At 1,367 m, Višnjevica is the highest peak in the Municipality of Ravna Gora. Those exploring the municipality will come across marked trails, knowledge about plants, traces of the Frankopans and a family-friendly winter facility in Kupjak. Several discoveries shape the character of the area—from its highest point and historic churches to a visitor centre about bears, wolves and lynx.
Trails through plant knowledge and landscapes
There are marked walking, hiking and cycling trails in the Ravna Gora area. A good introduction to plant knowledge is the short Plodovi gorja educational trail: its gentle ascent is considered suitable for the whole family. Information boards cover the vegetation of Gorski kotar and introduce trees, shrubs, mushrooms, medicinal plants and berries. The trail thus combines exercise with a look at different plant species.
For hikers, the HPS-designated Ravna Gora–Javorova Kosa trail is listed as taking 0.45 hours to walk. A walk to Javorova kosa reaches a mountain hut after about 2 km. Below the hut is Božji studenac, a spring associated with a local healing legend about eyesight. A viewpoint is located 150 m from the summit of Javorova kosa and offers a view of the summit of Medvednica.
Various routes are also designated for cyclists: MTB route 762, “Following the path of berries,” starts in Ravna Gora and is 33.5 km long. Road route 761, “Rivers of life,” also starts there and is 66 km long. At 33.5 km, the MTB route is considerably shorter than the 66 km road route.
Frankopan traces and sacred buildings
Stara Sušica Castle is a Frankopan castle set in a centuries-old coniferous forest in Gorski kotar. It was restored in the romantic style of its time; the castle includes a church dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua. The Frankopan Trail begins in Stara Sušica near the castle and the “Velike zvijeri” Visitor Centre. It follows the former Karolina Road towards the oldest part of Ravna Gora and Javorova kosa.
The Camino Gorski kotar also passes sacred sites: in the Ravna Gora area, it passes the Chapel of Saint Florian, built in 1874. In Stari Laz, it passes the Church of Saint Stephen the King, built in 1912. In Ravna Gora itself, the Church of Saint Teresa of Ávila was originally built in 1777 and renovated in 1907 to plans by the architect Hermann Bollé. The Church of Saint Vitus is in Kupjak, and the Chapel of Saint Roch is in Šije.
Discover nature and experience culture
At the “Velike zvijeri” Visitor Centre in Stara Sušica, visitors can learn about bears, wolves and lynx. A multimedia exhibition creates the impression of a forest environment. This provides another perspective on the nature of Gorski kotar alongside the plant knowledge offered by the educational trail: here, the focus is on the three large predators, while there it is on the diversity of trees, shrubs and other plants.
The events listed also offer a range of different experiences. The “Iz bakine škrinjice” old-time festival promotes and preserves cultural and historical heritage. “Dani plodova gorja” is considered an educational eno-gastronomic event. The chamber music festival takes place as part of Kulturna jesen. Together, these themes show that discoveries in Ravna Gora are not limited to trails and buildings, but also include cultural traditions and music.
A winter experience in Kupjak
Sanjkalište Gorski sjaj in Kupjak is a family-friendly winter facility with a conveyor belt. The facility also includes a hut serving food and hot refreshments, as well as a lounge area. Operations and snow conditions may vary seasonally; visitor services may also change from one season to another. If you are including this winter experience in your travel plans, check current operations before your visit.
More places to discover: Ravna Gora, Zalesina, Kupjak, Stara Sušica, Stari Laz.
Discover more destinations: Municipality of Jelenje, Municipality of Čabar, Municipality of Opatija.
To the main travel overview: Kvarner Bay.
