Country: Croatia
Mountain: Medvednica
Length: 35 km
Elevation gain: 880 m
Maximum elevation: 1010 m
Technical difficulty: 2/5
Download GPS Track: MTB Medvednica Leustek – 9_Cyclotrail
Date of ride: 19.02.2019.
Suitable for E-bike: Yes
Leustek trail is very popular MTB uphill access path to peak Sljeme. It is also very popular hiking path so it’s forbidden to ride this trail downhill. There is a tacit agreement between hikers and mountain bikers not to ride downhill this path, so it is very important for everyone who read this text to follow this simple rule. Trail number 9 that starts at Risnjak hut and ends in Mikulići is also very popular with hikers, so if you really want to enjoy, avoid riding this trail downhill during weekends. There are many downhill trails on Medvednica, so you can choose another downhill path.
Leustek – 9 circular route was mine favorite route last few years. But now, because of very high traffic, and because woodcutters massacred singletrack parts on trail 9 I use those trails mostly for uphill.
Leustek trail has a few variations, but this is my favorite. Real Leustek path starts at the end of Lonjščina street when you cross wooden bridge, mine path in the video starts near old tunel. All the time during ride on Leustek there is transition between steep and mild ascent. In the last third of Leustek path there is technical section called “stairs” and this section brings vividness. After stairs comes well, and that is a sign that you are very close to the top. This route passes near four mountain huts: Grofica, Stara Lugarnica, Grafičar and Risnjak (Risnjak works only during weekends) so you don’t have to carry a lots of stuff.
After encountering the paved road follow gpx file which lead you near Lugarnica. You will avoid Sljemenska cesta, and unnecessary traffic.
3 km after Stara Lugarnica road comes to Grafičar, and after that Risnjak which is built at the top of trail 9. Trail 9 is flowy trail, with few sections with roots, rocks and drop. It is great for beginners, and those experienced if they ride faster. Nevertheless you should be careful, especially if you ride this trail for the first time. At the last part of trail 9, be sure not to miss short, but very nice singletrack on the little ridge, above pipeline trail.
Map of route:
Elevation profile:
