Platak and Risnjak: from sea to mountains
Rijeka’s special trick: swim in the sea in the morning, hike in the mountains in the afternoon. Platak makes it possible, about 20 km from the city at around 1,100 m.
In winter:
Platak is the locals’ ski area, with alpine and Nordic skiing. At carnival time Grobnik and Platak even have their own masquerades.
In summer:
Platak is the gateway to Risnjak National Park. Rewarding goals are Snježnik at 1,506 m and Veliki Risnjak at 1,528 m, through dense forest on the region’s cool side.
On the way:
You cross Grobnik Field, a plateau at 260 to 320 m with traces of the Roman limes and home to the Grobnik racing circuit. A detour to Grobnik Castle with its Gothic wellhead is worthwhile.
Tip: it is much cooler up there even in high summer, so pack a jacket. For park hikes take good shoes, water and a map, and check conditions beforehand.