From Ičići, at 13 ft (4 m) on the Opatija coast, to Vojak, the summit of Mount Učka at 4,501 ft (1,372 m), it’s 13.6 miles (21.9 km) at an average 6.3%: 4,505 ft (1,373 m) of climbing. It starts literally at the water’s edge, on the Kvarner Gulf, and ends on the roof of the Istrian peninsula.
The climb, section by section
- Km 0 to 10, miles 0 to 6.2 (5-6.5%). A very steady grade from the coast, between the houses of Ičići and the villages of Poljane and Veprinac.
- Km 10 to 13, miles 6.2 to 8.1 (4-5%). A bit gentler, a good place to eat and drink.
- Km 13 to 16, miles 8.1 to 9.9 (8-8.5%). The hardest section, up to the Vela Učka pass at about 2,950 ft (900 m).
- Km 16 to 18, miles 9.9 to 11.2 (3.5-4.5%). A breather near the Vranja junction, where the west side comes in.
- The last 2.5 miles, 4 km (6.5-8%). You leave the main road and climb to Vojak, with 10% ramps in the last kilometer. Climbfinder measures 12.1% over the hardest 100 m and counts 21 hairpins on the whole climb.
CyclingCols measures 21.9 km and 1,373 m; Climbfinder, 22 km and 1,368 m, with the same 6.2-6.3% average. The summit of Vojak, with its lookout tower, sits a few feet above the end of the road.
History
Učka is the big climb of the Istrian peninsula. The Tour of Croatia finished on Vojak in 2016: on the queen stage, from Crikvenica to the summit (76 miles, or 122 km), Austria’s Riccardo Zoidl attacked about 3 miles (5 km) from the finish and won by 28 seconds over Croatia’s Matija Kvasina, who took the lead and went on to win the race.
When to go, water and traffic
You can ride it almost year-round: the lower part has a Mediterranean climate, though in winter there can be ice and snow near the top. In summer, start early to beat the coastal heat. Get water in Ičići or Opatija: there are few services higher up. Bring layers for the descent, because it’s a lot colder at the top than on the coast.
What gearing to use
A 34x28 works well. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 6.8 mph (11 km/h) on 8%: on a 34x28 you’ll pedal around 73 rpm. For the finish, and if your power is lower, a 34x30. Check your combinations in the gear calculator.
Tips
- It’s ideal for pacing work: almost 6 opening miles (10 km) without a change in grade.
- Save something for the Vela Učka section and the last kilometer.
- If you want steeper, the Vranja side, 8.4 miles (13.5 km) at 8.1%, is the hardest.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Učka from Ičići?
To Vojak, a 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 38 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 56 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 h 16 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Has the Tour of Croatia finished on Učka?
Yes. In 2016 the queen stage, from Crikvenica to Vojak (76 miles, or 122 km), was won solo by Austria's Riccardo Zoidl, and Croatia's Matija Kvasina took the lead and won the overall.
Are there other ways up Učka?
Yes: from Vranja, to the west, it's 8.4 miles (13.5 km) at 8.1%, the steepest side; from Matulji, to the east, 12.6 miles (20.3 km) at 5.8%.