In Učka Park: the Poklon–Vojak circular route

At Poklon, park in the lower car park, which is more shaded. Lovely view over the Kvarner Gulf. Information panels beneath the totem poles.

Marked with red rosettes with a white centre

(S/E) Start from the bottom of the car park, between the wooden huts and the totem poles, on path no. 600, signposted towards “Vojak”. A stony path climbing steadily, zigzagging beneath the beech trees.

(1) Cross the tarmac road (with little traffic) leading to the summit for the first time.

(2) Cross the road again. 100 m further on, stay on the path to the right. Cross the tarmac road for the third time; 100 m further on, leave the track and take the path that climbs to the right. You’ll reach a clearing with a table and information boards. An alternative route is available via path no. 612 to the right.

(3) The path levels out into a balcony-like section, overlooking the sea to the left. You’ll rejoin the tarmac road once more.

(4) Follow it to the right, then, 50 metres further on, take a path uphill to the right, running parallel to the road. Cross over onto the tarmac road to the right and continue to the car park beneath a radome and telecommunications masts. Carry on straight ahead along a concrete path to reach the summit of Mount Vojak.

(5) Viewpoint, panoramic views, paragliding take-off point. Magnificent panoramic views taking in the whole of the Kvarner Gulf and the entire Istrian hinterland.
For the return journey, see the possible alternatives under ‘During the hike or nearby’. The standard return route follows the same path as the outward journey. For a bit of variety, our route takes a slightly more challenging path. Continue straight on past the tower along a rocky ridge, initially level, then down a steep slope into an open meadow. Do not cut across the hairpin bends; continue to Sedlo Pass, where there are picnic tables.

(6) Turn right onto path no. 610, which runs along a level, tree-lined ledge. The descent, which is gentle at first, becomes steeper as you go.

(7) When you reach the main road, follow it to the right for about 400 metres , taking care to watch out for traffic.

(8) Turn right onto the tarmac road towards Vojak, which follows path no. 610. Follow this for about 600 metres.

(9) Just as the road takes a sharp bend to the left, take the signposted path to the left, which leads directly to the lower car park (S/E).

(S/E) On the road from Opatja to Lupoglav and Buzet. Park at Poklon: large, shaded car park. The Park House is 100 m further up, on the opposite side of the road.

Stony path: not accessible to pushchairs or wheelchairs.

On the way there, at the ‘3 ’, an alternative route via the ‘Plas’ nature trail is possible via path no. 612 (not tested).

For the return journey, there are several options:

• From the summit, return via the same route as on the way there. The easiest option.
• From the Col Sedlo (6), return directly by turning right onto path 610 (this route).
• From Sedlo Pass (6), continue straight ahead uphill on path 611 towards a viewpoint, which joins path 650 on the right, then path 657 on the left, and finally path 630 on the left (not tested).