Wikiloc | Platak - Veliki Risnjak - Snježnik - Mirnjak

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Photo ofPlatak - Veliki Risnjak - Snježnik - Mirnjak - Platak (07/2023)

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Blackbirds

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Trail stats

Distance: 13.41 mi
Elevation gain: 4,072 ft
Technical difficulty: Moderate
Elevation loss: 4,072 ft
Max elevation: 5,013 ft
TrailRank: 53
Min elevation: 3,467 ft
Trail type: Loop

Moving time: 6 hours 22 minutes
Time: 8 hours 36 minutes
Coordinates: 3859
Uploaded: July 3, 2023
Recorded: July 2023

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near Platak, Primorsko-goranska (Hrvatska)

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Trail photos

Itinerary description

Physical difficulty: 3.5/5
Technical difficulty: 2.5/5

Note #1: The trail is mostly very well marked and accessible, but hikers don't usually do such a long loop in the area. They go either to Snježnik alone, or to Risnjak, and very rarely Mirnjak. For this reason, some parts of the trail (sepcially around Mirnjak) are a bit overgrown and having long pants is advisable.

Note #2: Even if the trail is mostly in the shade, there's no springs or potable water anywhere. So make sure to bring enough hydration with you.

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The trail starts at the huge parking lot on Platak. From the parking lot, a forest trail leads first to the Cajtige pass, then Grič intersection, and finally to Risnjak. Risnjak is the highest and probably the most famous peak in the Gorski kotar region. There's a mountain lodge at its foot, open only on weekends in the summer (usually, not always). The final ascent to Risnjak from the lodge is more technically demanding, and will have you use your hands to scramble over the rocks.

From Risnjak you have to backtrack a bit to Grič, then descend towards the Lazac valley. At Lazac, you have 2 ways of completing the trail: via Srebrna vrata (eng. Silver pass) which leads first to Mirnjak, then to Snježnik, or via the Rimska cesta (eng. Roman road) which leads first to Snježnik, then Mirnjak.

This trail followed Rimska cesta, then at the Rimska vrata (eng. Roman pass) continued towards Snježnik (via the path known as "Preko grebena; eng. "Over the ridge").

From Snježnik, you can see Mirnjak plainly further north. Immediately below Snježnik there's the ruins of an out-of-use mountain lodge, and going past it after a short while (and couple of smaller hills) you'll reach the intersection for Mirnjak. After a 20 minutes trek through the woods, just like on Risnjak you will arrive at a section which required you to use your hands to scramble over rocks.

From the peak, you backtrack back to Snježnik, and continued towards Platak via the "Kroz grlo" path (eng. Through the pass/literally translated as "throat"). After about 1 hrs, your should reach the parking lot.

Waypoints

Car Parking / Platak

Car parking at Platak; parking itself is free, while other amenities in the area (like renting sports equipment, grill space, etc.) is paid. There's always plenty of space, and if you go on workdays chances are there'll be nobody there.

Sušak mountain lodge

The "Sušak" mountain lodge offers drinks and food. Check the working hours on the Platak website.

Intersection #1 / to Risnjak

Intersection #2 / to Risnjak

Intersection #3 / to Risnjak (right)

Intersection #4 / go left on the road

Intersection #5 / Left or right

Doesn't matter which way you go, the trails connect to each other.

Intersection #6 / Cajtige pass

Cajtige pass, where the ascent to Risnjak properly begins. The Cajtige pass is also accessible by car, and those who like a shorter there-and-back hike to Risnjak can leave their cars here and continue on the trail.

Intersection #7 / Grič

The Grič intersection. You will return to this Intersection on your way back from Risnjak, and take the path down towards Lazac valley.

Photo ofMountain Lodge 'Schlosserov dom' / Schlosser's Lodge

Mountain Lodge 'Schlosserov dom' / Schlosser's Lodge

The picturesque mountain lodge at the foot or Risnjak peak. As of 07/2023, the lodge is really not looking its best and could use a makeover, and it's CLOSED.

Veliki Risnjak (1528 m)

Also simply known as Risnjak for short. it offers a great 360° view of the surrounding mountains in both Croatia and Slovenia, as well as a view of the islands in Kvarner bay.

Intersection #8 / Lazac

Choose either left (Rimska cesta), or right (towards Sreberna vrata). This trail followed Rimska cesta.

Intersection #9 / to Rimska cesta

This is where the main path branches off towards Rimska cesta (which leads to Snježnik).

Intersection #10 / Rimska vrata

Eng. The Roman Pass (literally, 'door'). If you continue on the same road you will return to Platak. However, go right and up towards Snježnik.

Snježnik (1505 m)

The most-famed and visited peak in the area, Snježnik. It's highly accessible and a perfect introduction to hiking for beginners and non-hikers in general. It offers just the right amount of pain & gain. A nice and not too difficult hike, rewarded by a beautiful view.

Intersection #11 / to Mirnjak (right)

Continue on the right-hand path towards Mirnjak.

Rudenjak's Viewpoint

Rudenjakov vidikovac (eng. Rudenjak's Viewpoint) offers a great view of the western slope or Snježnik.

Mirnjak (1426 m)

Mirnjak is a rarely-visited peak, due to it being just outside the most popular routes. It's a shame because it offers a really nice view, similar to Snježnik. Further North there's Guslica and Planina peaks, with the Slovenian peak Snežnik looming in the distance (Snježnik and Snežnik are sister-peaks). You can also plainly see the Lazac valley.