Municipality of Mrkopalj: Nature, Hiking Trails and Skiing History

Bijele stijene and Samarske stijene are located within the municipality and were declared strict nature reserves in 1985. Mrkopalj is considered the cradle of Croatian skiing; Croatia’s first ski jumping hill, “Pod Vrhin”, was built there in 1934. The municipality also includes hiking and winter sports destinations, as well as historical and ethnographic attractions.

Bijele stijene and Samarske stijene give the municipality a distinctive natural character: both areas have been under strict nature protection since 1985. If you are interested in mountain landscapes and nature reserves, you can take this into account when choosing your destination.

The Mrkopalj hiking trail has eight checkpoints: Vrh Samarskih stijena at 1,302 metres above sea level, Stepenica, Piramida, Veliki Kanjon, Dvorac, Južni vrh, Amfiteatar and Razbijeni vrh. The names provide specific information about the trail’s stops, and the elevation is also given for Vrh Samarskih stijena. Mrkopalj was intended as the starting point for the trail.

Another option is the Čelimbaša trail. It leads from Mrkopalj up Mount Čelimbaša to a viewpoint at the summit. The municipality therefore offers a choice between a trail with several named checkpoints and one leading to a summit viewpoint.

Calling Mrkopalj the cradle of Croatian skiing reflects the area’s long history of winter sports. One specific landmark is “Pod Vrhin”: Croatia’s first ski jumping hill was built in Mrkopalj in 1934. Those interested in the development of skiing can also find a historical and ethnographic collection in the municipality, with items related to winter sports.

The Croatian Biathlon Centre Zagmajna has 4.5 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails and a biathlon shooting range. In winter, people ski and sled on Mount Čelimbaša. These details describe different winter sports activities—cross-country skiing and biathlon in Zagmajna, and skiing and sledding on Čelimbaša—without implying that they form a combined offer or that the locations are connected.

The Historical and Ethnographic Collection of Mrkopalj opened in 2017 in the centre of Mrkopalj, on the first floor of the cultural centre. It includes more than 550 historical photographs and approximately 200 old objects. Exhibits include a document relating to the founding of the parish in 1771 and a design for the “Pod Vrhin” ski jumping hill from 1933. Handmade skis, ski poles, snowshoes and a rescue sled add to the collection and illustrate other aspects of local history.

You can visit the collection Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 15:00; advance booking is mandatory. Three crosses with bronze sculptures stand on Calvary Hill in Mrkopalj. Matić poljana is a memorial site with 26 stones commemorating 26 soldiers who died in a snowstorm in February 1944. Near Mrkopalj, the Fajeri also preserve remains of the old Caroline Road, dating from 1732. Fortica contains the remains of an old Croatian church from the 12th or 13th century.

Mrkopalj has a green market that operates all year round. It features around a dozen local producers from Gorski Kotar. For travellers interested in regional products, the market offers another aspect of the area alongside nature, winter sports and history.

Every year, pilgrims visit the Church of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows in Mrkopalj on the third Sunday in September. This recurring date provides a specific seasonal reference point in local religious life. It differs from the market, which operates all year round, and can be considered separately when planning your trip.

The D32 state road connects Prezid, Delnice, Mrkopalj and Jezerane. To compare the local pages within the municipality, you can visit Tuk Vojni, Begovo Razdolje, Brestova Draga, Mrkopalj and Sunger: Tuk Vojni, Begovo Razdolje, Brestova Draga, Mrkopalj and Sunger. Other municipal destinations to help you find your way: Municipality of Delnice, Municipality of Kastav and Municipality of Ravna Gora.

When can you visit the Historical and Ethnographic Collection?

You can visit the collection Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 15:00; advance booking is mandatory.

How many checkpoints does the Mrkopalj hiking trail have?

The hiking trail has eight checkpoints. Vrh Samarskih stijena is 1,302 metres above sea level.

When does the pilgrimage to the Church of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows take place?

Pilgrims visit the church every year on the third Sunday in September.

For the wider travel overview: Kvarner Bay.