Učka Nature Park
Pristine nature and spectacular viewpoints
Amongst the main attractions of Učka are the unique limestone formations in the area of Vrana and at the very top of Učka, where an old tower is erected. Učka Nature Park is located on the eastern coast of the Istrian peninsula and connects Istria with Kvarner Bay. This oasis of biodiversity was declared a nature park in 1999 and encompasses the eponymous mountain and the Ćićarija plateau, covering 160 square kilometres. It is only in the cracks in the rocks on Učka that you can find the Croatian bellflower, and if you are lucky, you will be able to enjoy the sight of the impressive Eurasian griffon vulture flying overhead, an endangered vulture that has been nesting again high on the cliffs of Učka.
Numerous archaeological sites testify to the settlement of Učka and Ćićarija as early as in prehistoric times.
There you will discover interesting sites such as the villages of Brest, Brgudac and Vela Učka as well as the medieval Kožljak fort, and there are several attractions that you should definitely visit.
Conquer Vojak Peak for the most beautiful view
Vojak Peak is the highest peak of Učka. With an altitude of 1401 metres, it is also the highest peak of the Istrian peninsula. In 1911, during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, mountaineers built a stone tower on it, which is today a recognisable symbol of Učka Nature Park.
The completely renovated tower is not only a favourite viewpoint, equipped with telescopes, but also an info centre and a souvenir shop. If you want to experience Kvarner Bay, the mountains of Gorski Kotar and Velebit from a completely new perspective, head along one of the hiking trails to the tower on Vojak Peak. You'll feel like you're on top of the world. An ideal hot spot for a selfie.
Ćićarija also plays high stakes
At 1272 metres above sea level, Veli Planik is the highest peak of Ćićarija and, alongside Vojak Peak, one of the most impressive peaks of Učka Nature Park. Several marked hiking trails lead to it. Its bare rocks rise above the dense forests, creating a beautiful landscape contrast.
The idyllic site of Korita
Korita is a source of drinking water at the foot of Brajkova Stijena on Ćićarija. The trail leading to it passes through a dense forest from the atmospheric village of Brgudac. In about 45 minutes, you will arrive at this idyllic grove.
You will enjoy the peace and quiet and refresh yourself with clean mountain water that flows through ten wooden troughs. It is also good to know that on weekends, you can spend the night at the Na Koritima mountain lodge not far from this unique excursion site.
Poklon — the pass connecting Učka and Ćićarija
An intuitive act of popular devotion (‘poklon’ meaning an instance of bowing) was the reason for the name of the place where Učka and Ćićarija meet. Pilgrims who trekked from Istrian villages to the Shrine of Our Lady of Trsat in Rijeka would bow to the said votive church from this pass, which offers a view of Kvarner Bay and Rijeka.
Today, Poklon has a modern Visitors' Centre and a car park with a rest area, so you can leave your car there and proceed on foot to explore Učka. You'll definitely enjoy it.
What is there to do in Učka Nature Park?
The proximity of the sea creates a special ambience so Učka NP is the perfect choice for a full-day stay in nature regardless of level of fitness. If you do not have any hiking experience, we suggest you take the 7-kilometres-long, undemanding Poklon–Vojak hiking trail.
For those who are more experienced and in better shape, we recommend the 18.5-kilometres-long trail that starts in beautiful Lovran and leads to the highest peak of Učka. Detailed descriptions of the trails, from the easiest to the most difficult ones, can be found in the Outdoor Guide of Učka NP, and you can get your copy at the Poklon Visitors’ Centre, at 8 Poklon, Vela Učka.
If you like mountain cycling, choose one of the eight well-maintained and marked cycling trails of different categories, with a total length of 180 kilometres. You can download the cycling guide from the website of Učka Nature Park. Vojak Peak, along with Brgud, is attractive to paragliders because of the favourable air flow, and if you are wondering what else to see in the Učka Nature Park, we suggest Vela Draga, one of the five educational trails in the canyon bearing the same name. This protected natural area reserve and geomorphological natural monument is one of the most attractive rock climbing sites in Croatia.
What do you need to know before visiting Učka Nature Park?
Although Učka is beautiful all year round, it is best to visit in spring and autumn, and that’s also when the weather conditions for spending time in nature are the most favourable.
If you wish to take an organised guided tour, make a reservation for the ‘Spend a Day with a Ranger’ programme or rent an electric bicycle, you can do so at the Poklon Visitors’ Centre, and the prices list as well as the open hours can be found on the website of the Nature Park.
How to get to Učka Nature Park?
Učka is well connected by road, so the easiest way to get there is by car. If you are coming from the direction of Rijeka, take the fast road towards the Učka tunnel, then get off at the Veprinac exit and continue driving along the county road that will take you to the entrance to the Nature Park. If you are coming from the direction of Istria, get off the Istrian Y motorway network at the Vranja exit and follow the traffic signs on the ‘old’ county road.
Accommodation and restaurants on Učka and its surroundings
For every hiker, the golden rule is not to go into the mountains without a backpack with food and water, but after a day spent in nature, nothing is better than local cuisine. Učka NP has one restaurant, but the nearby cities of Opatija, Lovran, Mošćenička Draga and Matulji have an excellent wine and food offer, and there, you can also book accommodation in apartments, hotels or holiday homes.
Učka offers countless ideas for a trip; it's time to explore it!
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