Ascent to Veliki Vilinac
Tour description:
Veliki Vilinac, standing at 2118 meters above sea level, is perhaps the most popular peak for climbers on the entire Čvrsnica mountain range. Somewhat isolated from all other high points above 2000 meters on this mountain, it is easily recognizable from great distances, making it visible from all surrounding mountains. With its unique position, reaching its summit offers a complete overview of the entire Čvrsnica. Whether you gaze across vast valleys and smaller peaks through the heart of the mountain, towards its large ridge around Pločno, or towards the Trinjača and Velika Oštrovača peaks on the other side, the scenery is equally stunning. Down on the Muharnica – Hajdučka vrata trail, you’ll be able to see people patiently climbing to their ultimate destination, as this trail is perfectly visible from Veliki Vilinac.
As the Blidinje Nature Park is filled with numerous beautiful hiking trails, this peak can be approached from various directions. Each of these trails offers something new and different, and mountaineers who regard Čvrsnica as their mother always strive to ensure that all these trails are safe and well-maintained for visitors and nature enthusiasts.
The easiest and primary trail to reach Veliki Vilinac is the one from Vitlenica. This is the same trail used to reach Hajdučka Vrata. At the junction of Hajdučka Vrata – Vilinac hut, you need to turn right and then right again above the Vilinac hut. Then follows the ascent to the summit ridge, which is a bit steeper. It’s worth noting that this trail has water sources nearby because there is a spring and a trough near the hut that you pass by.
The second trail leading to this peak starts from the top of the ski slope, passing over Mali Vilinac to Veliki Vilinac. If the cable car/lift is not operational, you need to hike up to its summit beforehand. The trail initially passes through tall forest canopies, then emerges onto the so-called Mandin Plan area (there are stairs at one point that may be in poor condition if not replaced for some time, and alongside the stairs is a climbing rope). This area abounds with tall cliffs and also offers a beautiful viewpoint of part of the Blidinje Lake, the area around Badnji, and the rest of the Blidinje Nature Park towards Risovac. The trail then continues to Mali Vilinac, and in its final section, it ascends very steeply to the summit of Veliki Vilinac.
The third trail is the White Trail of the Via Dinarica. It starts from Masna Luka and emerges beneath Crveni Kuk at the junction of Veliki Vilinac – Pločno. Here, you need to turn left towards Vilinac. The trail continues, passing numerous small hills and valleys, towards its destination. It also passes beneath Mali Vilinac and ultimately ascends to the summit of Veliki Vilinac with that final, very steep ascent.
All three trails to the summit of Veliki Vilinac are excellently marked and maintained. Each of these trails offers beautiful viewpoints. Whichever trail you choose, you won’t go wrong because each of them is beautiful in its own way. Indeed, climbing this peak is a special experience from all three mentioned directions.
If you opt for the trail starting at the ski slope, keep in mind that there are stairs at one point that may be in poor condition if not replaced for some time.
It’s necessary to bring enough water as there are water sources only along the trail leading from Vitlenica to Veliki Vilinac.
Trail Information:
From the direction of Vitlenica:
- Starting point: Vitlenica, 1470 meters above sea level
- Coordinates for the starting point: 43.673061, 17.622733
- Walking time: 8 hours
- Length of the trail: 16 km
- Altitude difference: 850 meters
- Drinking water: available
- Difficulty of ascent: very difficult
From the direction of Masna Luka:
- Starting point: Masna Luka, 1200 meters above sea level
- Coordinates for the starting point: 43.631385, 17.546259
- Walking time: 9 hours
- Length of the trail: 17 km
- Altitude difference: 1000 meters
- Drinking water: not available
- Difficulty of ascent: very difficult
From the direction of the ski slope:
- Starting point: ski slope, 1280 meters above sea level
- Coordinates for the starting point: 43.650296, 17.570898
- Walking time: 8 hours
- Length of the trail: 12 km
- Altitude difference: 1050 meters
- Drinking water: not available
- Difficulty of ascent: very difficult
Magical landscapes of Blidinje Nature Park
Association “Visit Blidinje”
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