Sveti Jure is the highest road of Croatia
Sveti Jure is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,744m (5,721ft) above sea level, located in the Split-Dalmatia County of Croatia. If you're scared of driving in reverse on mountain roads, avoid this drive.
Can you drive to Sveti Jure?
Set high on the Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic Sea, in the Biokovo mountain range, this is a must-do. The road is entirely paved and is known as Biokovska cesta (Biokovo Tourist Road). It is said to be one of the highest roads in the country.
When was the road to Sveti Jure built?
The road was originally built up to 897m (2,942ft) above sea level by the Austro-Hungarian Army in 1878. In 1964, it was extended to the top of the mountain to install a television transmitter. The road was completely paved in 1978.
Is Sveti Jure dangerous?
There are some narrow parts (only 3-4 meters wide in places), impassable for 2 cars at the same time. You should be prepared to back up if you meet an oncoming vehicle. Passing by is possible only on the special islands, which are not placed frequently. Driving up there involves risks, as the road is very narrow, with passing only on the special islands, and even a small mistake can lead to an accident, considering the possibility of falling about 1 km down. The speed limit is 30km/h, overtaking is forbidden, and driving with great caution is advised. Extreme care should be taken with the wind, especially during the last 3 km with an average gradient up to 14%.
Is Sveti Jure steep?
The road to the summit is very steep, reaching a maximum gradient of 23% on some ramps. Starting at the paved D512 road at 365m asl, the ascent is 23km (14.29 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 1,379 meters, and the average gradient is 5.99%.
Is Sveti Jure open?
The route is recommended throughout all seasons, but during winter, it's essential to check snow conditions. Avoid windy times, as the wind can be very strong on Biokovo. Check the weather report carefully before the trip. The road to the top, through the Biokovo National Park (open from 7:00 to 20:00 hours), has a fee entrance of around 4 euros during the day, and it's free at night.
How long does it take to drive Sveti Jure?
Plan about 1 hour to complete the drive without any stops. The view from the top is unimaginably beautiful, including the Adriatic Sea to the west. On clear days, parts of Bosnia and Italy (across the Adriatic Sea) can be seen. The road offers a breathtaking panorama of the mountains folding down to the seashore and islands of Croatia, providing amazing views of the sea and inland. Along this climb, you'll find many fine viewpoints. The summit has a relatively large parking lot designed for roughly 30 to 40 cars. There are several restaurants along the road, but only one or two are open, mainly during the tourist season.