Rijeka 12.indd - In Your Pocket

56 HEALTH TOURISM
Horse riding, Jelenje
Horse lovers can enjoy riding at the Vodičajna riding club at
Jelenje, just inland from Rijeka. The club has about 20 horses,
more than half of which are pure-bred Arabs, warmbloods,
half-breds and Haflingers. This is a great way to get to
know the Grobnik region (including old Grobnik town itself
with its Frankopan tower); to visit the source of the Rječina
river and to explore cool wooded trails. Info: Konjički klub
Vodičajna, Lukeži 11, tel. (+385-) 091 522 18 20, 091
255866, kk.vodicajna@gmail.com.
Zeleni vir and the Vražji prolaz canyon, Skrad
The Zeleni vir area is known for its unusual geological
formations. The name means “Green Pool”, and refers to
the emerald pool formed by a little waterfall gushing from an
opening high up in a rock face. Close by there’s an inn serving
mountain specialities such as trout, game, wild mushrooms
and desserts made from highland blueberries. The second
attraction in this area is Vražji prolaz - or the Devil’s Pass.
This is an 800m long canyon carved out of the rock by a wild,
foaming stream. You can walk along galleries and bridges
the whole length of the canyon, and at the end you’ll come
to a cave, “Muževa hiša”, with stalagmites, stalactites and
a small underground lake.
Zeleni vir is near the little town of Skrad, just off the A6
motorway (Zagreb direction). See www.tz-skrad.hr.
The Frog Museum, Lokve
This museum is the only one of its kind in Europe! In this
upland area full of forests and streams, frogs have always
played an important role in peoples’ lives. Although the
less fortunate of these creatures will one day end up on
someone’s dinner plate, this museum has been created
by someone who has a real love for frogs and toads. Gain
an insight into their secret lives, and learn about their role
in the culture of the region, including literature and art. The
little town of Lokve is just off the A6 motorway heading in
the Zagreb direction. Info: Frog Museum (Muzej žaba),
Šetalište Golubinjak 1, Lokve, tel. (+385-51) 83 10
99, (+385-) 098 998 63 52, muzejzaba@net.hr, www.
muzej-zaba.info. Open 09:00 - 20:00. Admission 12 - 15kn.
Brseč, near Opatija
A mediaeval town built on a 157m-high cliff overlooking the
sea 20km from Opatija. The majority of buildings date from
the 17th century, while the town’s fortifications and bell tower
are from the early middle ages. From Brseč there’s a splendid
view of the islands of Cres, Unije and Susak, as well as the
of Sisol, southernmost peak of Mount Učka. A walking trail
leads from the town direct to Sisol.
Jadranovo, near Rijeka
This village south of Rijeka is known for its numerous pebbly
coves and beaches, its archaeological park and the medicinal
mud in the Lokvišće bay.
The Risnjak National Park, Gorski kotar
Famous for its crystal-clear air, centuries-old forests and
three carnivorous mammals which have their habitat here:
wolf, bear and lynx. As well as exploring on foot, you can take
part in game stalking, fishing and mountain biking - as well as
indulging in hearty mountain cuisine. Info: Risnjak National
Park, Bijela Vodica 48, Crni Lug, tel. (+385-51) 83 61
33, np-risnjak@ri.htnet.hr, www.risnjak.hr.
Lokve
A village in the Gorski kotar region, this is where you’ll find the
largest cave equipped for visitors in Croatia: the Golubinje
cave, which is located in the forest park of the same name.
The forest park is criss-crossed with footpaths which lead to
the “Queen of the Forest”, a giant fir tree over 250 years
old; and Paklena vrata (or Hell’s Gate), an impressive rock
formation. You can also take a walk to Ledena špilja (the
“Ice Cave”), where snow and ice often linger throughout the
summer months. There is a restaurant at the park entrance
where you can sample regional specialities. Info: www.
tz-lokve.hr.
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