Municipality of Lovinac: Peaks, Cycling Routes and Cultural Heritage

In the Municipality of Lovinac, striking elevations meet river courses, hiking trails and traces of different eras. At 1,752 metres, Sveto Brdo is the highest peak in the Municipality of Lovinac. The 833-metre-high Zir is also located in Lovinac and offers panoramic views in every direction. These different high points give the landscape two distinct perspectives.

Nature, peaks and water

Almost half of the Municipality of Lovinac lies within Velebit Nature Park. In 1978, Velebit was included in UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme as a biosphere reserve. The municipality is also home to the Sveto Brdo–Babin vrh Special Reserve, which is part of Paklenica National Park.

Water also helps orient visitors in the area: Lake Obsenica, also known as Lake Sv. Rok, is connected by a canal to the Ričica River, which continues on to Lake Štikada. There is also a 350-metre-long cave with a lake on Mount Zir. Rokina Cave, also known as Brkića Cave, lies in the mountain above Piplica and is notable for its cave formations.

Hiking trails of different lengths

The 2,175-metre-long Ričica educational trail runs along the north bank of the Ričica River. It follows the route between the bridges on the roads near Matijevići and Mašića most. At 6,108 metres in total, the Resnik educational trail is considerably longer: it begins on the southern side of the mountain near the access road to the hamlet of Matijevići, runs in two directions across the southern and western or northern sides of the mountain, and ends at the summit of Resnik.

Along the Resnik educational trail, there are signposts, information boards, and tables and benches for resting. Check the condition of the facilities on site; trail conditions can also change.

Cycling and events

Four cycling routes have been designated for exploring the Lovinac region. The PZ Lovinac building is listed as a bicycle rental location; check in advance whether a bicycle will be available for your visit. Another way to get to know the region on two wheels is the three-day Srce Velebita cycling festival. The recreational event includes organised rides with licensed cycling guides through the Velebit Mountains, the Lovinac region and other parts of Lika-Senj County. If you are planning a cycling-focused trip, check the latest event dates.

Buildings and traces of history

The remains of the Roman road near Pod Cvitušom are an important archaeological site for understanding Roman road construction and transport routes in Lika. The parish church of St Michael in Lovinac was built in 1704 and structurally altered in the second half of the 18th century and again in the mid-19th century. The parish church of St Mary Magdalene in Ričice dates from 1795. Built in the Baroque style, it has architectural and historical value and contributes to the character of the local landscape.

The 19th-century Travić Mill lies on the Banica stream. The water flowing through the stream powers its milling mechanism. The stone bridge over the Ričica stream near Lovinac also dates from the 19th century. Near Štikada, 23 late medieval stećak tombstones remain in situ in a medieval cemetery; the remains of the Temple of the Holy Archangel are also located there. Together, these sites illustrate different forms of architectural and archaeological heritage, from transport routes to religious buildings.

Regional cuisine and getting there

Since 2013, the Dani sira i ličkog krumpira food event has been held in the Municipality of Lovinac. It showcases the culinary qualities of potatoes and cheese and offers tastings of both products. The traditional Lika dish “pole” is also prepared using different varieties of potato. Dates and programmes may vary; check the latest information if you wish to plan your trip around the event.

If travelling by car, the A1 has two interchanges or exits in the Lovinac area: Gornja Ploča and Sveti Rok. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in the Municipality of Lovinac, it is best to decide first whether cycling, hiking, nature or cultural heritage will shape your daily plans. The listed exits can help you orient yourself on the way; check which one is best for your planned destination.

Discover more destinations: Lovinac, Raduč, Municipality of Gospić, Municipality of Senj, Municipality of Plitvička Jezera, Municipality of Brinje, Municipality of Rakovica, Municipality of Perušić.

Go to the main travel overview: Lika-Senj.