Hiking paths in Croatia: Velika Kapela

When it comes to hiking paths in Croatia, there are so many mountains where you can find exactly what you are looking for. In another text, Hiking paths in Croatia: Velebit, I wrote about a path you can follow if you want to enjoy in the beauty of nature, even if you are not an experienced hiker. For what I will share with you now, you will need a lot of experience in this sport. I mean A LOT! Get ready to visit Bijele and Samarske stijene (White and Samarske rocks) on Velika Kapela.

Velika Kapela

In the very heart of eastern Croatia, there is an area called Velika Kapela (The Great Chapel), a region of hardly approachable rocky mountains and forests. To explore it, you really need excellent walkings condition. Some parts are reachable only by climbing. Here, nature gave its best in the game of shapes. It created incredibly sharp peaks and steep cliffs. Everywhere you turn around, you will see only white-grey rocks and green forests. Really amazing contrast!

In the video below, you can see how it really looks like hiking and climbing through narrow cracks in the rocks. Although it is not easy at all, the final moment when you are on the top of the peak is worth every hard breath you took on your way over there. 

Stone pinnacles

The most famous part of Bijele stijene is the rock formation called Kameni Prsti (five stone pinnacles) pointing the sky and looking like human fingers. Once you are there, you realize that all the efforts and sweat were worth it. It will be just you, the sky and amazing view. Simply magical!

How to reach?

Velika Kapela can be reached from Mrkopalj. It is not too far from highway Zagreb-Rijeka, E65. Actually, it is not far from Zagreb city. You will need one and a half hour ride, and you are there. From this small town, you will have one hour of walking up a very steep path to reach two mountain houses. After that, you can climb up to the top of Bijele rocks. You will find yourself at 1335 meters above the sea level. Imagine that view!

Samarske rocks you can reach from little village Tuk. You can walk to Ratkovo shelter, a small house completely built inside of a mountain.

If you are searching for new challenges, pick one of the hiking paths in Croatia. Velika Kapela, Biokovo or Velebit will give you as much adrenaline as you need. Just go for it!