GORSKI KOTAR

Brod Moravice, Čabar, Delnice,
Fužine, Lokve, Mrkopalj, Ravna
Gora, Skrad, Vrbovsko

No matter how many times you’ve visited Gorski kotar, this always represents an experience of incontestable attractions, of preserved wood areas, picturesque valleys, clear rivers and lakes, the Risnjak National Park, nature reserves, monuments of nature and of cultural heritage, of rural and traditional values and - most of all - of sincere and cordial hospitality that is provided by the Gorski Kotar people. The experience of the almost mythical landscapes inspires happiness, offering peace and relaxation. Gorski kotar is a great plateau between Hrvatsko primorje and Pokuplje, about 35 km wide and 800 metres high. The steep step above the littoral represents a boundary on one side, while the other one is almost linked to the area of Pokuplje and the Karlovac area. The climate is continental: mountainous, harsh with short and fresh summers and long winters, average temperatures of 7oC (January –2 oC, July 17.1 oC) are its main features. With an abundance of natural and historical attractions on a relatively small area, it is an area of exceptional wood (55%) meadow and pasture ground (32%), an area that in terms of relief and climate is different, but as to population, economy and culture is very close to Kvarner. The Risnjak National Park, the strict nature reserve of Bijele and Samarske stijene, the special reserves of Vražji prolaz and Zeleni vir (geomorphological), Debela lipa - Velika rebar (wood vegetation), the Japlenški vrh and Golubinjak woods, the monuments of nature (geomorphological) Lokvarska pećina, the Kupa source (hydrological) Međedova stara hiša (some specimens), the park in the vicinity of the Severin castle (park architecture), the protected landscape of Kamačnik, historic units, ethnological zones, memorial, sacral and other heritage are part of this rich offering.

The number of mountain tracks is endless. We shall single out only some of them.

THE BROD MORAVICE AREA

In the northern part of Gorski kotar is located an area representing a specific tourist zone, not only owing to its favourable climatic and health conditions, but also due to its numerous historic, sacral, and ethnological features. This area is suitable for pleasant and slow-pace walks with sightseeing of unique, protected cultural resources and resting places in attractive belvederes overlooking the Kupa river and the whole area. The best way is to come to the municipal centre of Brod Moravice (609 m) first mentioned (1481) in connection with Stjepan Frankopan, and start walking from the secular lime tree (Lipica) and St. Nikola’s church (18th century) with its bell-tower – once an important observation point - and tower (17th century). The easy walks may be short or long, depending on the destination, however the surrounding environment shall offer a pleasant atmosphere, regardless of the length. There is a graveyard in the vicinity, with the chapel of Sv. Rok (17th century), Piljdak, and in less than half an hour you can reach the protected ethnozone of Moravička Sela with the votive church of Majka Božja Škapularska (17th century). Other protected zones follow in a series: St. Andrija’s hill, then Delači, Maklen, Doluš, Gornji Kuti, Colnari as well as specific buildings: the houses Delač (17th century), Mance (18th century, in the village of Kuti) and Ožani-Žižek (19th century), represent extraordinary examples of Croatian rural architecture of that time and space”. From the mountain tracks and belvederes, the most interesting spots are the peaks at the fringes of the cut-in Kupa valley: Špičasti vrh (701 m, in the direction of Kocijan), Medveje stene (towards Colnar), Orlove stijene (569 m, towards Razdrto). Additionally, there is Levešni vrh (735 m) overlooking the Kupa river, a peak covered by wood, Okruglja (886 m, conical peak with luxuriant vegetation, towards Velika and Mala Draga) then Parag, dominating the area. There is quite a number of caves, among which the best known are Brlog, Gornji Brlog, Maklenske jame and Ruda. Orlove stijene elevate up to the height of 300 metres above the Kupa. From the fenced concrete terrace, a view extends over the Kupa canyon and the Slovene mountains Kočevske planine. They are the control point of the Gorski Kotar Mountain Path (Goranski planinarski put – GPP). Already by its name Špičasti vrh (špičast=pointed), the peak speaks about its steep slopes overlooking the Kupa valley. From the top, a view extends on Drgomalj, Snježnik, Guslica, Slovenski Snježnik and Skradski vrh..

