Summer on the Hiking Trails of Zagreb County

A summer day on the trail requires a little extra planning: an early start, plenty of water, and a route suited to both the temperature and your level of fitness. The forest paths of eastern Medvednica, the Samobor and Žumberak highlands, and the Japetić area offer a wide range of options, from a few hours of walking to a full-day hiking trip.

Many of these trails lead to mountain lodges and huts where hikers can take a break, enjoy food or refreshments and, in some cases, stay overnight. Across Zagreb County, these facilities are located at elevations ranging from 175 to 850 metres, offering suitable destinations for both shorter walks and more demanding hiking routes.

Below is an overview of mountain lodges and huts in Zagreb County, together with practical information to help you choose your next excursion.

Eastern Medvednica and the Sveti Ivan Zelina Area

Kladeščica Mountain Lodge – 460 m

Kladeščica Mountain Lodge is located in a meadow on the eastern slopes of Medvednica and is managed by the Zelina Mountaineering Association. It can be reached via the marked Plasišče–Kladeščica hiking trail (47), while road access is also possible from Sveti Ivan Zelina through Biškupec Zelinski. The lodge is open at weekends and serves food and drinks.

Location: Kladeščica, Sveti Ivan Zelina Open: Weekends Facilities: Food and drinks

Izvor Mountain Hut – 175 m

Izvor Mountain Hut is located in Kalinje, beneath the slopes of Medvednica. It lies along the Plementaš Pilgrimage Trail, which leads from Kalinje towards Marija Bistrica, while marked routes through Kalinje continue towards Medvednica. The hut is open by prior arrangement and offers drinks.

Location: Kalinje, Sveti Ivan Zelina Open: By prior arrangement. Facilities: Drinks

Samobor Highlands

Dr Maks Plotnikov Mountain Lodge – 411 m

Located at the foot of Okić, Dr Maks Plotnikov Mountain Lodge is one of the main starting points for exploring this part of the Samobor Highlands. It can be reached from Samobor or Sveti Martin via Konščica and Klake, while trails continue from the lodge towards the ruins of Okić Old Town and the surrounding area. The lodge is regularly open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 

Location: At the foot of Okić, Samobor Open: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Facilities: Food and drinks

Željezničar Mountain Lodge – 691 m

Oštrc is one of the best-known hiking destinations in the Samobor Highlands. Željezničar Mountain Lodge stands on the saddle beneath its 752-metre summit. The lodge can be reached from several directions, including the Rude–Oštrc trail (28), Braslovje–Oštrc trail (32) and Veliki Dol–Oštrc trail (27). From the lodge, the summit is approximately a ten-minute walk away.

Location: Oštrc, Samobor Open: Weekends Facilities: Food and drinks

Cerinski Vir Mountain Lodge – 331 m

Cerinski Vir Mountain Lodge is located in the hamlet of Cerina, near Smerovišće and the waterfall of the same name on the Javorečki Stream. The marked Smerovišće–Cerinski Vir trail, connecting with trail 57 (47), passes through the area. The lodge also lies along the hiking route from Smerovišće towards Japetić. It is open at weekends and by prior arrangement.

Location: Cerina, Samobor Open: Weekends and by prior arrangement Facilities: Food and drinks

St Bernard Guesthouse – 690 m

St Bernard Guesthouse is located beneath the summit of Veliki Lovnik and is managed by the St Bernard Mountaineering Brotherhood from Samobor. Marked hiking trails lead to the guesthouse from Dragonoš, Slani Dol, Smerovišće and Mali Lipovec. From the guesthouse, the summit of Veliki Lovnik is approximately a ten-minute walk away.The guesthouse is open on Sundays throughout the year, with a few exceptions during public holidays and selected weekends. Visitors are therefore advised to check the latest information before setting out.

Location: Beneath Veliki Lovnik, Samobor Open: Sundays throughout the year, with occasional exceptions Facilities: By prior arrangement

Scout Mountain Hut – 360 m

Scout Mountain Hut is located in Koretići, where the Samobor Highlands meet the Žumberak Mountains. The marked Koretići–Nova Plešivica–Noršić Selo trail (67) passes beside the hut. It is surrounded by forests and meadows, with a natural spring nearby.

Location: Koretići, Samobor Open: Weekends from 1 April to 31 October; during winter by prior arrangement Facilities: By prior arrangement

Japetić

Žitnica Mountain Lodge – 815 m

At 879 metres, Japetić is the highest peak of the Samobor Highlands. Žitnica Mountain Lodge is located approximately one kilometre south-west of the summit. Several marked trails lead to the lodge, including Jastrebarsko–Žitnica (51), Ivančići–Žitnica (53) and Velika Vrata–Žitnica (50B). From Žitnica, trail 56 continues towards the summit of Japetić, a walk of approximately 20 minutes according to the official trail register.

The lodge stands at the top of a steep meadow with open views across the Jastrebarsko foothills and the Pokuplje plain. It is open at weekends. 

Location: Japetić, Jastrebarsko Open: Weekends Facilities: Food and drinks; overnight accommodation available

Žumberak

Vodice Mountain Hut – 850 m

Vodice Mountain Hut is located above Sošice, beneath the summit of Pliješ. It can be reached on foot from Sošice and lies beside the Sošice–Kostanjevica forest road. At an elevation of 850 metres, it is one of the highest mountain huts in Zagreb County. 

Location: Above Sošice, Municipality of Žumberak Open: Weekends from 1 May to 31 October; during winter by prior arrangement Facilities: By prior arrangement; overnight accommodation available

Boris Farkaš Mountain Hut – 710 m

Boris Farkaš Mountain Hut is located in Sekulići, south of Sveta Gera. A marked trail connects the hut with Sveta Gera, the highest peak of the Žumberak Mountains, making it a suitable stop on a longer hike through this part of Žumberak. According to the Croatian Mountaineering Association, the ascent from the hut to Sveta Gera takes approximately two hours.

Location: Sekulići, Municipality of Žumberak Open: Weekends, seasonally Facilities: Basic refreshments and overnight accommodation

Before You Set Off

During summer, longer routes are best started in the early morning, while hiking during the hottest part of the day should be avoided. The amount of water you carry should be suited to the length and difficulty of the route. Appropriate footwear, sun protection and a check of the latest weather forecast are also essential.

Opening hours and services at mountain lodges and huts may change, so visitors are advised to confirm the latest information directly with the host or operator before their visit. Overnight stays must be arranged in advance. 

Whether you are planning a few hours in the forest, an ascent to one of the region’s peaks or a full day on the trail, there are plenty of routes to choose from. From Kladeščica and Okić to Oštrc, Japetić, Sošice and Sveta Gera, Zagreb County’s hiking trails reveal a different side of the destination with every step—and offer more than enough inspiration for your next day outdoors.