Bjelolasica - hrvatski olimpijski centar

homenatural enviroment

Natural Environment

Natural position of the HOC Bjelolasica is a real heaven for lovers of nature and adventurers. In immediate surroundings, there are several protected nature parks - Samarske and Bijele Stijene (Rocks), Kamacnik Canyon, National Park Risnjak, Bjelolasica Mountain - roof of Gorski Kotar, Klek Mountain - cradle of Croatian alpinism, rivers of Dobra, Kupa and Mreznica, and Sabljaci Lake.

Bjelolasica Mountain

As the highest mountain of Gorski Kotar in the Kapela Mountain Chain (peak Kula 1534 m), Bjelolasica was named by the narrow light ridge that elevates above forest belt, especially when under show. It is 7 km long and abounds in spacious and thick forests dappled with calcareous rocks and wide meadows, connected by forest paths and roads in a unique kaleidoscope of forests and clearings offering an unforgettable experience to lovers of walking and biking. In winter, the mountain is an ideal skiing destination, as it is covered with snow which usually remains until mid-spring, when it is replaced by lush flora of flowery meadows. In spite of its steep slopes, ridge of the mountain is at the same time a mountain path that connects the peak of Bjelolasica with skiing grounds of the Croatian Olympic Centre. There are two main starting points for accessing the peak of Bjelolasica. From the Tourist Complex of Bjelolasica, a path is leading towards the peak beneath the cableway to the Medustanica Restaurant where the road continues on the ridge until the peak and Jakob Mihelcic refuge hut. The other access is from Jastreb Hotel in Begovo Razdolje. A 6 km long macadam road leads to the foot of the mountain from which it takes one hour climbing to reach the peak. Both roads take 3 - 4 hours walk.

Klek Mounatin

It is located on the eastern edge of Velika Kapela mountain chain dominated by a group of vertical rocks, some of them even 200 m high. Peak of Klek is located at 1182 m above the sea level and offers a view of Bjelolasica, Bijele Stijene, Risnjak, town of Ogulin, Sabljaci Lakes and other natural attractions of this area. Klek is a cradle of Croatian alpinism and one of the best known Croatian botanist reserves with specimen of rare and protected mountain plants. According to a legend from the 17th century, during stormy nights, witches and fairies coming from faraway regions would gather at the peak of Klek, at midnight. An interesting part of Klek are Klecice, a large steep rock at the northern part of the mountain's peak. The village of Bjelsko is located 14 km from the HOC Bjelolasica and may be reached by car. From there, a 45 minutes climbing leads to mountain lodge, and additional 20 minutes to reach the peak of the mountain.

Bijele stijene (White rocks)

With its unique mountain carst forms, 50 m high vertical white rocks and deep impassable gulfs covered with eternal snow, Bijele Stijene have always attracted visitors. It will take you 3-4 hours to get on foot from the HOC Bjelolasica to the highest peak of Bijele Stijene, which is at 1335 m above the sea level and beneath which there is a mountain lodge. The foot of Bijele Stijene may be reached by macadam road Jasenak-Mrkopalj, from which there is only 45 minutes walk. The area from the foot to the peak is covered with pine-trees, fir-trees and spruce, and the flora in the rocks consists of numerous rare plants like edelweiss and Kranj lily. Bijele stijene have been proclaimed a natural reserve.

Samarske stijene (Samarske rocks)

Owing to large labyrinth of stone sculptures, unusual forms and sink-holes covered with mixed forest of spruce and fir-trees, Samarske Stijene have been proclaimed a natural reserve. On the path to the peak, there is Ratko's hut, one of the most impressive refuge huts in Croatia, located in the cave of a rock that stands above it as a natural roof. This beautiful park of stone sculptures, wild sink-holes and gentle mountain flowers is at 5 - 6 hour walk from the HOC Bjelolasica. The foot of Samarske stijene may be reached by macadam road Jasenak-Mrkopalj, from which there is only 45 minutes walk to reach the peak.

Kamacnik Canyon

Special attraction of the Kamacnik Canyon, which is 3 km long from the source to the rivermouth, is a path alternatively leading along the edge of the rock and on wooden bridges built above afforested creek to the beautiful green valley. One kilometre further, a valley with deep dark lake, carst source of Kamacnik (410 m) opens up among afforested slopes. It is an ideal destination for excursion by bikes, which is at 25 km distance from the HOC Bjelolasica to the village of Vrbovsko (connected by macadam road), where the canyon starts.

