Risnjak National Park is located in Gorski kotar, the most forested area of western Croatia with an area of 63,5 square kilometers it occupies the central part of the Risnjak and Snježnik massifs and the upper course of the Kupa River with its source. The air distance from the top of Veliki Risnjak to the sea is 15 kilometers, and from the source of Kupa it is eight kilometers. So, at only 23 kilometers of air distance, there are distinct climatic differences. This is what makes Risnjak stand out, a mountain that towers over all the areas between the land and the sea that belong to the National Park.
Close to the sea, close to the forests and greenery of Gorski kotar Risnjak is ideal for this relaxation and exploring the rich flora and fauna or simply enjoyment in the greenery and the singing of birds or along the Kupa valley in observation butterfly games. We saw for ourselves the beauty of the Risnjak National Park, and Dragan Turk, the expert manager of the Risnjak National Park, revealed special interesting and lesser-known facts to us. of Croatia, we introduce you to the peculiarities of this national park and wholeheartedly recommend that you include it in your list of places you plan to visit.
The beautiful views of Risnjak remain forever in the memory
In terms of height, the National Park extends from 290 meters above sea level near the village of Hrvatsko in the valley of the river Kupa, to 1528 meters what is the height of the highest peak in the Risnjak massif - Veliki Risnjak and together with the Snježnik massif it represents the climatic and vegetation barrier between the coastal and inland parts of Croatia. The beautiful views of the Kvarner Bay, Istria and the Julian Alps to neighboring Slovenia will remain in the memory of every visitor.
Educational trail Leska na Risnjak: The most visited part of the National Park
The trail is four kilometers long, not demanding and suitable for all age groups, so the largest number of visitors choose this trail.
The Leska educational trail is one of the first facilities of its kind in Croatia, opened on June 4, 1993. It is easily accessible from Crni Lug and starts a few minutes' walk west of the park administration. Thanks to as many as 23 information boards on only 4,2 kilometers of the trail, you will get to know the natural and cultural heritage of this national park in the best possible way.
The second most visited place is the top of Risnjak at 1528 meters, right behind it is Snježnik at 1409 meters above sea level, and of course the source of Kupa at 321 meters above sea level is also one of the most visited places, which we wrote about HERE.
Excursion to the source of the Kupa River: We discover the secrets of this magnificent karst puzzle
If you are looking for a realm of peace and quiet, fresh air away from the hot asphalt and city bustle and a place of incredible natural beauty - you will find it at the source of Kupa, a place full of secrets that you discover with every step while walking along the marked paths - and only when you get to the source itself does the right follow reward…
How to get to Vrh Risnjak?
The Risnjak massif, with its white rocks, towered dominantly over the greenery of the Goranian forests. Five marked paths lead to the mountain lodge and the top of Risnjak from various directions:
- Horvat's path
- The path over Mark's lair
- Vile - Veliki Risnjak
- Lazac - Risnjak
- Platak – Cajtige – Risnjak
If you have the whole day at your disposal, we recommend going to Risnjak from the direction of Gornji Jelenje and returning to one of the trails in Crni Lug, at the main entrance to the Park. At the very top of Veliki Risnjak mountain lodge in Schlosser's meadow will provide you with shelter in the winter months in its shelter. For the rest of the year, hosts await you there with fragrant cuisine and comfortable accommodation.
///Forest tourism - educational paths that are really worth walking
Interpretation center "Hidden treasure of Risnjak" Crni Lug
Visit the unique interpretation center in Crni Lug, which presents a number of natural, historical and traditional specialties of Gorski kotar in a modern way. Along with a lot of information about the three big beasts that live in the area of Gorski Kotar and Risnjak National Park (wolf, lynx and bear), get to know the history and rich traditions of this region: the Goran bell makers "Pesnike", glass production, the making of special woolen socks "kopica" and more a number of interesting things.
One of the most beautiful viewpoints in Croatia is on Snježnik
The view from the viewpoint of this rocky peak surrounded by mountain meadows at 1506 meters above the sea is one of the most beautiful in Croatia. The specialty of this area is the plants that are adapted to the most difficult climatic conditions and can easily withstand summer heat and strong winter storms.
In the heart of the wilderness: A walk in untouched nature at the foot of Risnjak and Snježnik offers unique experiences
Educational program Wild & Free it leads all wildlife lovers who join it through the forest expanses at the foot of Risnjak and Snježnik. The road winds along the border itself Risnjak National Park, next to lawns that once were glaciers
How to get there? It will take you about an hour to access Snježnik from Platka. The easiest way is to take the path over Greben to the top, while you can return by the path through Grlo, which descends west from the top of Snježnik.
///Continental Croatia and its viewpoints: Scenes that will win your heart
Risnjak also hides a real wealth of flora and fauna
The Risnjak massif has always been there known for its rich flora, developed in different microclimatic and geological conditions. The main feature of the flora is a relatively large number of taxa in total, as many as 1148 species and subspecies, and you will also find three European animals there.
Well-preserved plant communities, especially forest ones, with an authentic composition of plant species give the National Park a special value.
Here is also the most beautifully expressed the phenomenon of sinkhole vegetation, and the area of Risnjak is the natural habitat of all three large European beasts bear, wolf and lynx after which the Risnjak massif got its name.
What can Gorski Kotar boast about, and what sets it apart from most destinations in the rest of Croatia? The first thing that comes to mind is the wonderful nature. And it hides many more beauties that need to be discovered and preserved
Other animal species such as birds, reptiles and insects are also numerous and diverse. Butterflies occupy a very important place in the valley of the river Kupa, so the whole valley was named "Butterfly Valley".
///The Foxes invite you to the Fox Hike Babinjak and bear bow in the wonderful butterfly valley
Don't let them surprise you in the National Park chamois – animals that are rightly called mountain ballerinas. The lightness and elegance with which they move safely through the Dinaric karst of the Risnjak National Park is astonishing. According to historical records from the Frankopan era, chamois inhabited this part of mountainous Croatia as early as the 15th century. Today, there are two smaller herds of chamois in the area of Risnjak, which are present here throughout the year.
Active vacation in Risnjak National Park
If just a walk and tour on foot is not enough for you, you can "enhance" the Risnjak adventure by mountain biking. On the map of Risnjak National Park, cycling routes are marked, from the shortest 4,2 kilometers to 40 kilometers long routes.
*You can buy the ticket in the boarding house in Crni Lug/Bijela Vodica, at the info points in Bijela Vodica and Razloge, as well as in the mountain lodge on Risnjak. You can rent a bicycle in the National Park.
If you still don't see yourself on two wheels, you might like the suggestion of a closer acquaintance with the fauna. Spaces have been prepared in the Park for watching game. Fishermen will be delighted by the information that, in the season that always starts on May 15, you can go sport fishing on the rich waters of the Kupa River.
The main attraction that your little ones will always want to return to is the adrenaline park for children at the very entrance to the National Park.
... And in the end, we will just tell you that, in addition to the above, listen to more about the traditions of those regions and give it the opportunity to get to know the customs better - of which we highlight the old craft of making shingles. And yes, you don't have to worry about too much preparation before departure, just make sure you have a sufficient amount of water and adequate footwear with you. It is not even recommended to go alone, so bring your loved ones and go on an adventure with pure nature that you will always return to.
