Explore our scenic hills, Medvjedak is a beautiful forested hill adorned with a famous lookout point, and the other preserves the rare remains of a once important medieval fort - and still has secrets to reveal.
Medvjedak Hill
Eight kilometers long hill of the north-west direction, Medvjedak (Medvjeđak) is a natural extension of the Licka Pljesivica Mountain endowed with a beautiful protected forest of often several hundred year old trees. Medvjedak and Pljesivica share core natural features, flora and fauna, and differ only in hight, Medvjedjak of course having a lower elevation. The central part of the hill has two rocky peaks, forms of which are pictorially described by their names: Oštri (sharp-topped) Medvjedak, 884 m, and Tupi (blunt-topped) Medvjedak, 868 m.
With a gorgeous protected beech forest and a well-maintained educational trail located in the Plitvice Lakes National Park, the Ostri (sharp-topped) Medvjedak is also perfect for those who want to experience a stunning lookout.
An easy, relaxing hike will lead you to this spectacular viewpoint of the gorge with the sixteen lakes nested between Kapela and the Licka Pljesivica Mountain. The view on the upper lakes is especially nice in the late autumn and winter when leaves are fallen and the forest enjoys a much-needed period of rest – dormancy.
The first trail to scenic Ostri Medvjedak was laid in 1900 at the request of the "Society for the landscaping and beautification of the Plitvice Lakes and its surroundings".The works were carried out by the State Aerarium (lat. aerarium: treasury), and the forest trail was then given a name, it was called Blanka’s Path (Poljak, 1996., p 431).
The Plitvice Lakes National Park has secured several educational trails to present the impressive biodiversity of the protected area. Ostri Medvjedak Educational trail is one of them.
A special feature of this site is a valuable beech wood ecosystem which requires, and now has added, higher level of protection!!
Hike to the “twin peaks” of the Medvjedak Hill, learn something new and enjoy the scenery. The trail begins descending into the woods on the right end of the car park near the entrance 2:
- heading south, the trail ascends gently up the beautiful Blanka's trail toward the saddle;
- from there you can take a right turn to the top Ostri Medvjedak or left turn to the top Tupi Medvjedak;
- the way down will take you to the village Rastovaca near the entrance 1;
- you can, of course, start your walk from the entrance 1 as well;
- the duration of this pleasant walk is approx. 1.30 h.
Mrsinj Hill
Mrsinj hill is located in the area where the Lika highlands merge with Mala Kapela. It stretches in a north-south direction, reaching a maximum height of 1,268 masl at Nikina plasa peak with an amazing view of the mighty Velebit Mountain, where some of Croatia's the most stunning mountain tops are located. Mrsinj’s strategically important position had been used since prehistoric times, and during the Middle Ages the robust fort Mrsinj was constructed on the foundations of much older defensive forts or lookouts.
Some interesting historical facts about the fort Mrsinj
- located at 1097 meters above sea level;
- a good strategic position allowed the control of the flow of people and goods in the near Bijelo polje (a filed);
- surviving written references to Fort Mrsinj date from the the second phase of feudalism (XI - XV centuries);
- the scientific research confirms that the existing remains date back to time between the 13th century and the beginning of the 14th century;
- it was the seat of Croatian noble elders, primarily the lords of Krbava, Lords Kurjakovic of Krbava;
- in the mid 13th century, Mrsinj was also an important seat of the powerful Krbava diocese;
- with the Turkish conquest in 1527, the Fort Mrsinj began to decline (Kruhek i Horvat, 2009., p 272 – 275);
- and there are more interesting historical facts about the Mrsinj Fort, find them under Remains of the medieval fort Mrsinj.
Today, the Mrsinj hill and the remains are visited by hikers and recreationists. The trail starts on the right side of the D1 road from the direction of the Plitvice Lakes, just after a nearby gas station, and is maintained by the Mountaineering Society "Mrsinj" from Korenica with the help of the Municipality, and the Tourist Board of Plitvice Lakes.
Visit this historical site and enjoy:
- a view of Korenica, and the mighty Licka Pljesivica and the Velebit Mountains;
- a pleasant walk on marked trails to the remains of the Mrsinj fort and the highest peak of Nikina plasa;
- or, if desired, enjoy the ascent to the highest peak from the direction of the village of Panjkovici and the source of Krbavica;
- and a relaxing stroll through lovely villages, beautiful meadows and forests of the former Krbava diocese.
All ascents are easy with nice views, all the more reason to experience them all at any time of the year. Find more inspiration under Events and Activities and Monthly Experience Ideas.
Together for Nature
- explore the countryside and the mountain on foot, bike, horse - give your car a rest and help reduce car emissions;
- take care to place all recyclable items in proper receptacles - recycle;
- please take litter with you - leave no trace;
- bring reusable water bottles - avoid plastic
- join our Green Mission!
Explore Local represents a part of our natural and cultural heritage; for a fuller overview of the tangible and intangible heritage, see our Interactive Map under Experiences and Events and Activities Calendar with many suggestions for your itinerary.
References
1. Kruhek M., Horvat Z. (2009). Srednjovjekovne hrvatske župe Lika i Krbava (Stari gradovi Krbave) Izvorni znanstveni rad, Hrvatski institut za povijest, Zagreb, p. 243-275. ˃https://www.pilar.hr/wp-content/images/stories/dokumenti/lika/lika_1_mail_r_239.pdf˂
2. Poljak, Ž. (1996). Hrvatske planine. Golden marketing, Zagreb, p. 431
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