Risnjak and Tuhobić
As we have already mentioned, the highest peak of one of the most beautiful national parks in Croatia, Risnjak, is located at the far northeastern point of the territory of the town of Bakar. The 1,528-m-high climb starts above Gornje Jelenje and takes about two hours. This experience is, as you might have guessed, unforgettable, and the view is well worth the effort. Tuhobić is also a wonderful sight, a mountain ideal for hikers and recreationists. The climb to its 1,109-m-high peak begins at the Plase railway station, located between Hreljin and Zlobin, or at Satničko, a popular picnic area.
Ponikve – A Walk on the Bottom of the Lake
Among its many surprises, the Bakar area hides a peculiar game of nature. It is a karst phenomenon of Ponikva – a lake that appears and disappears. Usually, the water of this lake circulates through the deep karst underground, so you can walk freely on its bottom, even more so as there is an educational promenade here equipped with interpretive panels. But if it rains, you need diving equipment for this “walk”! The water that gushes from underground transforms the valley into a lake, and walking on its bottom is replaced by diving under the treetops! If you are interested in this unforgettable experience, please contact us at info@tz-bakar.hr!
Bakarske Prezidi and Črni Vrh
Near Bakar is the Bakarske Prezidi, a magnificent monument to the coexistence of man and nature. Entering the terrace above the Prezidi, visitors have always felt something special. And how could they not, when from here a view opens on the steep vineyards “stolen” from the karst, flanked by dry stone on one side, the sea on the other, and the sky above. Recently, a small interpretive corner has been set up, which will help you learn all the intricacies of this special place, otherwise the first protected landscape in Croatia!
After visiting the Prezidi, turn around and cross the road. There you will find another sign that will lead you along the stone path to the Ascent to Prehistory. The educational trail leads to the nearby fortress of Črni Vrh, which was built in antiquity by the Illyrian tribe of the Liburnians. The 15-minute climb is dotted with interpretive panels that introduce you to the surrounding landscape and flora.
Walk to Hreljinska Gradina
The beautiful small town of Hreljin rises above Bakar. Did you know that, in the 18th century, it moved to its present location? Where it once lived will reveal an educational promenade from today’s Hreljin to the old medieval town of Hreljin, located on a 311 m high hill. The walk takes about 20 minutes. This route is also called the Alley of the Greats because it is dedicated to the former owners of Hreljinska Gradina, mostly members of the Frankopan family. During the walk, you will discover a view of the mysterious stone tower that rises from the forest. It is the tower of the medieval Church of St. George, located in the old Hreljin. The site offers one of the most beautiful views of the Bakar region.
Cultural Landscape of Praputnjak
The village of Praputnjak, whose inhabitants are responsible for the creation, and in the 21st century for the restoration of the famous Bakarske Prezidi, is located in the Bakar hinterland. It found itself in its present location around 1730, since the newly constructed Karolina Road passed through it. With the arrival of the trade route, the settlement, which until then had consisted of a number of hamlets scattered around the fertile karst valley called Dolčina, clustered near the road and began to provide various services in addition to agriculture. To this day, all these events have remained inscribed in the landscape of Praputnjak and Dolčina, which is why the entire area was declared cultural heritage in the 1970s.
