A mixed-surface crossing of southern Velebit from Obrovac to Sveti Rok, combining paved approach roads with the gravel Master's Road through Mali Alan and Tulove grede.
Route facts
Distance
39.0 km
Estimated ride
2 hr 30 min
Start
Obrovac
Finish
Sveti Rok
Difficulty
Challenging
Road type
Mountain pass, Gravel
Surface
Mixed
Recommended season
May–October
Borders
No border crossings
Tolls
None
Ferry
Not required
Ride file
GPX download
Download the route track for use with a compatible navigation device or app.
The route starts at 5 m and finishes at 571 m. It climbs 1453 m and descends 886 m, ranging from 4 m to 1050 m above sea level.
Total ascent
1453 m
Total descent
886 m
Lowest point
4 m
Highest point
1050 m
Elevation sampled in GPX track order, from start to finish.
Editorial overview
This route starts in Obrovac and climbs into southern Velebit on paved roads before joining Master’s Road. Built between 1825 and 1832 under mountain-road engineer and frontier officer Josip Kajetan Knežić, the historic road connected Obrovac, Mali Alan and Sveti Rok. Its tightly controlled gradients and repeated stone-lined bends were an exceptional feat for the period. The road later carried trade and postal traffic between Vienna and Zadar and was added to Croatia’s register of cultural heritage in 2007.
The crossing passes the vertical limestone towers of Tulove grede. This landscape also became a filming location for the German-Yugoslav Winnetou series: scenes from The Desperado Trail were staged beside the road below the rock formation.
Practical riding information
Treat the route as a remote mountain ride rather than a shortcut. It begins on asphalt from Obrovac, changes to gravel on Master’s Road, and returns to asphalt for the final approach to Sveti Rok. On the unpaved section, expect loose stone, washouts and changing traction after bad weather. Carry water, basic tools and puncture-repair equipment, begin with enough fuel, and leave a generous weather margin. There are no border crossings, tolls or ferry legs.
Check the live HAK road report immediately before travel. The current all-vehicle closure takes precedence over the seasonal guidance and estimated ride time shown above.
Before you ride
Warnings and restrictions
Road closureHigh
DC547 is currently closed to all vehicles
The Croatian Auto Club reports that traffic is suspended on the Sveti Rok–Jasenice section because of road damage. Do not enter the route while the closure remains in force; check the live HAK report before departure.
