Učka is the highest mountain on the Istrian peninsula in the northwest part of Croatia. It’s a favorite destination of those visiting or living on the Opatija Riviera.

Učka’s highest mountain peak Vojak (1.397 m) offers views of Istria, Kvarner Bay, the northern Adriatic and its islands, Gorski kotar, Velebit, Ćićarija, Tršćanski zaljev, Julian Alps, and Italian dolomites.

There are several hiking trails that wind around the mountain and through its thick forests. They vary in difficulty and length so hikers of all skills can find a good match.

All of the trails on Učka can be hiked year-round. We recommend a visit in late October/early November when the leaves are changing to gold, orange, and bright red.

Jump to the trail:

• Lovranska Draga – PS Babin Grob – Mala Učka – Vojak
• PD Poklon – Vojak
• Plomin – Sisol – Štikovac – Brgud – Mala Učka – Vojak
• Lovran – Liganj – Knezgrad – Vojak
• Medveja – Mala Učka – Vrh Vojak

Let’s go hiking…

Hiking trails on the mountain of Učka in Istria, Croatia

#1 Lovranska Draga – PS Babin Grob – Mala Učka – Vojak

This trail starts at Lovranska Draga, a picturesque village on the eastern side of Učka. The baroque church of Saint Mihovil serves as the village’s protector. The village is surrounded by the highest peaks of Učka mountain.

The stream Potok (Stream) flows through the village and features a lovely waterfall. There is a little walking trail on which you can detour called Slap (Waterfall) that leads to the waterfall.

The hiking trail burrows through a forest of chestnut trees, hornbeams, pines, and other Mediterranean vegetation.

[Read: Famous Croatian produce and where it comes from including Učka chestnuts]

At 1.012 meters above sea level, you can find the mountain hut Babin grob (view map), which can accommodate 5 to 6 hikers.

At 995 meters above sea level is Mala Učka, the highest rural village in Istria. This village is protected and is declared in the “register of immovable cultural monuments”.

After Mala Učka, a sharp climb leads to the village Vela Učka. From this point, follow the trail to Vojak.

Duration: 2 h 11 min
Length: 8.2 km
Highest elevation: 1.397 m
Skill level: middle
Starting point: Lovranska draga
Ending point: Vojak

You can read more about this trail here.

#2 PD Poklon – Vojak

The starting point of this trail is in front of the mountain hut Poklon (view map).

This trail is easy and suitable for climbing even during hot weather. It passes under a canopy of tall beech trees and crosses an asphalt road several times.

There is a television tower at the top of the hill. Near the tower, there is a viewpoint where you can see all of Istria, Kvarner Bay, Velebit, Risnjak, Snježnik, and other parts of Gorski kotar.

Duration: 1 h 11 min
Length: 3.5 km
Highest elevation: 1.396 m
Skill level: easy
Starting point: Poklon
Ending point: Vojak

You can read more about this trail here.

#3 Plomin – Sisol – Štikovac – Brgud – Mala Učka – Vojak

This trail starts out as a wide road. After some time, it morphs into a hiking trail that leads to the mountain peak Sisol through vast meadows.

The trail continues through a rocky stretch to a stone wall with a view of Čepić polje. From this trail, you can see the island of Cres and the surrounding Kvarner Bay.

When on this trail, you’ll pass through the ridge towards mountain peaks Kremenjak and Brgud.

After a flat portion of the trail, there is a sharp climb toward the Mala Učka village. This steep climb with a view of Istria and Kvarner bay is called Grebenski uspon (Ridge climb).

After passing Mala Učka and Vela Učka, another sharp climb leads to the mountain peak Vojak.

Duration: 9 h 7 min
Length: 26 km
Highest elevation: 1.386 m
Skill level: difficult
Starting point: Plomin
Ending point: Vojak

You can read more about the trail here.

#4 Lovran – Liganj – Knezgrad – Vojak

The starting point of this trail is at the Trg Slobode in the center of Lovran. The first part of the trail leads to Lovranska Draga, which can also be reached by bus line 36 from Lovran. This shortcut will save 45 minutes.

From here, the trail heads toward the village of Ivulići and passes through old woods and mountain meadows situated 1000 meters above the sea.

The steepest part of the trail goes towards the mountain pass Vrata, Veli dol, and Mali dol. The final climb towards Vojak is very demanding because there are substantial changes in altitude.

Duration: 4 h 9 min
Length: 10.3 km
Highest elevation: 1.396 m
Skill level: middle
Starting point: Lovran
Ending point: Vojak

You can read more about the trail here.

#5 Medveja – Mala Učka – Vrh Vojak

The starting point in Medveja is a staircase that leads from the city beach to the village Kali. This old staircase isn’t for those looking for a casual stroll as it is surrounded by dry-stone walls and neglected gardens and vineyards.

[Read: Croatia’s tradition of dry-stone walls]

At the end of the staircase, there is an old abandoned village called Visoče. After passing the beech forest, there is a view of Mošćenička Draga, Potoki village, and the mountain peak Perun.

This trail also goes through the villages of Mala Učka and Vela Učka. In Vela Učka, you can find a freshwater fountain. The final point is Vojak, the highest mountain peak of Učka and the Istrian peninsula.

Duration: 3 h 25 min
Length: 8.9 km
Highest elevation: 1.396 m
Skill level: middle
Starting point: Medveja
Ending point: Vojak

You can read more about the trail here.

If you need help while on the trail…

You can contact HGSS Rijeka – Hrvatska gorska služba spašavanja Rijeka (Croatian Mountain Rescue Service Rijeka). Their official web site is available here.

If you need urgent help, call 112.

[Read: Emergency and Helpful Phone Numbers for Croatia]

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Hvala puno to Planinarenje.hr without whom we could not have put together this post. 🙂

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• Visiting Northern Velebit National Park