RISNJAK NATIONAL PARK HIGHEST POINT (1528 m) – hiking trip
National Park Risnjak – established in 1953
While spending your vacation in Gorski kotar area, it would be a pity for you to miss the opportunity to make a trip into some magical parts of the Risnjak National Park.
There are few opportunities for access in the Risnjak National Park area from the public roads nearby. National Park offices and the restaurant are located beside small village of Bela Vodica where you can enter the National Park by car. The other access in the Risnjak area is from the upper Kupa River valley. But the favorite trip for the most National Park visitors is Risnjak highest point (1528 m) accessing from the direction of Vilje /Gornje Jelenje.
For a pleasant (and not so demanding) family trip the best access to the Risnjak peak would be this third one from Vilje. This trip from your vacation home in Doluš to the Risnjak top is going to take about two hours. There is about 40 minutes drive to the city of Gornje Jelenje if you use the highway from Delnice to the Oštrovica exit. When turned on to the old Zagreb – Rijeka road in Oštrovica, there you will notice the board that points right for the National Park Risnjak. From there to Vilje there is about 6 or 7 kilometres partly paved, partly macadam road. There is a parking lot at Vilje. From the parking place you will climb slightly uphill by foot. The hiking trail is well maintained and marked with red-white mountaineering markations. There is about one hour hike, mostly through the forest up to the Schlosser’s lodge (1418 m). This hiking trail is suitable for small children as the elderly people as well. From the lodge to the Risnjak peak (1528 m) there is about 15 minutes more climbing. This last part of the trail is a bit more demanding due the rocks by the mountain top are steep and sharp. There is windy weather very often on the Risnjak top point. During sunny days you will need some sunscreen and a hat as well. But if you behave with caution and responsibly, that you surely would, the view from the Risnjak top is really worth all your efforts!
Beside the Schlosser’s lodge there are tables and benches where you can take a pause and enjoy your meal. Drinks and meals are also available to buy at the lodge.
HERE are some official information about the Risnjak National Park.