Furman's Day
An annual celebration in mid August at Crni Lug near the entrance to Risnjak National Park, reviving the old tradition of the Gorski kotar timber haulers (furmani) with horse teams and folk customs.
PlizioGo

Venison or wild boar goulash, often served with polenta; the signature dish of the mountain lodges.
A dark, mineral-rich honey from the local evergreen forests; a top-quality local product.
Homemade with wild berries gathered in the national park; ask for it at the local inns in Crni Lug.
Handmade artworks by a local master, often featuring forest motifs and wildlife.
Dried mushrooms and homemade juices available at small stalls around the village.
The area around the upper flow of the river is extremely peaceful and well-suited for a quiet riverside break.
A quiet spot in the early morning where you might spot deer at the forest edge with some luck.
Water temperature…
Crni Lug is a quiet mountain settlement that serves as the beating heart of Risnjak National Park in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Situated at an altitude of approximately 700 meters, the village gives a cool mountain climate surrounded by untouched nature. Its name refers to the dark coniferous forests that surround the valley. For visitors, Crni Lug is the primary information point where hikes to the 1,528-meter Veliki Risnjak peak or the Leska educational trail begin. The region is part of the Natura 2000 network and is one of the few places in Europe where lynx, wolves, and brown bears still roam freely. In addition to hiking, Crni Lug preserves unique local traditions, such as the bellmen carnival customs, and has an authentic glimpse into Croatian highland life.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 81 | 96 | 83 | 85 | 105 | 88 | 71 | 89 | 131 | 122 | 139 | 109 |
See what it looks like near Risnjak NP (Crni Lug) right now.
Bakar · 7.5 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Your day starts at the Crni Lug entrance, soaking in the national park atmosphere. In the morning, explore the Leska educational trail, perfect for a relaxed start. In the afternoon, visit the local church and enjoy the silence on the Lazac meadow. A day full of fresh mountain air and natural peace.
Rainy morning at the main entrance in Crni Lug, with low clouds shrouding the mountain peaks. At noon, the Church of St. Peter and Paul provides a welcome dry retreat for reflection. In the afternoon, experience the mystical atmosphere of the Leska trail in the fog. The day ends cozily in the village as rain patters gently on the dense forests of the national park.
A clear winter morning in Crni Lug, with the landscape covered in deep snow. At noon, the village church glows in the sunlight against the white backdrop. The afternoon on the Leska trail is ideal for snowshoeing and spotting animal tracks in the fresh snow. Twilight falls early over the Lazac meadow, bathing the snowy wilderness in a soft blue light.
By bike, you explore the wider surroundings of Risnjak. After starting in Crni Lug, ride to the magical Kupa spring, a regional highlight. The route leads through forest paths and mountain villages. In the afternoon, relax on the Lazac meadow and finish the tour leisurely on the Leska trail.
A wet start to the biking day from Crni Lug. The descent to the Kupa source is technically challenging in the rain. Noon rest at the spring, surrounded by dripping rocks. The return trip passes through Lazac meadow, splashing through mud, and ends via the Leska trail in the village.
A frosty start in Crni Lug. The ride descends through the winter silence into the deep Kupa valley. At noon, reach the turquoise spring, which often remains ice-free. After the tough climb, cross the snowy Lazac meadow, visit the church, and finish with a short winter loop on Leska.
By car, you reach the most remote and beautiful points of the park. First, head towards Vilje, from where you climb Veliki Risnjak. After a break at the Schlosser hut, drive to the deep blue Kupa spring. To end the day, enjoy the views from the Snježnik massif, easily accessible via the Platak pass.
Rainy drive to the starting point in Crni Lug. At noon, the challenging hike to the summit of Veliki Risnjak awaits, often inside the clouds. The Schlosser hut provides shelter and warm soup. In the afternoon, descend to the Kupa source and finish at Snježnik while rain makes the rocks glisten.
Winter drive through snowy forests. Climbing Veliki Risnjak in winter often requires crampons. Noon rest at the wintry Schlosser hut. The drive to the Kupa spring offers great views of the snowy slopes. The day concludes with a hike to Snježnik in the golden light of the early sunset.
May to October is best; June for wildflowers, September for clear summit views.
Bear, wolf and lynx habitat: stay on marked trails, store food securely. Weather changes fast.
Croatian is spoken; rangers usually speak English. A friendly 'Dobar dan' goes a long way.
