Croatia is full of natural beauty, and one of the most impressive landscapes, where nature has created truly incredible forms, are certainly the so-called Bijela and Samara cliffs. Besides Hajdučka and Rožanska kukova on Velebit, Bijele and Samarska stijene are the only natural features that have the status of a strictly protected nature reserve. They are located in the central part of Velika Kapela and extend through two districts - Karlovaška and Primorsko-goranska. All hikers, beware! These are the magical Croatian mountains that you don't know yet.
If you love hiking and you have at least a little adventurous spirit in you, a trip to Bijele and Samarska stijene will inspire you. The ascent is relatively demanding, but it is definitely the most attractive hiking trail you will cross, as nature has created incredible karst shapes in the snow-white stone that will leave you breathless. Frequent descents and ascents on rocks await you, and in some parts the road is protected by wedges and cable cars. However, there are not many parts like this and if you are in shape, with a little care and skill you will have no problem managing the route.
The starting point for your hiking
The main starting point for access to White and Samar walls is from Mrkopalj settlement. Accessible gravel road, with which hiking markings begin, is called Beg. It goes from there White rocks you can continue with a passable hiking trail that climbs steeply through the forest for about an hour. The summit of Bijela Stijne is high as much as 1,335 meters and offers an incredible view of White-haired and Squat. The most famous symbol of the White Walls are the Fingers, i.e. five sculptures made of natural stone, which rise like a hand into the sky.
After descending from the top White rocks, where the path is protected by cables, you can continue forward towards The whirlwind way, which will take you to the Samara Rock. According to many, "Vihoraški put" is by far the most beautiful hiking trail in Croatia. The most challenging part is the so-called shell, where you will climb and descend through a series of high notches protected by wedges, cables and, in some places, rocks. The path continues through the forest, again with frequent descents and ascents. You will quickly reach the Ratko shelter, a picturesque and original mountain facility. It is a log cabin located halfway in a cave, under a vertical rock that rises above it like a natural roof. Definitely a great stop for a break and a couple of great photos.
At the intersection under Ratko shelter you can proceed in several ways. One leads to the parking lot, the other "13 kilometers" on the gravel road Jasenak-Mrkopalj. It is also the best place to start the hike itself. Another option is to continue the ascent to the top of the Samarska stijena, which is located at 1,302 meters and which is only 1.4 km away from this intersection.
They definitely are White and Samara rocks the most attractive hiking trails from which you will return full of impressions! Croatia also hides such pearls!
