Climb to Vojak (Učka) from Buzet

Climbing Vojak (Učka) from Buzet

A tough but rewarding autumn ride through Istria’s beautiful landscapes.

Cycling in Istria during autumn is fantastic — the weather is warmer and drier than in central Slovenia. We started the ride around 10 a.m. The route is demanding: Buzet lies at just 80 m above sea level, while the summit of Vojak reaches 1,400 m. The climb stretches over 35 km, and there’s almost no flat terrain — you’re either going up or down the entire way.

The Route

The ride begins with a longer climb on the main road — here, it’s important to watch for traffic. Soon after, the route descends into a charming Mediterranean landscape: low trees, autumn colors, and peaceful scenery. A few short climbs and descents follow until the main ascent to Učka begins. It’s classified as an HC climb and covers more than 1,000 meters of elevation gain.

The first part is very steep, reminding you that snow rarely falls here. My Garmin showed gradients of up to 18%. The initial section leads to a mountain pass toward Opatija and the sea. From the top of the pass, a well-paved road branches off toward Učka’s summit — with a steady and enjoyable gradient all the way up.

Scenery and Summit

In autumn, the colors are spectacular. The road to the top rewards you with incredible views of the Croatian coast and islands. At the summit, there’s also a viewing tower offering panoramic vistas in all directions.

The Descent

On the way down, extra caution is advised: the upper section has quite a few potholes and fallen leaves. The route back to Buzet is much friendlier, with more descending than climbing. We ended the ride with a well-deserved pizza — the perfect recovery meal after a tough day in the saddle: see location.