Expected walking time: - Brod Moravice - Šimatovo 2 hours - Šimatovo - Leveš vrh - Kupa valley - Goršeti - Brod Moravice 5 hours - Šimatovo - Leveš vrh - Šimatovo 1 hour and 30 min. - Brod Moravice - Gornji Kuti- slope Vršak - Maklen - Delači- Moravićka Sela - Špičasti vrh 1 hour and 30 min. - Gornja Dobra - Špičasti vrh - Brod Moravice 4 hours - Podstene - Špičasti vrh - Podstene 1 hour and 30 min. - Brod Moravice - Velike Drage - Razdrto – the hunting lodge Litori - Orlova stijena 2 hours - Brod Moravice - Gornji Kuti - Okrugljak - Orlova stijena - Razdrto 4 hours - Brod Moravice - Gornji Kuti - Okrugljak - Orlova stijena - Razdrto - Brod Moravice 6 hours - Brod Moravice - Gornji Kuti - Okrugljak - Gornji Kuti - Brod Moravice 6 hours

Brod Moravice Municipality Tourism Office phone 051/817 180 www.tz-brodmoravice.hr

THE ČABAR AREA

The northwestern part of Gorski kotar, situated in the corner of the state boundaries, is an area of extraordinarily dense woods, genuine mountain features and attractions. Its heritage has been created by the numerous historic changes, wars and by newcomers. Prezid has inherited the Roman, Liburnian defence limes, but also the popular architecture protected as national heritage. Čabar, the manor of Petar Zrinski (1651), painters’ and other donations, Mali Lug legends on the hero Petar Klepac, Gerovo, once the centre of Gorski kotar, the famous parish (1504) and the votive, pilgrim’s church of Majka Božja Svetogorska Gerovo (584 m), Tršće (824 m), Plešce (322m), Prezid (764 m) and the centre Čabar (523 m) are mountain departure points for both easier and more demanding climbs, as well as for pleasant walks across wood landscapes and gentle slopes.

Among the tracks, the follwing ones stand out:
- in Plešci (322 m) the path for Sveta gora (809 m), towards the Gerovčica source, the Kupa source, and the «track of king Bela IV» to reach Kraljev vrh (950 m) through Okrivje
- in Gerovo, the track for Sv. gora, to Hrib, for the Kupa source (313 m) and Risnjak
- in Tršće the track to the rocks of Petrinska, Sokolanska stijena, for Farjev laz and the peak Kraljev vrh
- in Čabar to the Čabranka source, to the belvedere Tropetske stijene
- in Prezid the recreational track Trbuhovica (with positive energy radiation).

After Trsat, Sveta gora is the second pilgrims’ sanctuary in Primorje and Gorski kotar. The track leading to the Čabranka source is one kilometre upstream, overlooking the fish restaurant and the water pumping site. One source is on the Croatian side and the other, larger one, on the Slovene part. Sokolanska stijena (961 m) is a rocky barrier overlooking the hamlet of Sokoli. Rudnik (1.052 m), with a meadow on top offering views of the surrounding peaks and the Slovene Snježnik, a ski resort in winter. Vražji vrtec (904 m) is a peak overlooking the border crossing at Prezid with a view of the village of Babno. Kozji vrh (927 m) opens a view on Prezid, Slovenia and the Gorski kotar mountains. Under the peak stands the small church of Majka Božja od Sedam žalosti. Milanov vrh (1011 m) is an undulating plateau with a hunting lodge and a fenced area for the breeding of does and also a memorial area.

Climbers lodgings and similar facilities
Climber’s lodging Frbežari (825 m), 21 beds, kitchen, power and water supply
Hunting lodge Milanov vrh

	Walk duration: - Čabar – Čabranka source 15 minutes - Gerovo – Donji Kupari 3 hours - Kupa source – Hrib Skednari – Kraljev vrh – Tršće 7 hours - Frbežari – Rudnik – Frbežari 2 hours - Frbežari – Sololanska stijena – Frbežari 2 hours - Frbežari – Kraljev vrh – Frbežari 1 hours and 15 minutes - Kraljev vrh – Čabar 1 hour and 30 minutes
	Čabar Tourism Office phone 051/821 042

