Municipality of Vojnić: Forests, Trails and History

Petrova Gora is the Municipality of Vojnić’s main tourist destination and a local landmark. Its landscape ranges from deep gorges to waterways and numerous drinking-water springs. Streams, woodland flowers and wildlife shape the character of the area; visitors come in every season. Those who want to combine nature and historical sites during their stay can find both on Petrova Gora.

Hiking and Nature on Petrova Gora

The “Rimski put” educational trail is a 2,600-metre circular route. It starts and ends at Lovački dom Muljava, runs at an elevation of 230 to 320 metres and passes through dense beech, sessile oak and chestnut forest. The Petrova Gora hiking and circular route also includes a red and a green trail. Each of the two trails is listed as taking four hours to walk; both also start and end at Lovački dom Muljava.

The times and distances refer to different points of reference: the Rimski put is described by its length, while the red and green trails are each given a walking time. The green trail runs from an educational trail via the Rimski put to the Petrovac plateau. It passes historical sites on Veliki and Mali Petrovac and descends to Kraljev grob. Check current trail conditions and markings before setting out.

The Petrovac Ornithological Park lies on the summit of Petrova Gora. A signposted path with information boards about the birds living there leads to the park; an observation tower offers a vantage point for watching birds and other animals. Thus, Petrova Gora combines forest trails with opportunities to observe wildlife. The central part of the area has been protected as a significant landscape since 1969.

Historical Sites and Memorials

In the southern part of the Municipality of Vojnić, the remains of the medieval town of Klokoč stand on a hill above the village of Klokoč. The site of the Pauline monastery of St. Peter is located on Mali Petrovac. The monastery was founded in 1303 or 1304 and is considered one of Croatia’s oldest Pauline monasteries. The remains of these two sites represent different chapters in the area’s history.

The Central Partisan Hospital complex is also located on Petrova Gora, in the forested area of Pišin gaj. Construction began in 1942 and was completed in 1943; by then, the complex comprised 32 buildings. The 37-metre-high Petrovac Monument stands on Veliki Petrovac. Part of the cylindrical tower of the medieval fortress of Otmić Grad has survived.

Stari Grad Krstinja can be reached either by a footpath from the paved road or by a gravel road. These access routes differ from the approach to the monument on Veliki Petrovac: an asphalt road leads there and is accessible by car or bus. As road and trail conditions may change, it is advisable to check them before visiting.

An October Event

The Gljivarijada takes place every October in Muljava. The event includes an exhibition of edible and inedible mushrooms. If you plan your stay around this date, check the exact date for the year in question. This will let you include the event in your travel plans without overlooking the other things to see and do on Petrova Gora.

The sites and trails mentioned offer different options for your trip: a hike with a specified walking time, a shorter circular route with a stated length, wildlife observation or historical sites.

Discover more destinations: Perna, Vojnić, Municipality of Ogulin, Municipality of Rakovica, Municipality of Cetingrad, Municipality of Generalski Stol, Municipality of Netretić, Municipality of Lasinja.

For the broader travel overview: Karlovac County.