Risnjak Trail 2026

Fancy a trail challenge in a completely different face of Croatia—no palm trees, but mighty forested peaks and rugged limestone rocks? Risnjak Trail is an iconic alpine race held in Risnjak National Park, located in the Gorski Kotar region, known as Croatia’s green lungs 🌲. The park’s name comes from the lynx (ris), which is a symbol of these wild and mysterious lands.

Runners can expect technical, demanding trails full of karst formations, steep climbs, and breathtaking views which, in good weather, let you spot the island-studded Adriatic Sea. The race base in the village of Crni Lug is just a few dozen minutes’ drive from the port city of Rijeka and about 1.5 hours from the country’s capital, Zagreb 🚗!

When you cross the finish line with burning calves but a heart full of pride, it’s time to kick off your trail shoes. Gorski Kotar and the nearby Kvarner coast offer a brilliant mix of mountain relaxation and seaside adventure for couples and families 😉:

A trip to the spectacular Source of the Kupa River (Izvor Kupe): One of Croatia’s most wonderful hydrological marvels. This turquoise, crystal-clear, and exceptionally deep karst spring hidden among vertical cliffs takes your breath away and is an ideal destination for a calm, restorative walk 🌊.

Coffee on the famous Lungomare promenade in Opatija: Because the Risnjak mountains almost meet the sea, in under an hour after the race you can head to the luxury resort of Opatija. A stroll along the several-kilometre seaside promenade among historic Austro-Hungarian villas guarantees an incredibly romantic evening ☕.

Exploring Lokvarka Cave: Located close to the race route, it’s one of the largest and most beautiful tourist-accessible caves in Croatia. Walking through its underground galleries with impressive stalactites is a fascinating adventure for little and big explorers alike 🦇.

Tasting Gorski Kotar’s forest delicacies: The cuisine of this mountain region differs dramatically from Mediterranean classics. After burning thousands of calories, you have to try game goulash with homemade dumplings (njoki), dishes with wild mushrooms, and for dessert order the famous local strudel with forest berries 🥧.

Feel the call of the wild mountains, take on the limestone trails, and report to the start line of Risnjak Trail!