THE RAVNA GORA AREA

Ravna Gora (816 m) is a mountain settlement of newer formation, the origins of which are linked to the construction of the Karolina road (1725). Along this 6 km long road, today called Ivan Goran Kovačić street, a settlement developed marked by the Emperor Joseph II Charter, the status of priviledged free town (1785). It also boasts a long elementary education tradition (1786), wind orchestra (1830), significant timber industry tradition (six saw-mills from 1830), advanced and socially focused community (1894) and hiking club (1933). The Ravna gora inhabitants recommend the track «Ravnogorski planinarski put», RGPP (1989) with twelve control spots for which approximately 24 walking hours are required. The proposal of a four-day tour looks therefore acceptable.
- At the same, the control spots are marvellous attractions and they are worth visiting.
They are:
- the peak «Kicljev vrh» (920 m) and the caves «Kicljeve jame» (800 m, Caves: Velika, Bijela i Mala, Crna jama with total length of tunnels of approximately 1070 meters).
- Javorova kosa (1016 m), iron pyramid, a belvedere 13 metres high with view of Gorski kotar and Slovenia, up to the Karavanke.
- Ruda -vijenac (899 m) spacious views, in May lilies of the valley blossom here
- Ledena jama (1016 m), most beautiful in winter, with ice ornaments - Božji studenac, a perpetual source and a curative source, according to the legend, 10 minutes’ walk from the refuge of Javorova kosa.
- Stara Sušica (742 m), a settlement six kilometres southeast of Ravna Gora, famous for the Frankopan castle. Its present appearance dates back to the 19th century, when its owner was Count Laval Nugent.
- Turmin (1085 m), in May wild garlic blossoms here
- Višnjevica (1367 m), is the highest Ravna Gora mountain (known for its snowdrops)
- Bjelolasica (1533 m), the highest Gorski kotar peak For those with little time to spare, the suggested tour goes in two directions, starting from the centre of Ravna Gora: to the top of Javorova kosa (1016 m) and to the top of Turmin (1085 m). The Ravna Gora area offers special, occasional programmes to nature lovers, called Wild Fruit. It is a traditional ecological manifestation that - from May to October – consists of educational, ethnologic and other programmes.

Peculiarity: Precipice Pod Kosicom, 207 metres deep, with 737 metres of cave tunnels

Mountain cottages: On Javorova kosa (1000 m), 10 beds, no electric power, water from «Božji studenac» (10 minutes’ walk). Lokanda (963 m), 20 beds, kitchen, living room.

Ravna Gora Municipality Tourism Office phone 051/818 351 www.tz-ravnagora.hr tzo-ravna-gora@ri.t-com.hr

THE LOKVE AREA

Lokve is a settlement (723 m) situated in the homonymous valley, that was mentioned for the first time in 1481, while 1906 marks the year when the Village’s Embellishment Society was established. The Lokve (Youth) Lake, the Lokve Cave, the Golubinjak wood, the protected reserve of Debela lipa - Velika rebar are natural attractions linked by hiking paths and promenades.

Path around the Lake

The Lokve artificial lake was created by the construction of the dam (1955) on the river Lokvarka. Owing to interesting views, landscape and permanent changes in the water level, it was proposed for the category of significant landscape. It covers an area of 2.1 km2, its depth amounts to about 40 metres, and extends to the foot of Risnjak. The 17 km long path is easy to cross. A traditional hiking tour has been organized around the lake annually since 1978. This takes place at the beginning of August.

Walking time: 3 hours


Golubinjak paths

The Golubinjak wood is a protected area (1954), covering a surface area of 51 hectares. The coniferous wood, the numerous karst features, sinking holes, valuable animal and vegetal life, buildings built in harmony with the environment, sports and recreational grounds, works from the sculptural workshop, all this discreetly fills the space that is unique and exceptionally attractive to begin with. The paths, approximately 5 km long, have been traced along the main wood attractions: the “wood queen”, a 200 year old fir-tree (diameter 140 cm and height 40 metres), two caves: Ledena cave (110 metres long, with no dripstones with a lot of stones fallen in and Golubinjak cave (15 metres long), named after the stock doves (dove = golub) that gave the name to the wood, too. Golubinjak can also be reached by car, but it is particularly pleasant to head there on foot through the secular chestnut tree lined path (proposed for protection) starting from from the centre of Lokve. The length is about 2 kilometres.

