18.6
PDI
10 mi
DISTANCE
3,262 ft
GAINED
6.2 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Ičići-Poklon is the direct sea-to-pass climb on Učka: 16.1 km (10.0 mi) from the Adriatic shore at Ičići, just south of Opatija, to the Poklon pass, gaining 994 m (3262 ft) at an average of 6.2%. It currently ranks #1148 in the world in our database.
The climb falls neatly into two halves. The first 9 km (5.6 mi) zigzag up county road Ž5048 through the villa neighborhoods and small hamlets above the Opatija Riviera, at a gentle, even 5-6%, with the Kvarner Gulf opening up a little more behind you at every switchback. Near Veprinac the road joins Ž5047, the old road over Učka, and the character changes: the houses fall away, the beech forest closes in, and the hardest kilometers of the day arrive between km 11 and km 14 (mile 6.8 and 8.7), averaging 8-9% with short ramps steeper still. The last 2 km (1.2 mi) ease off past the Poklon car park to finish at the road's high point by Restaurant Dopolavoro.
From Veprinac to Poklon, this route shares its upper half with our Vojak climb from Rijeka, which covers the pass, the Trofej Učka hill-climb and the history of Poklon in more detail. If you still have legs at the top, the narrow summit road continues to Vojak, the highest point of the Istrian peninsula - the full ascent from Ičići is our Vojak East page.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. Ičići-Poklon is 16.1 km (10.0 mi) long and climbs 994 m (3262 ft) from just above sea level at Ičići, at an average of 6.2%. There is almost no descending along the way.
The lower half on Ž5048 is remarkably even: every kilometer from Ičići to Veprinac averages between 5.3% and 6.2%, apart from a slightly steeper 7.3% kilometer just before the junction with Ž5047 at around km 9 (mile 5.6). A short, easier stretch of about 3.6% follows, and then the climb gets to work. From km 11 to km 14 (mile 6.8 to 8.7) the gradient builds through 8.1%, 8.6% and 8.9%, and this is where you'll find the steepest kilometer (10.3%), the steepest mile (9.4%) and the steepest 2 km (1.2 mi) at 9.1%.
The last 2 km (1.2 mi) ease to about 6% and then 4%, flattening out at the Poklon parking area before a short final rise to the finish. The steepest 5 km (3.1 mi) average 7.6%.
Roadway: Paved the whole way, and wide and smooth on the upper section. Ž5048 climbs from the coast in a series of switchbacks through residential areas, and Ž5047 above Veprinac is a well-surfaced forest road; Street View imagery from mid-2024 shows good asphalt from the bottom to the pass, and signs on the upper road mark the ramps over 10%. In winter the road near Poklon can see snow and ice, and race days such as the Trofej Učka in June bring temporary closures.
Traffic: Ž5048 is a local road serving the villas and hamlets above Ičići and Opatija, so expect some resident traffic on the lower switchbacks, though it is a quieter way up than the busier approach through Matulji. Above Veprinac, most through traffic is underground in the Učka Tunnel, and the road over Poklon carries mainly visitors heading for the nature park.
Parking: Ičići is a beach and marina village, and parking near the water is in demand in summer. The lot by Ičići's Blue Flag main beach has about 100 spaces, but free spaces are hard to find on hot days, so if you're staying anywhere along the Opatija Riviera it's easier to ride to the start. Poklon has a car park by the nature park visitor center if you're meeting a support car at the top.
Provisions: Ičići's waterfront, around the main beach and the ACI marina, has cafés and a fish restaurant for a coffee or snack before you start. There's little on the way up beyond the small hamlets, so fill your bottles before leaving the coast. At the top, Restaurant Dopolavoro sits right at the finish, with Pansion Učka and the visitor center a short way back at Poklon.
Gear: You start at sea level and finish nearly 1000 m (3280 ft) higher, and the pass can be far colder than the coast, especially in spring and autumn - bring a layer for the descent. A compact crankset is plenty for gradients that top out around 10%.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Ičići makes an easy base for this climb. The Lungomare, a 12 km (7.5 mi) seaside promenade from Volosko to Lovran, runs right through the village past the ACI marina and the main beach - a good place for an evening walk after the ride. Camping Opatija is close to the start if you're traveling by van or tent.
On the way up, the Brituh viewpoint at Veprinac (519 m / 1703 ft) gives a sweeping panorama over the Kvarner Bay and is a short detour from the climb; the walled old village itself is covered on our Vojak page. For a longer day, one good loop climbs from Ičići to Veprinac on Ž5048, then descends Ž5047 through Rukavac and Matulji back to the coast.
Temperatures at Poklon can be very different from the Riviera, so check current conditions before you go with our Weather tool.
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