Lake Sabljaci

Lake Sabljaci is an artificial accumulation lake on the Zagorska Mrežnica river. With an area of 170 ha it's the eleventh biggest lake in Croatia
It is an oasis for numerous fishermen who regularly come to this region. During summer months, it offers a real refreshment for bathers and campers. It abounds in rich sport offer for sportsmen and recreationists who will find pleasure in rowing and canoeing on the lake. Due to its beauty and size, Lake Sabljaci is often referred to as the Ogulin Sea.

Risnjak National Park

A chain of mountains covered with dense forests of beech and fir-trees is one of the most beautiful nature destinations in this part of Europe. Several mountain lodges located in the park - Snježnik, Risnjak, Platak and Crni Lug - give visitors the opportunity to experience unforgettable moments while climbing in spring, summer or fall. Within park, there is the source of the river of Kupa, one of the greatest Croatian natural beauties. The Risnjak National Park has several paths and is at 25 km distance from the Jastreb Hotel in Begovo Razdolje to Crni lug, seat of the National Park.

The river Dobra

The River Dobra is a synonym for the best rafting in Croatia where, with a trained river guide, visitors may spend unforgettable moments enjoying charms of these wild waters. Without any doubt, the most exciting moment of rafting on Dobra is descent down the Veliki Buk, a place where adrenaline rises high even to the most cold-blooded persons. Once they have passed excitements at torrents, lovers of rafting may enjoy the beautiful environment of the river, its calm course, and even bathing in the summer months. Rafting on the River Dobra is 3 - 20 km long, depending on the wish of visitors and lasts from 1 to 3 hours.

The river Kupa

One of the most beautiful places of Gorski Kotar is beyond doubt the source of the River Kupa, located at the heart of the Risnjak National Park. At the spacious valley of Kupa, covered with impressive scenes of ancient villages, the beauty of the river dominates. In spring and fall, rain-swollen river gives the possibility of unforgettable rafting, while in summer months it offers pure enjoyment for canoeists, bathers and fishermen. At the length of 5 - 20 km, lovers of rafting may test their knowledge and capabilities with river guides at unpredictable course of this river.

The river Mreznica

The River Mreznica is located 15 km from the town of Ogulin. Around its source, there is the village of Zagorje, as well as numerous creeks and lakes in the vicinity which represent a real heaven for fishermen. Trout, chub, pike or perch are only few of species that can be found in these waters. The course of the Mreznica abounds in larger and smaller waterfalls, and during summer heat, visitors may find refreshment here.

Ogulin

The town of Ogulin is located in Central Croatia, between Zagreb and Rijeka, in a spacious valley through which two beautiful rivers run: Dobra and Zagorska Mrežnica. The establishment of Ogulin is related to the famous name of the Frankopan family who built a castle, quite preserved even today, which is now a symbol of the town. At the Frankopan tower, there is a Regional Museum with climbing, alpine, ethnographic and archaeological collections, room in memory of Ivana Brlic Mažuranic, a famous writer, and exhibition of Stjepan Galetic, an academic painter.
In the centre of the town, there is a church dedicated to the Holy Cross. The 14 September, the day of the Ascension of the Holy Cross, is also the day of the town of Ogulin. In the immediate vicinity of the town, there are three small chapels. The Chapel of St. Jacob is the oldest building in this region.

Jasenak

The village of Jasenak is located amid spacious Field of Jasenak which stretches to the hillsides of Bjelolasica, along the road Ogulin - Drežnica. It has post office, police station, store and gas station, and it is a starting point for climbers towards Bjelolasica, Bijele and Samarske Stijene, and unavoidable place on the way to Vrelo and Tourist Complex of Bjelolasica which is only at 4 km distance.

Mrkopalj

A mountain village of Mrkopalj with its 1000 inhabitants is located in the County of Primorje and Gorski Kotar, in the middle of large Mrkopalj field, and at 10 km distance from Delnice. With its wider surroundings, Mrkopalj is a skiing area and at the same time a cradle of Croatian skiing. The village of Begovo Razdolje where Jastreb hotel is located, is only 5 km from Mrkopalj.