Exploring the Čabranka Riverside Route: A Motorcyclist’s Guide to the Risnjak National Park Border Road
The road known locally as Županijska cesta 5031 offers a unique motorcycling experience along the Čabranka River, skirting the edge of Croatia’s Risnjak National Park. This route, connecting the settlements of Ulica Franje Ožbolta Velikog and Ulica Muhvić Antuna near the town of Čabar, provides riders with a blend of natural beauty and technical riding through a less-traveled region.

Location and Overview of the Čabranka Riverside Route

Županijska cesta 5031, hereafter referred to as the Čabranka Riverside Route, is situated in the northwestern part of Croatia, close to the Slovenian border. The road runs parallel to the Čabranka River for nearly its entire length, with the town of Čabar serving as both the nearest settlement to the starting and ending points. The route skirts the boundary of Nacionalni park Risnjak, a protected area known for its diverse flora and fauna. This location places the road in a region characterized by forested hills, river valleys, and proximity to the Gorski Kotar highlands. An interactive map showing the precise alignment of the road can be found at the end of this article.

GoogleStreetView of random point on the road. To view more details and more GoogleStreetView locations use HelmTube roads explorer map.
Infographic showing the distribution of road widths, lane counts, and tarmac surface quality ratings of the road.

Road Characteristics and Riding Experience

The Čabranka Riverside Route extends for approximately 11.8 km (7.3 miles), with the majority of its length featuring two lanes (about 93%) and a wide carriageway (about 76%). The road surface is asphalt, with a quality rating that can be described as moderate—neither poor nor excellent, but generally reliable for motorcycle travel. The route is gently curved, offering a relaxed riding experience rather than a highly technical one. Elevation ranges from 292 m (958 ft) at its lowest point to 498 m (1,634 ft) at its highest, resulting in mild elevation changes suitable for most riders. The maximum speed limits along the road are 40 km/h (25 mph) and 20 km/h (12 mph) in certain sections, reflecting the road’s proximity to inhabited areas and the national park boundary. Approximately 22.7% of the route passes through inhabited zones, while the remainder traverses sparsely populated or natural landscapes.

The road's total length and the distribution of corner types—gentle, mid, and tight—as a percentage of the route. The portion of the road that runs through inhabited areas.
Road elevation profile: Graphical representation of elevation changes between point A and point B along the road.

Natural Features and Points of Interest

The defining natural feature of this route is its close alignment with the Čabranka River, a tributary of the Kupa River. For nearly 98% of its length, the road runs adjacent to the river, providing continuous views of the waterway and the surrounding riparian environment. The proximity to Nacionalni park Risnjak adds ecological significance, as the park is home to lynx, bears, and a variety of bird species. The town of Čabar serves as a convenient base for exploring the region, offering basic amenities and access to local cultural sites. Riders interested in extending their journey can explore the broader Gorski Kotar area, known for its forests and outdoor activities.

Access, Closures, and Regulations

There are currently no known restrictions on motorcycle access along the Čabranka Riverside Route. The road is open year-round, but riders should be aware that winter conditions in the Gorski Kotar region can lead to temporary closures or hazardous surfaces due to snow and ice. No regular event-related closures have been reported. It is advisable to check local traffic updates or consult the Nacionalni park Risnjak website for any temporary restrictions, especially during periods of adverse weather or park maintenance activities.

Tolls, Fees, and Further Information

There is no toll or entrance fee required to ride the Čabranka Riverside Route itself. However, entry into Nacionalni park Risnjak may be subject to a fee if you plan to visit the park’s interior or use its facilities. Toll and fee conditions may change in the future, so it is recommended to verify the latest information on the HAK (Croatian Automobile Club) website, which provides up-to-date details on road tolls and entrance fees across Croatia.

This is an interactive map — you can zoom, pan, and explore the road in detail. Check out the HelmTube Roads Explorer map to discover more great roads nearby Čabranka Riverside Route.