Explore Mrkopalj through two distinct themes: a long hiking route starts in the town centre and leads through the landscape; churches, memorial sites and early skiing history offer insights into the past. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between a long route with a set course and the Mrkopalj hiking trail, which has both easier and more challenging sections.
Winter history in several stages
The first organised Croatian skiing course began in Mrkopalj in 1913. In 1914, a Croatian and Slavonian cross-country skiing championship was held there. Croatia’s first ski jump was built at Pod Vrhin in 1934. The course, competition and ski jump represent different stages in the local history of skiing. In the wider destination of Općina Mrkopalj, Mrkopalj is regarded as the cradle of Croatian skiing.
Churches, collection and pilgrimage
The present-day Church of Our Lady of Sorrows was built from 1850 to 1854. Fortica, above Crikvena in Mrkopaljsko polje, is considered Mrkopalj’s oldest small church. The excavated walls may date from the 13th or 14th century.
The Historical and Ethnographic Collection of Mrkopalj opened in 2017 on the first floor of the cultural centre. It contains more than 550 historical photographs and around 200 old objects. As access arrangements may change, check the current visiting arrangements before your visit.
A recurring event in the annual calendar is the Proštenje pilgrimage, held on the third Sunday in September. The specific programme may vary.
Matić Poljana: natural area and memorial site
Matić Poljana lies entirely within the municipality of Općina Mrkopalj and is a Natura 2000 site. The dry continental grasslands of the poljana provide important habitat for orchids. The memorial row on the poljana consists of 26 limestone blocks. They commemorate 26 partisans who died in a snowstorm on 24 February 1944.
Bijele stijene and Samarske stijene are also located within the wider destination of Općina Mrkopalj. Both were declared strict nature reserves in 1985. Check the current conservation regulations before visiting.
Hiking long routes and through rock formations
A long hiking route starts in the centre of Mrkopalj and leads through scenic surroundings to Begovo Razdolje and the Matić poljana memorial meadow. The return route follows a gravel road through the forest and via Tuk. The trail is considered long, but not particularly demanding.
The Mrkopalj hiking trail has eight checkpoints; at the main rock formations, there are more challenging and easier routes to choose from. On the MPP sections through Samarske Stijene, hiking guides from the local mountaineering club lead visitors. They are HPS-certified and have passed examinations before a committee of the Croatian Mountaineering Association.
Getting around by road and bicycle
In the wider destination of Općina Mrkopalj, the D32 state road connects Prezid, Delnice, Mrkopalj and Jezerane. A cycling map for Mrkopalj lists the Šume pjevaju, Široka draga, Vrelo and Rudine routes. Check current trail conditions before cycling.
Discover more destinations: Brestova Draga, Sunger, Tuk Vojni, Begovo Razdolje.
Go to the wider travel overview: Općina Mrkopalj.
