Description of the attraction
Risnjak is a gem among Croatian parks. Risnjak is not as famous as Plitvice or Krka, but it delights visitors with landscapes, forests, and amazing Alpine meadows. Risnjak is located in Gorski Kotar, a small region located in the north of the Kvarner Bay. The southern border of the park is only 15 km away from the Adriatic coast.
The park was created to protect the unique nature of the region. The idea of creating the park was introduced by the famous Croatian scientist, botanist Ivo Horvat. In 1953, the territory of 30 square kilometers was recognized as a national park, and in 1997 the territory was expanded by joining the Snezhnik massif and the upper course of the Kupa river.
There are no tourist sites on the territory of the park, except for a small hotel and a restaurant. In general, on the territory of the park, which occupies 63.5 square kilometers, any human intervention in the environment is prohibited.
The park is dominated by a Mediterranean climate. On the one hand, the proximity of the Adriatic Sea plays a role, but the territory is also affected by cold continental winds from Dinarids. Therefore, the weather conditions are quite specific due to the collision of air masses of different temperatures.
The best time to visit the park is summer. The average air temperature warms up to 20 degrees. This pleasant weather alternates with the off-season, which is characterized by rain or long winters with lots of snow. The maximum cloud density falls in November-December.
Due to the changeable climate, individual plant species are found here in various varieties. To a greater extent, the territory is covered with spruce and beech, which alternate with pine forests. Ash trees, plane trees, maples, oaks and yews are also found here. Rhododendron, edelweiss and orchids are rare plants.
The fauna of Risnyak is also diverse. In Europe, it is difficult to find forests filled with tourists, which makes Risnjak an attractive destination for many large animals. Lynxes, brown bears, wolves, etc. live here. They get along well in the park, along with smaller animals that become their food. This natural balance is greatly facilitated by the absence of human activity. The population of these individuals has been increasing in recent years.
For tourists, special routes have been developed that can be overcome, including on bicycles, enjoying the local landscapes and the silence of the forest.
