Hiking and alpinism in Croatia originate from Karlovac County. The first climbing undertaking in Croatia is climbing of Dragojla Jarnević along rock Okay in 1843. The south-eastern rock Kleka has been a school for excellent alpinists ever since 1912. Mountain Klek (1181 m a.m.s.l.) above Ogulin is the most attractive climbing destination in Croatia, looking like a stone giant who fell asleep.
Klek is a magical place indeed, but it is also a cradle of Croatian alpinism and the favourite destination of hikers who visit that mountain top in all seasons. Regardless from which direction, 200 meters wide rock Kleka is enchanting and outmost attractive. Thrilled by climbing to the top, Professor Johannes Frishauf initiated in 1874 grounding of Croatian Mountaineering Society (9th worldwide). An exhibition on mountaineering and alpinism history in Croatia has been opened in Frankopanski kaštel (Frankopan Castle) within the Heritage Museum of Ogulin.
You may take marked mountain routes to climb to the highest top of Karlovac County and Gorski kotar, Kula at Bjelolasica (1534 m a.m.s.l.), located at the centre of wooded Kapela. Strict nature reserves Bijele (1335 m a.m.s.l.) and Samarske stijene (1302 m a.m.s.l.) are located nearby. These are oasis of wild romance, whose 50 m high limescale "fingers" carefully hide gentle edelweiss flowers.
Beauty of the mountain areas attracts many excursionists to Žumberak Mountains as well, where the highest top is Sveta Gera (1178 m a.m.s.l.). They are also impressed by the historical heritage, picturesque villages, and numerous waterfalls. Petrova Gora (Peter's Mountain) also stands out as a mountaineering destination with an excursion ring-road and an educative road. Climbing up to top Vinica above Duga Resa is also very attractive, as well as to Vodenica top near Ozalj. Unforgettable views may be seen from Lović Prekriški in Vivodina and Piramida above Draganić.
For refreshments and/or night's accommodation at most mountains you have mountain huts and shelters and in Jasenačko Vrelo a hotel of Croatian Olympic Centre as well, together with vacation huts. There are numerous pathways along rivers of Karlovac, along Lake Sabljaci, in the wood Kozjača next to Karlovac. They all have beauty and peace in common!