Walk time:
- the wood park Golubinjak about 45 minutes
- from the centre of Lokve to Golubinjak about 30 minutes

Flora: enchanter’s nightshade (Circaea alpina), alpine coltsfoot (Homogyne sylvestris), stitchwort (Stellaria nemorum)... Fauna: doormice (Myoxus glis), squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris), numerous birds, butterflies, coleoptera

To the Lokvarka cave

From the centre of Lokve (or from Golubinjak) the Lokvarka cave (Lipa), protected in the category of monuments of nature, can also be reached by road (2 kilometres). The cave was discovered in 1911 and has been explored for a length of 1200 metres. Visitors can sightsee for 900 metres, passing through three galleries (Šišmisa /Bats’ hall , Plesna/ Dancing Hall and Crvena/ Red Hall), while the fourth one (Virgin hall) is at speleologists’ disposal only and subject to further research. In addition to the cave ornaments, a peculiarity is represented by the stable temperature (from 6.5 to 8oC), and the difference in altitude between the entry point and the last point accessible to the visitors is 140 metres. The cave’s age is estimated at approximately 20 to 25 thousand years. The sightseeing lasts about 40 minutes.

Walk time:
- Lokve - Lokvarka cave about 30 minutes

We single out:
- the mini farm Lazac - Lokve – Lazac, approximately one hour’s walk - walk along the lake in Mrzle Vodice and Carski most - the caves Bukovac and Medvjeđa pećina, proposed in the category of monuments of nature, habitat of rare cave fauna (locus typicus) of national importance - due to the rugged terrain it is possible to visit the special reserve Debela lipa - Velika rebar only if you have a guide.

Lokve Municipality Tourism Office phone 831 250 www.tz-lokve.hr  tzo-lokve@ri.t-com.hr

THE SKRAD PATHS

In the central mountain area and the steep slopes of Skradski vrh, on the road Lujzinska cesta (1809), lies Skrad (700 m), a settlement known since the end of the 19th century, famous as a climatic recovery and rest resort. Below Skrad, at the bottom of a canyon valley (350 m deep) winding between the Skrad and Kupjak peaks, the river Kupa receives the tributaries Kupica and Iševnica (created from the potok Jasla and Curak). It is exactly this area that creates one of the most significant natural phenomena in our country. There is a special geomorphological reserve here, Vra iji prolaz with Mu eva hi ica and Zeleni vir on a surface area of approximately 200 hectares. Owing to the efforts of the forester Rudolf Tredl, the paths leading to Zeleni vir and Vražji prolaz have been arranged, and the «Munjara» (1921) was completed as well, owing to which Skrad was the first settlement in Gorski kotar with an electrical power supply.


Skrad Municipality Tourism Office
phone 051/810 680

Path to Zeleni vir

Zeleni vir is a karst cave with its source being the Curak stream. The vertical rock (70 m) elevates between two steep wooded slopes, and near the bottom stands a large cave opening. A waterfall comes down the steep rock, up to the cave. The cave’s hall is spacious (about 30 m high), while in the other part there is a small green lake from which Vir got its name (Zeleni vir, zeleni = green). From Munjara, the path leads upstream to the entrance in Vražji prolaz. This is a stone cutting among hundreds of meters of high rocks that may be passed by means of galleries and small bridges cut into in the rock and below the foamy and noisy Jasla stream. “It is a scenery inspiring both the beauty and the atrocity of the savage karst nature.” The path leads from one bridge to the other and the rocks on both sides are so close to each other that just a trace of sky can be discerned between them. Fifteen minutes later, the walk ends with the entry to Mu eva hi ica (320 m). This cave ( 120 m long) contains a lot of ponds and the temperature is stable (8oC). In the entrance part, there are no dripstones, but deeper inside the cave there are many of them (torches must be taken along).The path continues with the ascent to the centre of Prezid. Flora: butterwort (Pinguicula alpina), daisy of the Alps (Aster bellidiastrum)... Fauna: spotted salamanders (Salamandra salamandra), many invertebrates..

Path to Skradski vrh

The climb to the the wooded Skradski vrh (1043 m) offers the possibility to visit the Chapels of St. Mary’s Assumption Marijino Uznesenje na Nebo (Holy Mass celebrated on 15th August) and Kavranova stijena on which, according to the legend, ravens (raven = gavran) used to nest. It offers a view of Skrad and the Jasle wood. The descent on the other side is recommended - to the village of Hribac and by the mountain road to Skrad. The Skrad promenade Three Skrad promenades are the “official” ones, discover the other ones by yourself. The Promenade «Pet klupa» (Five benches) is 500 metres long, with no climbs, covered by juniper bushes The Promenade “Prema Slemenu” (towards Sleme) starts in the village of Tusti Vrh and heads to the village of Sleme. The promenade from the village of Planina to Zeleni vir (traced in 1914) is some 1500 metres long.

