In Klana, the hiking routes described range from an easy 15-minute walk to a moderately difficult two-hour tour. Gradina, the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes and the Gljivijada each add their own cultural touches.
Hiking Trails Through Forests and to Viewpoints
The Klana area has at least 13 marked and maintained hiking trails. They lead through dense forests and peaceful meadows to scenic peaks and historic sites. The area also offers numerous well-maintained cycling and hiking trails, amid lush green surroundings.
The easy Klana–Gradina hiking trail takes 15 minutes and leads to the remains of a medieval fortress at an elevation of 628 metres. The moderately difficult Klana–Pliš trail takes two hours and leads to the scenic peak of Pliš at 933 metres. These offer two distinct options: a short, easy hike and a longer, moderately challenging tour. Check the duration and trail conditions again before hiking to Pliš.
Another route, the Klana–Kastav hiking trail, runs from the Klana tavern through the forest along the Rojno Valley to Škalnica. Those choosing trails by destination will find a different focus here from the two routes to Gradina and Pliš: the Klana–Kastav trail leads to Škalnica, while the others lead to an archaeological site and a peak, respectively.
Gradina and the History of the Town
The archaeological site of Gradina lies just above the centre of Klana. Its strategic location was first used in Late Antiquity, in the 3rd century AD: Gradina was part of a system of observation posts, fortifications and walls known as the Liburnian Limes. Later traces of the site’s history include the remains of a medieval fortress.
The Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes is also part of Klana’s history. It was built in 1904 at the site where, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to Martin Šustar in 1903. Every year on 15 August, a procession travels from Klana to the chapel, followed by a Mass held in front of it. The date and the ceremony give this visit a distinct religious significance, setting it apart from Gradina’s archaeological history.
Forest Hut and Gljivijada
In the Stara Rebar forest stands a centuries-old road maintenance hut, built in the style of an Istrian kažun. Rebar Hut provides hikers and other passers-by with shelter or a place to rest.
The traditional Gljivijada in Klana features a mushroom exhibition, talks about mushrooms, tastings of mushroom dishes, an accompanying cultural programme and a mushroom cooking competition. The programme also includes an educational walk and mushroom foraging in the forest of Klana, accompanied by mentors and guides from the Ožujka Mushroom Association. The festival thus brings together nature, food and culture.
For the broader travel overview: Općina Klana.
