Snježnik Peak

At 1,506 metres, Snježnik ('the Snowy One') is the highest peak of the coastal Gorski Kotar and a magnificent viewpoint — from its summit on a clear day you can see the entire Kvarner Bay, the Italian Julian Alps, half of Slovenia and the Bosnian Dinaric peaks in a single 360-degree sweep. The classic ascent starts from the ski resort of Platak (1,110 m) and is a gentle 2.5-hour climb along a well-marked forest trail, mostly through primeval beech and fir woods that turn crimson in October. Just below the summit a lovely mountain hut (Planinarski Dom Snježnik) serves bean stew, mulled brandy and pancakes — considered by Croatian hikers as one of the country's best mountain kitchens. The summit itself is topped by a small metal cross and a stunning panoramic viewpoint marker. Snježnik marks the western edge of the Risnjak National Park, and the ridge walk from here to Veliki Risnjak (1,528 m) is a challenging but doable full-day traverse. In winter the summit is often deep in snow long into May, giving it its name. Wildlife on the way up includes red deer, wild boar and occasionally lynx tracks.