20 Hikes Less Than 2 hours from Rijeka

Known for its industrial heritage, busy port and urban character, Rijeka might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about hiking. But step outside the city, and you’ll find mountains, forests and coastal trails all within easy reach.

Rijeka is a great base for exploring the outdoors, with plenty of hiking trails less than two hours away. Some are just a short drive from the city, making it easy to trade the urban landscape for a day in nature.

1. Snježnik

Snježnik is a popular hiking destination on the edge of Risnjak National Park, with the trail starting from the Platak ski resort parking lot. The climb is relatively easy for most of the way, becoming steeper near the summit, just as views of Risnjak and the Adriatic Sea begin to open up.

For a longer hike, you can make a loop via Guslica, turning this into a roughly four-hour adventure through the surrounding mountains.

2. Klek

Klek is considered the birthplace of Croatian mountaineering and alpinism, but it’s also famous for its legends of witches gathering on its summit. A symbol of the nearby town of Ogulin, the mountain offers a challenging hike starting from the village of Bjelsko, with steep sections and ropes to help you through some of the trickier parts.

About halfway up, you’ll pass a mountain hut where you can take a break before continuing towards the summit, where views stretch across the surrounding hills and mountains.

3. Zijavica Cave

Located on the slopes of Učka, Zijavica Cave is a short hike from the village of Obrš, taking around 30 minutes. The trail gets steep, narrow and exposed in places, but the cave rewards you with views across Kvarner Bay and the island of Cres.

The area is also popular with rock climbers, with several climbing routes on the limestone cliffs surrounding the cave.

4. Seven Waterfalls Trail

The Seven Waterfalls Trail is one of the most famous hiking routes in Istria, following the Mirna River and its tributary, the Draga. The trail is mostly easy, with a few short but steep climbs along the way. Its highest waterfall, Vela Peć, drops 26.5 metres, while the natural pools at Kotli are a favourite spot for a refreshing swim.

Best Time to Visit: During hot summer months, the river can dry up, leaving the waterfalls without much water. Spring and autumn are usually the best seasons to visit, especially after heavy rainfall, but expect muddy and slippery trails.

5. Kremenjak

View from Kremenjak

Starting from Kalac, the hike to Kremenjak takes you through the forest to a unique mountain shelter designed to resemble a giant egg nestled inside a bird’s nest, with a rooftop terrace that doubles as a birdwatching observatory. From the top, you can enjoy views over the Kvarner Bay and its islands.

After the hike, visit the hilltop town of Mošćenice and explore its narrow stone streets. In the warmer months, you can round off the day with a swim in Mošćenička Draga.

6. Vela Pliš

Just a 20-minute drive from Rijeka’s city centre, Vela Pliš feels surprisingly remote, surrounded by nature and far from the urban landscape. From the summit, you can enjoy views of Rijeka and Kvarner Bay on one side, and the forests of Gorski Kotar on the other.

The best route goes over Mala Pliš before descending and tackling the steeper final climb to Vela Pliš. You can return the same way or descend the opposite side and follow a loop back to your car. However, the loop trail is not well marked, so make sure to download offline maps before setting off.

7. Rečina Waterfall

Rečina Waterfall is one of the lesser-known places in Učka Nature Park. The trail starts near the Učka Tunnel on the Rijeka side and winds through the forest, passing several smaller waterfalls before reaching the largest one at the end of the route.

Best Time to Visit: During hot summer months, the river can dry up, leaving the waterfalls without much water. Spring and autumn are usually the best seasons to visit, especially after heavy rainfall, but expect muddy and slippery trails.

8. Risnjak

Horvatova Trail takes you from the main entrance of Risnjak National Park in Bijela Vodica to the mountain hut near the summit. The first 3 km follow a forest road before the trail narrows. From the hut, it’s not much further to the summit, but the trail gets steep and rocky, and you’ll need to use your hands for support in some places. Watch where you place your hands, as snakes may be hiding among the rocks.

Good to Know: You need a ticket to enter Risnjak National Park. Check current ticket prices here. The mountain hut at the summit is currently closed.

9. Sisol

Sisol is a rocky peak on the southern ridge of Učka, rising above the Kvarner Bay and the eastern coast of Istria. The hike takes you through forest before opening up onto a rugged limestone ridge, with views across the Adriatic Sea, the surrounding islands and the Istrian interior.

The trail is steep in places, making it a challenging hike despite its relatively short distance. Once you reach the ridge, keep an eye out for Provrtenica, a natural rock window along the route.

10. Bijele i Samarske stijene

Bijele and Samarske Stijene are among the most challenging hikes in this part of Croatia. Don’t let the distance or elevation gain fool you. Much of the route involves steep rocky terrain, ladders and fixed ropes. The effort is worth it, though, as this is one of the most impressive and strictly protected natural areas in Croatia. You don’t have to complete the entire route to experience what makes this place special. Check out the different routes here.

