Datum: June 16, 2024
Petrova gora is known for its rich history, beautiful forest paths and diverse hiking routes. This time I decided to do my own research Petrova gora mountain bypasshttps://info.hps.hr/putovi/www/static/obilaznice/Planinarska%20obilaznica%20Petrova%20gora.pdf and go around 8 checkpoints (although in the end I passed 7 because I'm on King's gravehttps://travelcroatia.live/listing/kraljev-grob-na-petrovoj-gori/ was earlier, so I left that part out).
Route and time: 19 km in 5.5 hours
According to my Garmin, the route was about 19 km long, and I completed it in about 5.5 hours. The ring road includes a red and green trail, and as I walked, I often thought how much more accessible some parts would be by bike or even for family outings with children. However, I concluded that riding a bike could be very challenging because on certain sections the bike would need to be carried.
Changes to the trail: Works and clearing of the forest
In several places I noticed traces of heavy machinery. It seems that some checkpoints will have to be moved due to deforestation. It is not clear to me whether this is a consequence of last year's storm or economic interests, but the changes are very visible.
Mountaineering with children: How best to organize a trip?
Petrova gora is certainly suitable for family trips, but I would recommend that you come more than once or that you focus on shorter sections. Lovački dom „Muljava“ https://www.hrsume.hr/turizam/lovacki-dom-muljava/it's an ideal place to start - it has a playground and a great restaurant with delicious food at affordable prices, which attracts many visitors on weekends.
If you plan to come with children, it would be best to organize a larger excursion with a group of children and animators. I recommend a walk Roman way https://www.osmica.hr/planinarska-obilaznica-petrova-gora/to the monument on Veliki Petrovac, along with the organization of sports games. A visit to the ruins of the old Pauline monastery in Mali Petrovac (just a 15-minute walk) is also a great addition.
State of the monument: Devastation and oblivion
Unfortunately, the monument on Petrova gora has been left to time and decay. It is obvious that a lot of effort and money was invested in the construction, so the damage is even greater that everything was neglected. While I was walking, I also met motorcyclists who ride the stairs - everyone has their own occupation, but valuable historical objects are further damaged in this way.
The adventure started late in the afternoon
I left in the late afternoon, when the hikers were already returning with some mushrooms from the forest, getting ready for lunch. On the whole way, I met only two people in the last 2 km. However, it was interesting that I was on macadam after Partisan hospitalshttps://sh.wikipedia.org/wiki/Partizanska_bolnica_na_Petrovoj_gori met the policemen who suggested I scan the QR code of the route - which would have been useful if I had done it at the beginning, because the signal was weak in some parts. Instead, I relied on a booklet in which I stamped somewhat illegible stamps.
Conclusion: An adventure that paid off
I'm glad I took this adventure on my own. The vigilance of following the markings and occasionally getting back on track made the experience even more interesting. Although some parts of the trail are rutted and there is a lot of macadam road, it is still beautiful and interesting. It was certainly not boring. I was looking for an adventure - my heart is in the right place!