Hiking in Croatia- the fabulous Trakošćan castle and artistic path to Ravna Gora

06.05.2019.

Joining together history and mountaineering is not the rare thing, but joining it together with elegance and art is something exquisite. Trakošćan castle is the most popular in Croatia, located not far away from Zagreb and Varaždin. The lake and picturesque promenade encircle it and you can take a drink on the terrace just above the lake and thus stop the moment.

Artificial lake is the synonime of success and the place where productivity goes in hand with natural escape. Be sure not to miss the surrounding Ravna gora as it will give you the view to nicely painted mountain huts and paragliders with the colourful fields. The impressive little hills and the houses along with the exceptional statues will add more charm to your hike.

A lesser known trail in Croatia, close to Trakošćan, is Strahinjčica with its Orchid Path.

More about hiking in Croatia discover at the legendary Premužić Trail in the Velebit mountain.

Starting the trail from the Trakošćan castle

Surrounded by hotel and bungalovs, valley from Trakošćan to Ravna Gora is an easy hike with picturesque scenery. Following the villages, forests and unique shapes of nature you will feel like in the fairy tale. Trakošćan castle itself is a gem of architecture, situated up and one of the perfect picture postcards from Croatia. If you’re eager to go mountaineering in Croatia, Ravna Gora is a stunning hike for families in Europe.

Mountain house Pusti duh (Empty Spirit) is an unique mountaineering place that will fill your eye and soul. Beautiful paintings, creative playground and gentle visitors will make the memory. Nearby is situated the other mountain hut, Filićev dom that will welcome you with the poem and decorations.

Picturesque views & the Pyramid

All the way up you will wonder if the lake of the castle can be seen. Waves of hills will accompany the way through Ravna gora. Isolated houses and churches on the opposite hill will make your view. The castle will look so magical through the forrest and fields. But the lake will be distant point behind the forrest. Until the moment the pyramid appears. Pyramid is the shape of a hill on which the very high viewpoint takes place. Except it gives adrenaline, unavoidable fun is secured and the courage which should be built up on a places like this. I myself didn’t have courage though I tried. Just across the pyramid there’s an interesting stone and the view of a valley where paragliders come.

Plenty of flowers

Colorful variety of flowers can be see going down back from Ravna gora to Trakošćan, specially in the spring when all colours distinguish themselves. You can just watch and admire the endless blue hidden among the tiny blades of grass. Snowdrops and primroses for sure in all the nuances of their colours can be seen.

The route is not demanding but offers a lot to see. After the mountain hut Filićev dom the tiny downhill becomes very special like in the drawn sceneries.

About the Trakošćan castle

Trakošćan itself is a place of unique beauty, reminding us of power and gratitude, of power and pleasure. The table in front will tell you about the fairy path around the lake that I didn’t find. And then, Her majesty- the Hill. The hill that hosts the castle roules over the game here.

History of the Trakošćan castle

Historically, the castle survived all the way from 14th century under various lords and specially important was the time of Juraj Drašković in 19th century. Already rusty but then the castle becomes an elegant palace. Today it’s a museum which covers the valuable collection of paintings, furniture, weapon and other secrets of nobility. It includes even the collection of photographies. Juraj Drašković is also one of the first photographers in Croatia. Being in the castle will truly take you centuries away and made you feel like a nobility with a gracious look at the grandiose lake and the forrest. Though it may sound fun to see the collection of weapon, it is even more fun to get lost through the castle and being found again.

Touristic offer of the Trakošćan castle

The sensation of being noble can be fulfilled by visit to the St. Cross Chappel decorated by greenery od meadow and don’t be surprise that it holds the „Trakoscan weddings“. If that is not enough, you can recharge yourself in wellness centre of the nearby hotel. Enjoying the traditional meals in some of the restaurants will let you enjoy the ambience to the fullest.

This reminds me of aristocratic battle that use to happen on the mountain peak Jankovac close to where am from. The variety of aristocratic meals, fair and the lake make the impression how alive is still the tradition of history.

Final thoughts

Don’t wait like me plenty of years to visit Trakošćan. If you’re around and want to discover Croatia, don’t hesitate. Trakošćan and surroundings will profusely reward you.