UČKA - NATURAL PARK
The
Učka mountain, a symbol of the Kvarner coast and Istria dwellers,
owing to its geological structure, geomorphology, climate, (climatic
barrier), to the luxuriance and diversity of wood, vegetation,
endemic flora and fauna, autochtonous cultures and architectural
heritage, was proclaimed a natural park in 1999. The surface area of
the park is approximately 146 km2 , on a length of 25 km, from the
eastern parts of Ćićarija to Plominska draga. Its eastern part is
covered by Mediterranean vegetation, as well as with pine and beech
woods, while the western part is much barer. Of the breeding
cultures at the foot of Učka, in the Lovran area, chestnut
(«maruni») woods and cherry orchards are well known and several
days’ long manifestations are dedicated each year to the fruits of
these culltures – the Days of Cherries in June and the Chestnut Days
«Marunada» in October. The community of the bluebell species
Campanuletum tommasinianae-justinianae – is an Učka stenoendemic
species, which means that it does not grow anywhere else in the
world. Učka provides numerous opportunities to its visitors. Some of
the most popular sports and passtimes that visitors enjoy here are
cycling, birdwatching, free climbing, hang-gliding and paragliding,
as well as walking and mountain climbing. Records of the first
mountain marches are linked to the years 1838 and 1845 and to the
name of the saxon king Friedrich II of Austria and his officers’
escort of which Josip Jelačić, the Croatian ban, or ruler, to-be,
had also been part. A stone sightseeing tower has been erected on
the highest mountain peak, Vojak (1396 m), meaning that the height
of this peak now stands at 1401 metres.
Mountain
excursionist maps should be procured in the TO Lovran and
the “Knezgrad” hiking club. Upon request, the services of an
experienced guide for both easier and more demanding
mountain tours are available.
Accommodation:
Mountain lodge Poklon
Boarding house Učka and Hotel Ina
Učka can be visited from several directions and in several ways.
A good road leads to the saddle Poklon
(and the top of Vojak itself) and through it to Istria. The bus line
no. 34 will bring you from Opatija to Veprinac (519 m), and you can
then proceed on foot to Vojak (slow-pace walking time: one hour and
30 minutes). Vojak may be reached from three main directions: - from
Lovran through the Rijeka mountain beltway (RPO) or the Rijeka
transversal (RT) the ascent is long and strenuous, the difference in
altitude is 1400 m.
Slow walk: four and a half hours - from the Poklon saddle The ascent
is mostly easy and pleasant.
Slow walk: two hours - from Medveja the climb is long and
strenuous, altitude difference 1400 m
Slow walk: five and a half hours
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Park prirode
Učka (Učka Park of Nature) phone 051/ 293 753 www.pp-ucka.hr Lovran Tourism office |