Discover Kvarner

MOUNTAINS

Risnjak

One of the most outstanding natural phenomena in the Kvarner area, because of its peculiarity, attracts the attention of both scientists and mountain beauty lovers. Although it is just some fifteen kilometers, straight-line distance from the sea, the climate here is quite different from the coastal area (Primorje): here influences of Alpine and Balkan vegetation types interweave. For this reason the most appealing natural resources can be found in Risnjak, in the Mount Dinara limestone with its specific hydrography and forms, in virgin forest areas and unspoilt mountain peaks. Besides the climate, the main factor in the development of the varied plant life is also the complex geological structure, owing to which this area is extremely rich in plant species, even endemic ones, such as the edelweiss.
Another of its peculiarities is the rich bird population: namely here over 51 bird species build their nests, so that you can see big grouses, partridges, eagles, hawks, woodpeckers, jays, titmice, thrushes... Of wildlife species the brown bear can still be seen, as well as the almost extinct wolf, and lynxes that Risnjak was allegedly named after (Lynx= ris in Croatian).
From Risnjak peaks a marvelous view extends to the Alps, Medvednica, Plješivica, Velebit, Kapela, all the way to the Adriatic coast, so that this area is a favourite destination of nature lovers and mountaineers.

 

Učka

Učka stretches a length of 20 km from the saddle Poklon (where the road leads from Rijeka to Pazin) over to the Plomin bay. It is a prominent ridge, whose peaks gradually descend southward (highest peak Vojak is 1401 m). There are numerous springs on both slopes, quite strong in the second half of the year (Medveja). On the slopes there are several canyon valleys, and several other limestone formations (sink holes, caves). Učka represents a significant climatic barrier that forces the air masses to elevate, and this in turn gives rise to considerable precipitations. With its lush vegetation it is quite different from all other littoral mountains. The coastal belt is covered with Mediterranean vegetation dominated by laurel. The lower parts of the slopes are covered with oak and chestnut forests with quite a lot of hornbeam, ash tree and maple. Učka forests provide pleasant refreshment in summer, and the peaks offer unique views.
Several tourist hiking and catering facilities have been built up on Učka: a mountain chalet, boarding house and restaurant Učka on Poklon, hotel INA below Poklon, the tower-belvedere on Vojak.

 

 Parks and forests

 Reserves