bikes for tackling Medvednica’s climbs. Many hotels also have bicycles available for guests. Always check brakes, lights, and tyre pressure before setting off, particularly if you plan to combine city and off-road sections.

Safety is as much about awareness as equipment. In busier areas, respect pedestrian zones and ride at a pace that allows you to stop quickly. On shared mountain trails, yield to hikers and control your speed on descents.

Following local etiquette ensures that your cycling experience in Zagreb is both enjoyable and harmonious.

Author: Valentin Prelozicek