The Istrian Peak: Vojak

IN SHORT

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS HIKE

• Awesome view over Kvarner bay, islands and on a clear day all the way to Italy

• Different trails to get to Vojak and back with sights like caves and other peaks on the way

• fresh water fountain on the way

• The pine tree scents

• Varied underground such as rocky bits, pine tree needles and forest paths

• Parking and bus stop at Poklon

VOJAK 2.0: THE SAGA CONTINUES

If you've been following my blog for a while, you will have noticed my post about Ucka Nature Park, and more specifically my attempt to reach Vojak peak from Medveja.

2 years later and with a different starting point, I am attempting to reach the view point high up on 1'394 meters above sea level and get that unforgettable view that was kept from me the last time I was in beautiful Istria.

SETTING OUT

For this trip, I have the rare luxury of driving to the trailhead with a car – a serpentine road, to be precise. Since we set out for our hike in early April, the streets are clear and calm, and our drive up the steep mountain road smooth. Glimpses of the sea between the birch and fir trees that dot the side of the road have us believe that we can almost taste the salty sea from here.

But first we have a peak to climb! We park our car at the main entrance of Nature Park Učka, Poklon visitor center. From here, a roughly 1.5 to 2 hours long ascend awaits us – and yes, I made this one extra easy for me because I really wanted to make it to the peak this time around.

Welcomed by a beautiful green forest with tall trees towering above our heads, we start our trek, passing a ruin that has been grown over by moss and is slowly being claimed back by nature. Shortly after, our trails steepens, leading us through the lush forest that sends whiffs of pine notes in our general direction, making us forget the elevation with each deep breath a little.

This woody, pine needle-laden path is easy to follow and has us pass the peak 'Jazina' to our right hand-side, about one third into our hike, before we pass a water fountain with drinkable water to clench our thirst halfway through.

The trail is now changing between hills to climb in the forest and a rather narrow gravelly trail with the most beautiful view over the Kvarner bay, Lovran and – an old acquaintance – Medveja. The time passes quickly, and even though the trees are only just awakening from their deep slumber, the first little buds are full with pollen and ready for spring to come.

Although our initial idea was to visit the cave 'Jama', which would have change our trail from the RPO to the trail leading towards Plas peak and then further on to Vojak, we must admit that this being our first real hike of the season, we might just have to hike through and pursue the direct trail that leads us along the eastern slope of Vojak. No complaints here! This trail is an absolute joy and perfect for us to warm up the legs and remind our butt muscles that they, in fact, can carry us further than we are going today.

There is a myriad of trails in and around Ucka Nature Park, so if you, too, want to climb Vojak, best to check all trails hereand find the one that suits you best!

Before us stands the last hill to climb before the street bends and Vojak peak should greet us.

For this last one, we decide to switch over to the asphalt serpentine road that leads around the hill – what can I say, the butt muscles weren't ready to get out of hibernation just yet. A little more up the hill and ... before long, the round tower looms in the distance, having us both sigh in relief.

We made it! We've made it to Vojak peak and we do have decent weath-

Well, shall I say we did have decent weather until we set foot onto the cobblestone street that leads up to the Vojak viewpoint and tower? No matter! The view is still absolutely breathtaking. We are so high up, that looking down has us fear that we might just be sucked down over the cliffs, the vast fields and tiny villages that span around this hulking mountain seemingly endless.

On a clear day, you can see the whole Kvarner bay, the islands Krk and Cres and, to the west, even all the way to Italy! What an excellent adventure! We stand in awe, as the rain clouds gather over our heads, spraying us with a light mist. Can I just say I feel like a real sea man right now (despite the fact that I am 1'496 meters above sea level right this second)?

Sadly, there are no mountain lodges up here in the vicinity that serve food and/or beverages.

But not to worry. Like every good hiker, we brought some snacks to keep us afloat!

We take the same path that we came from, although you could complete the loop by taking the 'Staza Plas', if you feel up for the challenge, or take the trail OPO 630, which has you go over the peak 'Brdo' and back to Poklon from there.

Make sure you choose a trail that fits your fitness and experience level. And for those of you who are wondering: Yes, it is possible to follow a trail down all the way to Lovranska Draga and eventually Medveja.

Will I ever manage to do a bottom to top and back down trip to Vojak? One can hope, although it surely would be the trek of a lifetime (or at least the trek of a decade).

After getting back to the car and losing all the elevation we've gained today, we make our way back to Lovran to unravel, relax and take a well-deserved dip in the sea!

HIKE INFORMATION

Starting point: Poklon visitor center
End point: Poklon visitor center

Route: Poklon visitor center – Vojak tower/viewpoint – Poklon visitor center

What to pack: Hiking boots with good profile, hiking gear, sunscreen, water, picnic
How to get there by bus:

On Sundays and holidays the Učka Nature Park, or more precisely the Poklon mountain-pass, can be reached from Opatija (Slatina bus stop) by the local Autotrolej bus line no. 34. The journey takes approximately one hour.

Opatija departure: 09:40 ; 17:15
Poklon return: 10:30 ; 18:00