Lake Mrzla Vodica was formed in 1999, when a dam was built between Lokvarsko (Omladinsko) Lake and the Mrzla Vodica basin. The two bodies of water are connected and at the same time separated by the dam. Thus, a specific human intervention in the landscape shaped the formation of this lake.
Fishing at the lake: check the rules in advance
Catch-and-release rules apply at Lake Mrzla Vodica to all fish species except Prussian carp and pumpkinseed sunfish. A daily or annual permit is required to fish. Predator fishing from a boat is permitted. This means that both the exceptions to the catch-and-release rule and the permit requirement are part of your planning. Check the current rules and permit requirements before your visit, as fishing regulations may change.
Explore by mountain bike
A 27.5-kilometre mountain-biking route connects Gornje Jelenje, Platak, Cajtige and Mrzla Vodica. After passing through Mrzla Vodica, it follows the old Lujzijana Road towards Gornje Jelenje; along the way, there are views of the Risnjak massif. The named places and the road the route follows afterwards give a concrete sense of its layout. If you are planning to ride the route, check the latest details with the route provider, as route information may change.
More to explore in the wider destination of Općina Lokve
Lokvarsko Lake is also part of the wider destination of Općina Lokve. It was created as a reservoir in the 1950s. Swimming is possible there in summer, and fishing is permitted year-round. The information about the two lakes therefore differs: at Mrzla Vodica, fishing rules and a daily or annual permit are relevant; at Lokvarsko Lake, fishing is described as a year-round activity.
Ĺ pilja Lokvarka has been protected as a geomorphological natural monument since 1961. The explored section of the cave is 1,179 metres long; the cave itself is 275 metres deep. Of its six levels, the first four are open to visitors. If you are planning a cave visit, check the current visitor arrangements in advance, as access rules may change.
The protected Golubinjak Forest Park covers 51 hectares. The 10.82-kilometre “Staza spilja” trail runs along paths and tracks featuring karst formations and decorations; visitors can see speleological sites along the route. Guided walks are available by prior arrangement by phone or email. Barbecue areas can also be rented in Golubinjak; check their availability with the operator in advance.
Another natural highlight in the wider destination of Općina Lokve is the fir tree “Kraljica Šume”. It is estimated to be over 250 years old and stands 42 metres tall.
Culture and local products are also part of what Općina Lokve has to offer. The “Muzej žaba” is located in the KC “Picirk” building in Lokve. Kuća prirode “Kotač” has a permanent exhibition about the history of the Lujzinska cesta and offers tastings of indigenous Gorski Kotar herbal liqueurs. Visitors can also see the room where the liqueurs are made, as well as the attic where the mountain herbs and plants used to make them are dried. The traditional “Žabarska noć” has been held in Lokve since 1974.
Discover more destinations: Praputnjak, Zlobin, Ponikve, Bakar, Krasica, Ĺ krljevo, Kukuljanovo, Hreljin
Back to the wider travel guide: Općina Bakar.