Good to Know: The area is remote and mobile phone signal is unavailable. Download offline maps before you go and consider carrying a satellite SOS communicator, such as a Garmin inReach Mini.

11. Korita

The trail to Korita starts in the village of Brgudac, right on the edge of Učka Nature Park. Most of the hike is moderate and leads to ten large wooden troughs that were traditionally used to water livestock. Above the troughs rises Brajkova Stijena, which you can also climb if you’re up for a short but steep and exposed scramble.

12. Source of the Kupa River

There are two trails leading to the Source of the Kupa River. We recommend this one, as the bridge over the river has recently been renovated and the route is easier. It starts in the village of Hrvatsko, right on the Slovenian border. The trail is mostly flat and follows the river, with several rest areas and even a restaurant along the way.

Good to Know: The source of the Kupa River is located within Risnjak National Park, so an entrance ticket is required. Check current ticket prices here.

13. Vela Draga Canyon

The educational trail to Vela Draga Canyon starts near the Učka Tunnel on the Istrian side. To get there, you’ll need to drive through the tunnel, which has a toll, or take the road over Učka, making the drive around an hour instead of 30 minutes. The trail itself is short and easy, but the views of the canyon and its towering limestone formations are impressive.

You’ll also spot an abandoned railway line running through the canyon. Built in the early 1950s, it was part of the Lupoglav–Raša railway, mainly used to transport coal from the Raša mines. The area was also used as a filming location for Winnetou, a series of films based on the novels by Karl May.

14. Žakalj Old Mill

The walk to Žakalj Old Mill is a great way to explore Rijeka beyond the city centre. You can start right in the heart of the city and choose between two routes: one through the abandoned Hartera Paper factory or the other via the Trsat Steps and Trsat Castle. Both are interesting, but the Hartera route is easier and involves less climbing.

Hidden in the Rječina River canyon, the ruins of Žakalj Mill are a reminder of Rijeka’s industrial past. Built in the 19th century, the mill once employed over a hundred workers and exported flour as far as England, France and Brazil. It was abandoned after World War I, and today its remains are slowly being reclaimed by nature.

15. Vela Luka

View of Vela Luka

In my opinion, the trail to Vela Luka is one of the most beautiful coastal walks near Rijeka. Starting from Baška, the trail follows the coastline, passing several beaches and small bays along the way.

I recommend following the coast to Vrežnica Bay, then heading inland through the canyon and over the hills, where you’ll get a great view of the bay from above. For the return, you can either take a boat shuttle back to Baška or follow the coastal trail on foot. During summer, boats run regularly, while outside the season, you’ll need to arrange a ride in advance.

16. Vojak

The hike to Vojak starts at Poklon Visitor Centre in Učka Nature Park and follows a well-marked trail through the forest to the highest peak of Učka. At the summit, you’ll find a stone tower built in 1911, offering panoramic views of Istria, the Kvarner Bay and its islands. On clear days, you can even see as far as the Alps.

The trail is mostly a steady uphill climb, making it a good option for a half-day hike. If you want to learn more about the area, you can also stop at the visitor centre at Poklon before or after your hike.

17. Bag Peak

Bag Peak is a short hike above Baška on the island of Krk, offering a great view of the town, Vela Plaža and the surrounding coastline. The trail takes you over rocky terrain typical of the island, with no shade along the way, so it’s best to avoid the hottest part of the day during summer.

18. Guslica

The hike to Guslica starts at the Platak parking and climbs steeply through a beautiful forest. From the summit, you can enjoy views of Risnjak National Park, the Adriatic Sea and Mount Snežnik in Slovenia.

Guslica is also known for its abandoned military base, built by the Yugoslav People’s Army to monitor telecommunications during the Cold War. Beneath the mountain lies a network of tunnels and rooms spread across four levels, designed to accommodate around 50 people. The underground complex is now closed, but the remains of the military installation give this summit a fascinating history.

19. Sv. Krševan

Starting from the village of Glavotok, this coastal trail follows the shoreline through a campsite towards the small Church of St. Krševan. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of quiet coves with clear blue water, great spots for snorkelling and a few places where you can jump from the cliffs.

For the return, you can follow the Camino Krk route back to Glavotok, making it a nice loop that combines the coastline with the forest. The hike itself takes no more than 1.5 hours, but with so many beautiful spots to stop and swim, I’d plan for around 3 hours to enjoy the route without rushing.

20. veliki Zavižan

Veliki Zavižan is a rocky peak in Northern Velebit National Park, offering views of the Adriatic Sea, the surrounding islands and the rugged Velebit mountains. The hike can be combined with a visit to the Velebit Botanical Garden and the nearby Zavižan mountain hut is also worth a stop.

Good to Know: The drive from Rijeka can take a little over two hours, but it’s well worth the trip. An entrance ticket to Northern Velebit National Park is required. Check current ticket prices here.