Walking time: - Skrad - Skradski vrh - Skrad 3 hours - Skrad - Zeleni vir 30 minutes - Skrad - Zeleni vir - Vražji prolaz - Skrad 2 hours and 30 minutes - Skrad - Zeleni vir - Vražji prolaz - Rogi – Kupica source - Kupjak 5 hours

THE DELNICE AREA

The Town of Delnice, the Crni lug area and the Kupa Valley are three units unveiling landscapes of extraordinary beauty and peculiarity to visitors.The Delnice area offers the Risnjak National Park, the Japlenški vrh wood, the protected area of Petehovac, the Kupa source natural monument, the Kupa Valley, «kuća Rakči» - monument of culture in Delnice, Hajdova spilja, and many other attractions.Its uniqueness is further increased by the climatic-curative benefits Delnice offers, the great number of Crni lug green meadows, the «forecourt» of the Risnjak natural musuem, the picturesqueness of the Kupa Valley (proposed for the category of park of nature). A whole series of opportunities is provided to hikers and mountaineers. From Delnice: through the promenades of kralj Tomislav Park towards the town centre to kuća Rakči (the Rački house), an easy climb to Japlenški vrh, to Polane, a somewhat higher climb to Petehovac and Štimčev vrh, to Drgomalj, a walk through Supilova street to the Delnice stream and the belvedere ingrlet. From Crni Lug, one should pass towards Mali and Veliki Risnjak, to the Kupa source from the village of Razloge, to Platak and Snježnik...The Kupica source (M. Lesna), the path along Kupa and Kupica, walk to Iševnica and along the Curak stream to Zeleni vir are scenic walks in the Kupa Valley.

We single out:

Easy mountain walks to Drgomalj

The path towards this spacious highground is covered by a dense wood, but also towards meadows with three peaks (Mali Drgomalj 1153 m, Veliki Drgomalj 1154 m and Stari Drgomalj 1051 m) starts from the centre of Delnice. The beautiful view of Risnjak, Kupa and the Slovene mountains as well as the pleasant strolling through the gentle mountain scenery are the main reasons to embark on this march. Hajdova hiža – only for the experienced and agile A special adventure, not recommended to inexperienced mountain climbers, is the visit to Hajdova hiža (725 m), the largest Gorski kotar cave. It is 1300 metres long. The entrance gallery is 85m long, 27m wide and 16 m high. The descent to the cave is quite demanding.

Petehovac

First of all, Petehovac is a landscape of beautiful meadows, an ideal climatic and sports-recreational area, and a pleasant ski resort in winter. Mali Petehovac (1105 m) is the highest peak, Petehovac is somewhat lower (1072 m), and Štimčev vrh (1024 m) is the most popular destination.Japlenški vrh (842 m) can be reached via a pleasant path starting in the Delnice park, intersected by many tracks and paths. Here are the remains of the old ski jump from which, in summer months, taps are sounded by trumpet to Delnice dwellers and to the visitors.

	Walk time: - Delnice - Japlenški vrh one hour - Šetnica Kupica one hour - Delnice - Veliki Drgomalj 2 hours - Delnice - Petehovac one hour and 30 minutes - Delnice - Drgomalj - Velika Lešnica 6 hours - Mala Lešnica - Drgomalj 4 hours - Delnice - Drgomalj - Praprot - Razloge 6 hours
	Town of Delnice Tourism Office phone 051/812 156 www.tz-delnice.hr tz-delnice@gorskikotar.com

