Risnjak
Risnjak, Travel Guide with travel tips for holidays in Risnjak, Croatia
National Park Risnjak, located in Kvarner, Croatia, is only a snippet of Croatia's mostly densely wooded and mountainous area. Though Risnjak has always been a place of scientific curiosity, the area was not deemed a National Park until 1956. The park was enlarged to its current size in 1997 in order to preserve more of the area. Since Risnjak is situated along main roads, it is the most visited park in Croatia.
Risjnak's first appeal has always been the plant life found there. Due to its location, Risnjak has a unique blend of habitat. The park sits on the edge of what is considered to be the coastal region of the Adriatic Sea, therefore providing an interesting mix of coastal climate plants as well as species that thrive inland. The area is home to a rich forest, ranging from trees such as beech or fir, and then, higher up the mountain, trees such as ash or even yew can be found. Above the treeline, rare plants such as edelweiss or the hairy alpine rose can be found.
With the unique climate of Risnjak, the animal life there is also noteworthy. Animals like boars and badgers call Risnjak home. The most famous inhabitant of this region is the lynx, though the animal was exterminated from Risnjak in the last century. In an effort to restore the animal to the park, which is named after the creature, it was reintroduced thirty years ago and can be seen by visitors today.
Visitors can also partake in the extensive hiking in Risnjak. Leska Trail is the most popular hike, taking about two hours to complete, and it is geared toward average hikers. There are several peaks of interests for mountaineers, such as Risnjak, the highest, and Guslica, home to an abandoned army complex. For adventurous visitors, there are multi-day hikes that tour the major peaks, though this hike is recommended to be led by professionals.
There are also attractions nearby the park. The National Park itself is only a small portion of the forest region. Lokvarska is an impressive cave in the surrounding area where travelers can take in underground caverns complete with stalagmites and stalactites.
Risnjak is easy to find, located on a main from from Zagreb and Rijeka. The entrance is at Crni Lug, where hotel accommodations can be found. Tickets for the park can be bought at this entrance as well.
