Crkveni jarak is a beautiful forest trail along a stream that leads to the White Church and the highest peak of Moslavačka gora.

On the southern slopes of Moslavačka gora, not far from Popovača, lies one of the most beautiful and accessible forest trails in central Croatia. The Crkveni jarak educational trail leads through dense beech forest, alongside a stream, small waterfalls, and wooden bridges, all the way to the remains of Bela crkva and further towards the best known peaks of Moslavačka gora.

This trail is ideal for a trip in spring, summer, and autumn, when nature is at its liveliest, and the forest offers pleasant shade. It is especially interesting after rainy days, when the stream comes alive, and the many small waterfalls become much more impressive.

Start of the Crkveni Jarak Trail, Photo: Adria.fun

Where Crkveni jarak is located

The beginning of the trail is located near Mikleuška, at the foot of Moslavačka gora. The starting point is most often reached from the direction of Popovača or Repušnica, after a short drive along local roads. There is a small area near the beginning of the trail where you can leave your car.

The trail is clearly marked, and from the very first steps you enter a dense forest accompanied by the sound of flowing water. The first part of the route is completely flat and easy, which makes Crkveni jarak an excellent choice for families, recreational hikers, and those who do not hike often.

What the trail is like

The Crkveni jarak educational trail is around 11 kilometres long if you continue to Bela crkva, the Vis viewpoint, and Humka peak before returning the same way. The entire route takes about three hours of easy walking, including short breaks.

The first part of the trail follows the stream, which is occasionally crossed via small wooden bridges. In some places, the water flows directly across the path, especially after rain or in spring, so you should expect mud and wet rocks.

Walking through Crkveni jarak is especially memorable because of the water. The stream constantly appears beside the trail, disappears among the trees, and then returns again, creating small waterfalls in several places. The sound of the water and the silence of the forest make this one of the best places to escape the noise of the city.

There are wooden benches and rest areas along the trail, so there is no need to hurry. The most beautiful resting spot is beside one of the bridges and waterfalls, where most visitors stop for a short break before continuing uphill.

Crkveni Jarak, Photo: Adria.fun

Bela crkva and the Monastery of Our Lady of the Snow

The best-known point along the trail is Bela crkva, the remains of the former Pauline monastery of Our Lady of the Snow. Hidden deep in the forest among the trees of Moslavačka gora, Bela crkva feels almost unreal today.

The monastery is believed to have been built during the Middle Ages, and over the centuries, it was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. Today, the remains of its walls and a white structure marking the location of the former church can still be seen.

A clearly marked path leads to Bela crkva, and just before reaching it the forest becomes calmer and flatter. When you spot the white remains of the building through the branches, you know you have reached one of the most interesting historical sites on Moslavačka gora.

The climb to Vis and Humka

After Bela crkva, the trail can continue towards the Vis viewpoint and Humka peak. Vis is located at 437 metres above sea level and offers views of the surrounding forests and hills of Moslavina.

At 488 metres above sea level, Humka is the highest peak of Moslavačka gora. The path to the top is not demanding, although after Bela crkva the trail becomes slightly steeper. Even so, this is an easy hiking route that can also be completed by recreational walkers.

If you do not want to go to Bela crkva, you can head towards Vis earlier by following the signposts along the trail. However, most visitors first go to Bela crkva and then continue towards the peaks.

Crkveni jarak – Bela Crkva Photo: Adria.fun

When is the best time to visit Crkveni jarak

Spring is the most beautiful time to visit this trail. The stream carries the most water then, the waterfalls are at their strongest and the forest is filled with fresh greenery. This is when Crkveni jarak looks its most impressive.

In summer, the trail is pleasant because of the shade, although there may be less water during dry periods. Autumn offers a completely different experience as the forest turns red, yellow and orange. In winter, more caution is needed, especially after snow or ice, because the sections beside the stream can become slippery.

What to bring with you

For a walk through Crkveni Jarak, it is best to wear comfortable and waterproof footwear. After rain, there can be a lot of mud on the trail, and in several places you will need to cross water.

It is also a good idea to bring an extra pair of socks, especially if you are visiting in the spring. Many hikers also bring walking poles, which are useful when crossing wet rocks and shallow parts of the stream.

You should also bring enough water and, if you plan to stay longer, something to eat. Since this is a forest trail without facilities, there is no mountain hut until Humka or a place where you can buy food and drinks.

Why Crkveni jarak is worth visiting

Crkveni jarak is one of those trails that does not impress with great altitude or demanding climbs, but with its atmosphere. Throughout the route, you are surrounded by forest, water, silence, and the feeling that you have escaped everyday life for a while.

Because it combines nature, history, and an easy walk, this trail is a perfect choice for a weekend trip, family hike, or short escape into nature. Whether you come for Bela crkva, the waterfalls, or the view from Humka, Crkveni jarak is one of the most beautiful places on Moslavačka gora worth visiting throughout the year.

If you want to see what our first adventure through looked like, complete with spring mud, soaked sneakers, waterfalls, and Bela crkva, you can read the full story here.

Hiking trail along the Moslavačka gora – Crkveni Jarak