Medveđak Trail 1

Medveđak Trail 1 is an 8.2 km (5.1 mi) one-way hike from Hladovina at Entrance 2 to Entrance 1, crossing the wooded Medveđak ridge and passing Tupi. Plan around three hours if you stop at the viewpoints and read the trail boards; the published estimate is about two and a half. The 8.2 km covers numbered points 1–5. The Oštri and Turčić routes are separate side trips, and their 1,000 m and 250 m distance labels do not say whether they count one way or as full excursions, so budget extra distance if you add them.

The walk starts beside Hladovina parking by Entrance 2 and the pedestrian bridge across D1. It begins with a mild downhill slope by the car park, then a forest road gives way to a maintained hiking path around Forestry Institute grounds. The climb reaches Hrnjakuša, an overgrown meadow, before continuing toward the ridge. At point 3, the Oštri spur branches off; Trail 1 continues past Tupi to point 4, then descends to Entrance 1. Keep the numbered route sequence clear where the summit spurs and the separate Trail 2 branch away.

Tupi sits on the ridge route and looks over six lakes: Prošćansko, Ciginovac, Okrugljak, Galovac, Gradinsko and Kozjak. The optional Oštri climb follows mild switchbacks to a rock-built platform measuring 4 by 20 metres, with views toward Lička Plješivica and the Una and Korana valleys. From point 4, a shorter Turčić detour has an ascent of about five minutes and looks toward Kozjak, the Great Waterfall and nearby villages. The peaks stand out most in early spring and late autumn, when the trees are bare. The park also considers a winter visit worthwhile with moderate snow.

A path to Tupi was built in 1894. In 1900, a forest path to Oštri became known as Blanka’s Trail, named for Archduke Leopold Salvator’s wife. The modern numbered route uses the same ridge, though its exact overlap with those historic paths is not established. Interpretive boards explain forest ecology, and the old beech woods here have been left to develop naturally. The name Medveđak is linked to medvjed, the Croatian word for bear; the massif is habitat for wolves, lynx and brown bears, though sightings aren’t something to count on.

A valid park entrance ticket is required for hiking trails, and dogs must stay on leash. There is a fast-food stop by the start, but no water or toilet stops were confirmed on the ridge, so carry what you need. This walk ends at another entrance; plan your return to Hladovina before setting out.