Bitoraj Peak

The double-peaked mountain of Bitoraj rises directly above the lakes of Fužine to 1,386 metres and offers one of the most rewarding half-day hikes in Gorski Kotar. The main summit — Bitoraj Vrh — is reached on a well-marked 2.5-hour trail from the village of Fužine through beautiful beech and fir forest, ending with an exposed final scramble up karst slabs to a spectacular summit cross. The panorama covers the entire Fužine lake system directly below, the great forests of central Gorski Kotar, and on clear days the Kvarner Bay and the Slovenian Alps. A modest but beloved mountain hut, Planinarski Dom Bitoraj, sits at 1,140 m about 40 minutes below the summit and is a favourite weekend destination for Rijeka families — it serves excellent grah (bean stew), homemade brandy and mountain tea, and has 25 beds for overnights. The forest surrounding the trail is one of Croatia's last known nesting sites for the Ural owl, and lucky hikers may spot capercaillie during the April mating season. Bring layers — the summit is often 10 °C colder than Fužine below.