Stage map
Stage S4 of the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail begins in Donji Vidovec and passes through Međimurje and Varaždin counties and their pleasant landscapes in the area of Mura-Drava Regional Park. The region has stunning nature and biodiversity, perfect for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, cyclists and anyone looking to get in touch with nature.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery
From Donji Vidovec the road will lead you to the charming village of Sveta Marija, where you should make sure not to miss out on the Etnographic collection of lacemaking, and then it continues to Oporovec. The Oporovec cycling retreat is particulary interesting and attractive to cyclists and other travelers. In this beautiful village, along with a resting place, you can find cycling sets and everything required for bicycle repair.
A unique experience in Prelog
Continue your cycle tour toward Prelog on existing routes Dravska R1 and R3 CIAN. Prelog is located on an ancient crossroads. Long ago it used to be a market centre. Have a taste of local delicacies and wine or visit one of the many events held in Prelog. The Flower Fair at the end of April gives Prelog its nickname - the City of Flowers, and the city also offers very attractive Baroque evenings, the Opera under the stars. Visit the church of St. Jacob or Croata Insulanus Museum. Prelog knows what cyclists need: road safety, route markings, various activities, accommodation capacity. Before resting at Marina Prelog visit the birthplace of Rudolf Steiner, the father of anthroposophy, in Donji Kraljevec. Afterwards, do not miss the sights of the Drava River.
Pay a visit to the Dubrava Reservoir, the third largest in Croatia
In Prelog the Drava’s water flows into the Dubrava accumulation lake created by the hydropower dam Donja Dubrava, the third largest such artificial lake in Croatia, suitable for boat sailing, paddle kayaking and canoeing, or simply enjoying walks. After Marina Prelog, a good quality gravel road begins and continues to Otok. Enjoy a cycle tour throughout the pictoresque villages Podbrest, Orehovica, Vularija, situated next to what were previously many side branches of the wild Drava. The upstream part of the reservoir is a good example of nature taking over man-made structures: reed and other wetland vegetation has taken over the part of the accumulation lake that has fluctuating water levels and river birds use this as one of their favorite resting places. When passing the north side of the accumulation lake Varaždin, you will go through Novo Selo na Dravi, Kuršanec and Gornji Kuršanec, where you can visit the Memorial obelisk of the Croatian-Hungarian nobleman Nikola Zrinski (or Miklós Zrínyi)
Jump centuries into the past
The end of Stage S4 of Amazon of Europe Bike Trail is a baroque city named Varaždin. What makes Varaždin special is its unique monumental and historic heritage preserved in the intact and opulent baroque architecture of the historic City centre. Its unique urban identity shows not only the opulent Baroque architecture of the historical centre but also the warmth of its squares and romantic streets. The historical City centre stages numerous events throughout the year.
