From the Summit of Vojak – Istria Day Hikes – Bob Ramsak

Here are a few views from the summit of Vojak in northern Croatia’s Učka range, at 1396m/4580ft, the highest point on the Istrian Peninsula. As such, the view from the top offers a sensational 360 degree panorama – even on hazy days like this one.

The first view faces due south over the Kvarner Bay in the northern Adriatic and nearby islands and the second a hazy but nonetheless reasonably clear view of Triglav, Slovenia’s highest mountain, 125 kilometres due north over the nearby Čičarija hills. On clear days, you can take in the Bay of Trieste and beyond, towards the Alps that tower over northeast Italy.

The Učka range – Monte Maggiore to Italians – rises behind the Opatija Riviera, so technically is shared between the Kvarner and Istria regions; from its spine, it seemingly cuts one from the other. From the top, you can feel that division. And fortunately, it’s not too much of a task or trek to get the Učka’s highest peak.

The summit of Vojak and nearby area is within the boundaries of the Učka Nature Park, not far from Opatija, which covers 160 square kilometres of mostly lush woodlands and high meadows. With Rijeka and Opatija so close, it’s a popular hiking area with several trailheads leading to the top that can get fairly busy on weekends, given the road that also provides easy access to the summit.

A good place to start? Drive to the Poklon Mountain Hut and park there. Or, go a little farther to the Dopolavaro Restaurant, where there’s also a parking lot for hikers. A few trails, all well-marked, begin there, or join longer ones. From there, it’s about a one-and-a-half to two-hour moderate hike to the top. Technically it’s easy but the elevation gain is quick and at times steep. Dress for wind and bring water and a snack since you won’t find anyone selling either at the top.

This first group of images were taken on 8 November 2020, a Sunday during the pandemic. Given the lockdown conditions, light as they were at the time in this part of Croatia, there lots of people anxious to fill their lungs with some mountain air. Next time, we’ll make the trip mid-week.