Reaching the highest point of the island

Conquer Krk’s highest peak, the sixth highest in the Croatian archipelago. Although the path is difficult, with a total climb of about 700 m, as you traverse the rocky plateau, the effort will most definitely pay off. Along the way, you will enjoy wide expanses and distant views, see Baška as if it were in the palm of your hand, walk around several peaks and past numerous ponds and drystone walls, while griffon vultures fly across the sky.

You can take up this challenge from Stara Baška, on the ascent through Stupna draga to the Vratudih pass. The rocky southwestern plateau of Krk has been shaped by millennia of bora and rain, creating jagged and sharp rocks of various shapes and sizes, dotted with grass and low vegetation. Here the peaks of the island rise like rounded heads: Obzova (569 m), Zmina (537 m) and Veli Hlam (482 m). Stop at the peaks you pass, take a few photos and enjoy the scenery. The view from these peaks stretches from Mount Učka across the Bay of Rijeka, Gorski kotar and Mount Velebit to the islands of Cres, Lošinj, Rab and Prvić.

The rocky plateau boasts uniquely shaped drystone walls. Gromače (drystone walls), mrgari (flower-shaped sheepfolds) and mošune (sheepcotes) have withstood the test of time for centuries. They are part of the long sheep-farming tradition that has contributed to the shaping of the landscape. These structures were built by shepherds to enclose their pastures and sheep shelters. The sheep graze freely on the rocky slopes, and the shepherds regularly gather them in the sheepfold for counting and marking. It is to be hoped that these structures will never disappear and will remain a living testimony to the shepherds’ building efforts.

The steep rocky terrain makes the descent technically challenging, so make sure you wear sturdy shoes. Remember that there are no springs along the way, so bring plenty of water.