Discover Lovinac: Nature Trails, Landscapes and Cultural Heritage

There are three nature trails of different lengths in Lovinac. For more nature and cultural topics, it is worth looking at the broader destination of Općina Lovinac: the information on protected areas, mountains, historic buildings and events in the following sections refers to this wider area.

Nature Trails in Lovinac

The three nature trails are called Medvidovača, Ričica and Resnik. Medvidovača is 3,314 metres long, Ričica 2,175 metres and Resnik 6,108 metres. This makes Ričica the shortest and Resnik the longest of the three routes, with Medvidovača in between. Before setting out, check trail conditions locally, as trail infrastructure may change.

Nature in the Broader Destination of Općina Lovinac

Almost half of the municipality of Lovinac lies within Velebit Nature Park. Within Općina Lovinac, the Sveto Brdo–Babin vrh Special Reserve is part of Paklenica National Park. At 1,752 metres, Sveto Brdo is also the municipality’s highest peak. In 1978, Velebit was included in UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme as a biosphere reserve.

At 833 metres, Zir is in Lovinac and offers panoramic views in every direction. The distinctive rock on Mount Zir is protected as a natural monument. In Lovinačko kraje, the mountain also contains a 350-metre-long cave with a lake. Lake Obsenica, also known as Lake Sv. Rok, is connected by a canal to the Ričica River, which continues on to Lake Štikada. Together, these places illustrate the varied landscapes within Općina Lovinac.

Trails and Routes in Općina Lovinac

The 2,175-metre-long Ričica nature trail runs along the north bank of the Ričica River, between the bridges on the roads near Matijevići and Mašića most. Its precise route therefore complements the trail’s length with a point of reference along the river and at the two bridges.

The Resnik nature trail starts on the southern side of the mountain, by the access road to the hamlet of Matijevići. From there, it runs in two directions across the southern and western or northern sides of the mountain, ending at the summit of Resnik. Its total length is 6,108 metres. Along the trail there are signposts, information boards, and tables and benches for resting; check the condition of the facilities locally if needed.

Cultural Heritage in Općina Lovinac

The parish churches in Općina Lovinac illustrate different periods of construction. The parish church of St Michael in Lovinac was built in 1704 and 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 was built in 1795 in the Baroque style; it is considered to have architectural, historical and townscape value.

The Travić mill on the Banica stream also dates from the 19th century. The stream’s water powers its milling mechanism. A stone bridge over the Ričica River near Lovinac was also built in the 19th century. Near Štikada, 23 late-medieval stećak tombstones remain in situ in a medieval cemetery, along with the remains of the Temple of the Holy Archangel. These sites offer a range of historical points of interest, from buildings dating to the 18th and 19th centuries to late-medieval tombstones.

Local Products and Events

Traditional products associated with the Lovinac area include Lika potatoes, Škripavac cheese, herbal products, honey and local fruit. Wool is also traditionally processed, and local handicrafts are made using long-established patterns. Production and availability may vary by season and producer.

Dani sira i ličkog krumpira has been a gastronomic event in the municipality of Lovinac since 2013. It showcases the culinary qualities of potatoes and cheese, with both products available to sample. The traditional Lika dish “pole” is also prepared using different varieties of potato. Dates and programmes may vary, so if you are planning a specific trip, check the latest event information.

The three-day Srce Velebita cycling festival is a recreational event featuring organised rides and licensed cycling guides. The rides pass through the Velebit Mountains, the Lovinac area and other parts of Lika-Senj County. If the festival is a key factor in planning your trip, check the dates in advance.

Getting to the Lovinac Area

The A1 motorway has two interchanges or exits in the Lovinac area: Gornja Ploča and Sveti Rok. When planning your trip, you can use this information alongside your preferred focus—such as a nature trail, landscape or cultural heritage in Općina Lovinac—as a guide.

Discover more destinations: Raduč.

Go to the broader travel overview: Općina Lovinac.