Masna Luka – Munika – Orlovača – Crveni kuk – Masna Luka (Circular Trail)
Tour description:
The real adventures are the ones that traverse different landscapes throughout their length. If you dare to embark on such a circular journey, it starts from Masna Luka, passing through Munika, then beneath the cliffs of Orlovača, and the second part of the journey traverses the central Čvrsnica, before descending beneath Crveni Kuk back to Masna Luka.
Right at the beginning, Masna Luka welcomes you with perfectly preserved nature, springs, and pine forests. The chirping of birds from the tall trees or their flocks flying above the hills around Masna Luka will lift your gaze high. Up there, above the canopies and hills, you’ll catch sight of the peaks Lisac, Crveni Kuk, and Jabuka. These three peaks form the backdrop of Masna Luka. Overhung above this jewel of the Blidinje Nature Park, this entire area makes for the perfect destination for the rejuvenating break you need! The perfect blend of cliffs, sharp peaks, and beautiful green oases of peace suggests that this hiking trail will be the best choice. This trail initially leads below, and its second part goes behind these peaks, so at the beginning, you immediately wonder what lies behind them.
The first part of the trail goes beneath the peak of Lisac (1753 m/above sea level) towards Orlovača (1942 m/above sea level), which looms even higher behind it. Along this part of the trail is the most beautiful viewpoint overlooking Masna Luka. From the Lisac cliffs, the entire area of Masna Luka with its surrounding places is clearly visible, making it one of the most impressive viewpoints you’ve ever experienced. A little further from the viewpoint is the beautiful Munika mountain hut, owned by HPD Prenj 1933 Mostar. The hut is not always open, but it is secluded and provides an excellent place for a first real break. The trail then leads through the rugged valley below Orlovača. It involves steep ascents and partly rocky terrain. This area is also home to chamois, and the entire landscape abounds with cliffs. Looking back, you can see the Vran mountain. Upon reaching the Čvrsnica plateau, Orlovača is left behind and new vistas open up to even larger expanses of Čvrsnica. From the Pločno ridge, over Veliki Jelinak and Peštibrdo, all the way to Veliki Vilinac, you can admire the beauties of this mountain. At this point, the trail forks towards Mali Vilinac and towards the White Trail of Via Dinarica.
Continuing along the Via Dinarica trail towards Masna Luka, you pass through a vast area that forms a large valley called Lokva. The size of the valley seems surreal. Walking along its edges, you continue further into the hinterland of the peaks you saw at the beginning. With views of Velika Čvrsnica, on the other side, you see more of the Orlovača cliffs emerging from the deep forests of Masna Luka. Slowly “cruising” through this part of the mountain, the view of Masna Luka begins to open up again, this time from the opposite direction. What you admired and saw at the beginning is now literally part of you as you’re up there, in that place, while down below, you see everything from where you started. After some time, you reach another trail junction. Now, the trail from the junction leads right towards Pločno, while the one on the left, beneath Crveni Kuk (1743 m/above sea level), descends into Masna Luka. Finally, all that remains is to descend along the excellently constructed trail back to Masna Luka, to the starting point, and look up once more, seeing where you were just a while ago.
Additional Information:
- The trail is of moderate difficulty, with several steep ascents. Throughout its length, it keeps the hiker excited as it offers different landscapes and a large number of positions with phenomenal views.
- The length of the trail is about 14.5 km (circular tour), with an altitude difference of about 750 meters. The trail is considered moderately challenging. It is well marked and averaged.
- Starting point: Masna Luka, 1200 meters above sea level
- Coordinates for the starting point: 43.631385, 17.546259
- Walking time: 7 hours
- Length of the trail: 14.5 km
- Altitude difference: 750 m
- Drinking water: not available
- Difficulty of ascent: moderately challenging
Magical landscapes of Blidinje Nature Park
Association “Visit Blidinje”
Side links
