Hiking and walking

The Beginnings of Mountaineering and Alpinism in Croatia

Although Karlovac County does not have the highest mountains in Croatia, it is closely tied to the origins of mountaineering and alpinism in the country. Inspired by his ascent of Klek in 1874, Johannes Frischauf, a university professor from Graz, met in Ogulin with officer and writer Budo Budisavljević and lawyer and author Vladimir Mažuranić. This meeting led to the founding of the Croatian Mountaineering Society (HPD) later that year in Zagreb—making it the ninth mountaineering association in the world and the first in the Slavic south. In 1984, on the 100th anniversary of the HPD (now the Croatian Mountaineering Association), an exhibition on the history of Croatian mountaineering and alpinism was opened in Ogulin’s Heritage Museum, located at the foot of Klek.

Klek – The Cradle of Croatian Mountaineering

Rising 1,181 meters above sea level, Klek Mountain, shaped like a sleeping giant turned to stone, is one of Croatia’s most captivating hiking destinations. Recognized as a protected significant landscape, Klek is a fairytale-like location and the birthplace of Croatian mountaineering and alpinism. Its imposing 200-meter rock face has attracted climbers for over a century, and since 1912, it has served as a training ground for elite alpinists. However, Croatia’s first recorded climbing feat dates back to 1843, when Dragojla Jarnević, a bold writer from Karlovac and a supporter of the Illyrian movement, scaled Okić Rock in the Samobor Highlands—making her the first Croatian and European female alpinist.

Hiking in Karlovac County

Marked hiking trails lead to the highest peak in Karlovac County and the Gorski Kotar region— Kula on Bjelolasica (1,534 m). Nearby are the strict nature reserves of Bijele (1,335 m) and Samarske stijene (1,302 m). These rugged limestone peaks, surrounded by pristine beech, fir, and spruce forests, are havens of wild beauty, where towering 50-meter-high limestone “fingers” protect the delicate blossoms of the endemic Edelweiss.

Other rewarding hiking destinations include Velika Javornica (1,374 m) near Bijele Stijene, Bijela Kosa (1,290 m) west of Klek, and Stožac (809 m), Klek’s "younger brother."

Exploring the South of Karlovac County

The southernmost part of Karlovac County is also attracting more hikers. In the northwest section of Plitvice Lakes National Park, near the Čorkova Uvala basin, lies a special forest reserve. Čorkova Uvala is one of the few remaining ancient beech-fir forests of the Dinaric region. Nearby, in Saborsko, a mountain trail leads to Alan Peak (748 m) and the karst springs of the Jesenica River (Zelenka).

New hiking trails have also been developed around Plaški, leading to stunning viewpoints on Plaška Glava (795 m) and Hum (861 m). Meanwhile, a well-marked hiking trail in Slunj circles Melnica Mountain and the Slunjčica River Valley, following the river’s journey from its powerful spring to its picturesque confluence with the Korana River in the famous Rastoke village.

Hiking in Žumberak, Petrova Gora, and Beyond

The beauty of mountain landscapes also attracts many visitors to the Žumberak Mountains, home to Sveta Gera (1,178 m), the highest peak in the region. This area, rich in springs, streams, waterfalls, caves, and diverse forests, was declared the Žumberak–Samobor Hills Nature Park in 1999. Karlovac County encompasses its southwestern section.

Another hiking gem is Petrova Gora (512 m), known for its scenic trails and historical landmarks. This forest-covered mountain is one of Croatia’s most pristine woodland landscapes, filled with beech, hornbeam, oak, and chestnut trees, as well as numerous springs, streams, and wildlife.

Marked hiking trails can also be found around Ozalj, Karlovac, and Duga Resa, leading to Vodenica (537 m), Vinica (321 m), and Martinšćak (345 m). Spectacular views can also be enjoyed from Lović Prekriški Hill in Vivodina and Piramida Hill near Draganić.