Enchanting trip to Kalnik: A journey through history and nature

The Kalnik mountain, located in the northwestern part of Croatia, has been tempting me to explore it for a long time. I like mountain peaks that have a good view into the distance, and I heard about Kalnik’s view is enchanting. And I was not mistaken!

View from the Old Town of Big Kalnik to the valley, Photo: Adria.fun

And so, one wonderful sunny Sunday, I decided on a hiking adventure. When I arrived at the parking lot below the Mountain lodge, I realized that I was not the only one who came up with the idea of a trip to Kalnik that day. But it is what it is, I won’t give up now. 🙂

The first goal was to visit the Old Town of Big Kalnik, an imposing fortress that rises in the area called St. Katalina. This historical gem dates back to the 13th century and bears witness to the region’s rich past. It is well preserved considering the past centuries. Historical records say that King Bela IV successfully hid in the fortress from the invasion of the Tatars, so the Tatars gave up on depriving him of his freedom, and perhaps his life.

After visiting the Old Town, the road led me to the highest peak of Kalnik – Vranilac. The path is not too difficult and takes about 45 minutes of light walking. On the way to the top, I stopped by the ferrata, watching a mountaineer climb it towards the top of the rock. I am informed by the appropriate sign that the via ferrata is 60 meters long and that the height difference is 40 meters.

From Vranilec (643 meters) there is a great panoramic view of Prigorje, Zagorje, and Moslavina, the only thing is, because of the crowd, it took a little more time to take a good photo.

Vranilac Peak, Photo: Adria.fun

About fifty meters from the top, there is also the Kalnik transmitter, 80 meters high and visible from afar, and here is how it looks. 

Transmitter Kalnik, Photo: Adria.fun

What kind of trip to the mountain would it be without eating something delicious at the Mountain lodge? Hmm, it was busy here as well. I hardly found a free table, and I waited a little longer for the food. I’m always very hungry in the fresh mountain air, so I’m a bit impatient. Here it is, coming! Delicious…

Mountain lodge Kalnik, Photo: Adria.fun

If you want to explore the beauty of nature and history, Kalnik is definitely a destination that will enchant you and fill you with new knowledge and experiences, so my advice is to go on your own adventure next weekend!