THE FUŽINE AREA

The settlement of Fužine (732 m), is situated above the Ličanka valley sunken (1950) under the accumulation lake Bajer (0.5 km2). Its history has been signed by the famous Gorski kotar road Karolinska cesta (1725 - 1736), and the 130 years of Fužine tourist tradition are emphasized with unhidden pride. The paths are the so-called hiking and mountaineering tracks. The hiking tracks have special names and are marked in a length exceeding 60 km. There are nine tracks. Four of them (the tracks :Srce, Zaljubljenih, Ribička, Djevojačka halja) are easy and non-demanding, and the remaining five (Afrika, Jelenja, Lisija, Medveđa, Gorska vila) are more demanding. They have been traced through Fužine, they touch or pass through other places of the Fužine area as well, up to Benkovac (880 m) and the St. Cross Chapel, overlooking the andesite pit to Lič (726 m) and the spacious Ličkog polje (24km2, the flow of Ličanka in Ličko polje has been proposed for the category of protected landscape), the church of «Majka Božja Snježna» and of St. Juraj, to Vrata (780 m) and the smaller peaks and belvederes of Viljak (939 m), Grbantov (juniper), Gorica (cyclamen), Preradovći (892 m), Tovići and Špičunak, to Belo Selo (quality water source), up to Slavica Gornja (870 m) and Donja (840 m)... They go around the Bajer Lake and Lepenica (proposed for the category special reserves). They lead to the excursion centre and the source of the river Ličanka, as well as to the Vrelo cave. The mountain paths bear the name of the peak that is their destination point. The departure point to these destinations is the Fužine area itself for both littoral (Tuhobić, 1109 m and Zagradski vrh, 1187 m) and for predominantly mountaineous destinations (Bitoraj, 1386 m, Viševica 1428 m). This is an area of much diversity and of rich vegetation, but also of white limestone formations (on Bitoraj) of unusual shape and with numerous sink-holes, caves and views of exceptionally impressive scope and beauty. The Bitoraj area has been nominated for the category of significant landscape. In the Vrelo cave, 310 metres long, the length of 230 metres, corresponding approximately to a twenty-minute walk, has been arranged for sightseeing, in the course of which very interesting dripstone ornaments can be seen and - due to its horizontal position - this is the only Croatian cave that can also be visited by those in wheelchairs. A special value of the cave is its rich fauna. The cave has been nominated for protection in the category of nature monuments.

	We single out the tracks: - Fužine - Preradovićev vrh 40 minutes - Fužine - Benkovac - Tuhobić 2 hours and 30 minutes - Vrata - pl. kuća Bitorajka - Bitoraj 2 hours and 45 minutes - Vrata - Javorje (10 km) – Bitoraj 1 hour and 30 minutes - Vrata - Javorje - Bukova kosa 14 km) – Viševica 40 minutes
	Fužine Municipality Tourism Office phone 051/835 163 www.tzo-fuzine.hr tzo-fuzine@ri.t-com.hr

Mountain cottages: Bitorajka (1303 m) about ten beds, water tank, personal sleeping bag is required

Habitat of edelweiss (Bitoraj), alder (Alnus glutinosa) along the marshy water-flows. The autochtonous stream trout (Salmo trutta m. fario) in the flows flowing into the lakes. The valuable swampy areas of Ličko polje represent a special botanic value! Valuable Bitoraj mountain flora: the endemic rock cress species (Arabis scopoliana) and Athamanata haynaldii

THE MRKOPALJ MOUNTAIN PATH

The Mrkopalj area is a pleasant holiday resort and a Gorski kotar ski resort. Mrkopalj (824 m), Begovo Razdolje (1078 m, the highest place in Croatia), Tuk (875 m), Sunger (894 m), Brestova Draga and Bukovac Sungerski are the centra l points of this area. “It is the cradle of Croatian skiing”. In 1913 the first ski competition for Croatia and Slovenia took place here and in 1934 the first Croatian ski jump was built . The Norwegian Jan recorded his victory there (46 metreshigh jump). At the foot of the wooded Velika Kapela and the highest Gorski kotar peak, Bjelolasica (1533 m), in the spacious Mrkopaljsko polje, Vrbovsko and the memorial Matić poljana (1030 m) are hidden monuments of firstclass scientific but also aesthetic significance. The strict reserve of Bijele and Samarske stijene, absolutely unparalleled, is a genuine geormorphologic natural phenomenon offering a whole series of peculiarities from plant and animal life. The Mrkopalj mountain path - MPP - has been traced towards the most beautiful parts of Samarske stijene, with eight control stations that require a two day long walk (two traced circular paths). Bijele and Samarske stijene are connected to the Kapela mountain path, KPP, traced from Tuk to the sea coast in Klenovica. The «karst-forms museum», Bijele (1335 m) and Samarske stijene (1302 m) separated by Crna and Duboka draga, are a unique manifestation of nature in its most genuine form. Bijele stijene is the name for numerous, vertical and up to fifty metres high differently shaped rocks (kukovi, svodići, zubi, tornjići) and of deep, rugged sink holes and precipices covered by everlasting snow.

