A riverside nature trail, a peak with panoramic views and traces of Roman road construction: the Municipality of Lovinac can be explored through landscapes and discoveries of many kinds. Between mountain slopes and waterways are protected natural areas, historic buildings and trails, each with its own character. You can tailor your stay to whether you would rather explore the landscape, follow the traces of history or discover regional cuisine.
Velebit, Peaks and Caves
At 1,752 metres, Sveto Brdo is the highest peak in the Municipality of Lovinac. The 833-metre-high Zir is located in Lovinac and offers panoramic views in every direction. Protected areas also shape the region: almost half of the municipality lies within Velebit Nature Park. The Sveto Brdo–Babin vrh Special Reserve within the municipality is part of Paklenica National Park. In 1978, Velebit was included in UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme as a biosphere reserve.
Mount Zir in the Lovinačko kraje is also home to a 350-metre-long cave with a lake. Another cave formation is Rokina Cave, also known as Brkića Cave. It is located in the mountain above Piplica and is distinguished by its beautiful cave formations. Together with the sweeping views from Zir, these places show just how varied the municipality’s landscape can be.
Nature Trails by the River and on the Mountain
The 2,175-metre-long Ričica nature trail runs along the north bank of the Ričica River, between the bridges on the roads near Matijevići and Mašića most. The Resnik nature trail has a different focus: it begins on the southern side of the mountain by the access road to the hamlet of Matijevići, follows two directions across the southern and western or northern sides of the mountain, and ends at the summit of Resnik. Its total length is 6,108 metres. Comparing the two routes gives you a choice between a riverside trail and a route with a summit destination.
Along the Resnik trail, you will find signposts, information boards, and tables and benches for resting. Check the condition of the facilities on site and ask about current trail conditions before setting out.
Stories from Different Centuries
The remains of a Roman road lie at Pod Cvitušom. This important archaeological site helps visitors understand Roman road construction and transport routes in the Lika region. Churches, bridges and mills also offer insight into the municipality’s architectural history: the parish church of St. Michael in Lovinac was built in 1704 and structurally altered in the second half of the 18th century and the mid-19th century. The parish church of St. Mary Magdalene in Ričice was built in 1795 in the Baroque style; it is considered to have architectural, historical and townscape value.
The 19th-century Travić mill is located on Banica stream. The stream’s water powers its milling mechanism. The stone bridge over the Ričica stream near Lovinac also dates from the 19th century. At Štikada, a medieval cemetery contains 23 late-medieval stećak tombstones in situ, as well as the remains of the Temple of the Holy Archangel. These landmarks vary in function and date—from a streamside mill to the tombstones at Štikada.
Regional Cuisine and Cycling Experiences
At Dani sira i ličkog krumpira, a food event held in the Municipality of Lovinac since 2013, visitors can learn about the culinary qualities of potatoes and cheese and sample both products. The traditional Lika dish “pole” is also prepared using different varieties of potato. Dates and programmes may vary; check the latest event information before visiting.
Cycling offers another way to explore the region: four cycling routes have been designated for exploring Lovinac. The three-day cycling festival Srce Velebita includes organised rides with licensed cycling guides through the Velebit mountains, the Lovinac area and other parts of Lika-Senj County. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for the relevant year.
For those arriving by car, two interchanges on the A1 motorway are relevant in the Lovinac area: Gornja Ploča and Sveti Rok. Whether you plan your stay around nature trails, cycling or historic sites, the municipality brings together these different discoveries in a compact area.
Discover more destinations: Lovinac, Raduč, Municipality of Karlobag, Municipality of Senj, Municipality of Udbina, Municipality of Donji Lapac, Municipality of Perušić, Municipality of Plitvička Jezera.
Back to the main travel overview: Lika-Senj.
