UČKA - NATURAL PARK

The Učka mountain, a symbol of the Kvarner coast and Istria dwellers, owing to its geological structure, geomorphology, climate, (climatic barrier), to the luxuriance and diversity of wood, vegetation, endemic flora and fauna, autochtonous cultures and architectural heritage, was proclaimed a natural park in 1999. The surface area of the park is approximately 146 km2 , on a length of 25 km, from the eastern parts of Ćićarija to Plominska draga. Its eastern part is covered by Mediterranean vegetation, as well as with pine and beech woods, while the western part is much barer. Of the breeding cultures at the foot of Učka, in the Lovran area, chestnut («maruni») woods and cherry orchards are well known and several days’ long manifestations are dedicated each year to the fruits of these culltures – the Days of Cherries in June and the Chestnut Days «Marunada» in October. The community of the bluebell species Campanuletum tommasinianae-justinianae – is an Učka stenoendemic species, which means that it does not grow anywhere else in the world. Učka provides numerous opportunities to its visitors. Some of the most popular sports and passtimes that visitors enjoy here are cycling, birdwatching, free climbing, hang-gliding and paragliding, as well as walking and mountain climbing. Records of the first mountain marches are linked to the years 1838 and 1845 and to the name of the saxon king Friedrich II of Austria and his officers’ escort of which Josip Jelačić, the Croatian ban, or ruler, to-be, had also been part. A stone sightseeing tower has been erected on the highest mountain peak, Vojak (1396 m), meaning that the height of this peak now stands at 1401 metres.

Mountain excursionist maps should be procured in the TO Lovran and the “Knezgrad” hiking club. Upon request, the services of an experienced guide for both easier and more demanding mountain tours are available.

Accommodation:
Mountain lodge Poklon
Boarding house Učka and Hotel Ina

Učka can be visited from several directions and in several ways.

A good road leads to the saddle Poklon (and the top of Vojak itself) and through it to Istria. The bus line no. 34 will bring you from Opatija to Veprinac (519 m), and you can then proceed on foot to Vojak (slow-pace walking time: one hour and 30 minutes). Vojak may be reached from three main directions: - from Lovran through the Rijeka mountain beltway (RPO) or the Rijeka transversal (RT) the ascent is long and strenuous, the difference in altitude is 1400 m. 

Slow walk: four and a half hours - from the Poklon saddle The ascent is mostly easy and pleasant.

Slow walk: two hours - from Medveja the climb is long and strenuous, altitude difference 1400 m

Slow walk: five and a half hours

 

Park prirode Učka (Učka Park of Nature)
phone 051/ 293 753
www.pp-ucka.hr 

Lovran Tourism office
tel. 051/ 293 753
www.tz-lovran.hr
tzo-lovran@ri.t-com.hr