The wood amongst the rocks is of the jungle type and beautiful, small glades, the socalled «gardens» are some of their specific features. The peak is a huge rock of vertical slopes wherefrom a view extends on spires and steeples of the most unusual forms (a peculiarity are the «big stone fingers»). Samarske stijene differ in structure from Bijele stijene, and consist of some twenty massive stone conical groups and forms sticking out above the surface of the wood.

Here the strictest nature protection rules apply:
- nothing may be touched, picked up, or disturbed
- movements are strictly limited to the marked paths
- movement outside the path shall be considered a legal violation
- a permit has to be requested for each visit and research.
One can easily lose one’s way! Do not go alone.

Mountain cottages and refuges: Refuge Ratkovo sklonište (1200 m) situated in a semicave below the cave Šerpas, 20 beds, water from the tank The mountain cottage Bijele stijene, 15 beds, water from the tank.

Habitats :
- edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum), groundsel (Senecio sp.), Great leopard’s-bane (Doronicum austtiacum), a type of lily (Lilium carniolicum), bears, wolves, foxes, badgers, black grouse, of the endemic lizard

Walking time: Mličikov lug – refuge Ratkovo sklonište - Mličikov lug 2 hours Mličikov lug - Plana – top of Samarske stijene – refuge Ratkovo sklonište - Mličikov lug 3-4 hours Tuk - Matić poljana – top of Samarske stijene – refuge Ratkovo sklonište - Mličikov lug - Tuk 6-7 hours

THE VRBOVSKO AREA

On the eastern part of Gorski kotar, above the river Dobra, caught between the mountainsides of Velika Kapela, lies Vrbovsko (506 m). Part of this area, in a semicircle from 8 to 15 km wide, are the villages and hamlets of Gormirje (352 m), Severin na Kupi (200 m), Lukovdol (180 m) and Moravice. This is a lower mountain area, characterized by a milder and more stable climate, protected by strong winds, with several fertile coves. The gentle areas of Jadrč, Osojnik, Gomirje, Jablan, the natural monuments, castlepark (16th century) of Severin na Kupi and the old yew-tree in Međedi, the Čogrljino jezero lake in Tići but also the Church of St. Franjo Ksaverski on Rtić (17th century), the memorial museum – the home of the poet Ivan Goran Kovačić in Lukovdol, the monastery Ro denja St. Jovana Preteče (17th century) in Gomirje, the molding workshop in Plemenitaš, the peace and picturesqueness of the villages along the Kupa, Zaumol, Bla evci are destinations that merit a visit. And yet, owing to their peculiarity, the most prominent are the Kamačnik canyon and the Lovnik – Litori mountain range. Kamačnik is a stream cut out in the wooded northern slopes of Velika Kapela, wherefrom it receives its tributaries only to become, some 3.2 kilometres downstream, one of the Dobra affluents itself.
A protected landscape, this is an area that should be visited. The attractive path, arranged (1961) and traced in the wooded area upstream, along the stream itself, and cut out in the rocks, bridged by small bridges and galleries, anticipates an impressive adventure. The path leads to the stream’s source. It is a mighty Karst well (405 m) forming a deep, dark green lake. Flora: a protected type of laurel (Daphne laureola), soft butcher’s broom (Ruscus hypoglossum)... Fauna: endemic underground small crab (Monolistra sp.) , stream trout (Salmo trutta m. fario)

Walking time: - Vrbovsko - Kamačnik - Vrbovsko 2 hours and 30 minutes - Vrbovsko - Kamačnik - Bijela kosa - Kamačnik - Vrbovsko 6 hours and 30 minutes - Vrbovsko - Presika - Lovnik 2 hours and 30 minutes - Severin - Lukovdol - Gorenci – hunting lodge Litori 3 hours

Lovnik - Litorić

The long mountain range, the only one in Gorski kotar not reaching one thousand metres, is surrounded by the settlements of Lukovdol, Moravice, Razdrto, Plemenitaš. There is no view from the top of Lovnik (902 m); however, a beautiful view extends from the climb near Hajdin - on Smolnik, Mirkovica with relay, Bijela and Crna kosa.

Hunting lodges
Hunting lodge Kamačnik (519 m)
Hunting lodge pod Litoriće

Town of Vrbovsko Tourism Office phone 051/875 984 www.tz-vrbovsko.hr turisticka.zajednica.grada.vrbovsko@ri.t-com.hr