Risnjak has a dominant position at the western end of the region of Gorski kotar, rising from the plateau of Gorski kotar as the final high peak, just before that plateau suddenly starts descending towards the bay of Rijeka in the region of Hrvatsko primorje. The rocky peak area of Risnjak represents a karst phenomenon in itself, and the slopes of that peak area are covered in ancient wide forests, with numerous meadows in the lower sections. Due to its specific position and exposure to both marine and continental influences, the entire area of Risnjak is marked by rich and diverse flora and interesting animal world. Together with Snježnik on the western side and the source of the Kupa River on the eastern side, Risnjak is protected as a national park.
moderate
22.9 km
10:00 h
1,521 m
385 m
The ridge of Risnjak is spreading in the same direction as the Dinarides. The peak area is recognizable from far away, due to the rocky peaks of Veliki Risnjak and Mali Risnjak, separated by a mountain pass with a mountain hut. On the western side, the ridge of Risnjak is separated from Snježnik by a valley deeply cut into the terrain, with a forest road that leads from Gornje Jelenje towards Gerovo, passing through it. This road is quite useful to hikers, as it provides the shortest access to the peak area of Risnjak. On the eastern side, the slopes of Risnjak descend rather more mildly to Crni Lug.
There are several well maintained hiking trails that lead from Crni Lug to the peak area of Risnjak. All these trails take hikers through forests and cover a substantial elevation difference; however, orientation along these trails is not difficult. The most frequently used trail is the so-called Horvat Trail (Horvatova staza) – named after a mountaineer, botanist and researcher Ivo Horvat. Some 3 to 4 hours of hiking are needed to climb from Crni Lug to Risnjak in summer conditions.
After a 12km road walk from Razloge to Crni Lug you will have a pretty nice uphill to the Risnjak. Unfortunately the hut up on the top is still closed, because they havent‘ found a hut keeper (statement from a park ranger).
Therefore we stayed in the Camp at Bela Vodica. This fact will extend the next stage to Lic with around 3 hours and ypu have to wear water for the next 40km!
Risnjak is a beautiful park and summit:). I followed the Horvath’s path up which starts with a gravel road but soon enough turns into a beautiful trail in the forest. At Bela Vodica (entry to the park) there’s a bar and a camp (not really hiker vibes there and costs €12) I stayed there as the hut at the top was closed for the season due to covid and the park rangers convinced me that the weather is not safe to go up and camp that afternoon. There’s no water source on the way up thru the park and also not when going down if the hut is closed. I also share the concerns about the road walk to Crny Lug, def more dangerous than a bear encounter, would be great if it could be avoided in future.
I hiked from Crni Lug to Risnjak. Amacadam road in the beginning, after that I followed a nice, well maintained hiking trail to dom Schlosserhof. Very enjoyable walk rewarded with a great view and a warm welcome in the hut.
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