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Omišalj

Follow the trail around the biggest freshwater habitat on the island of Krk

Karakteristike

Dužina:

9,2 km

Uspon:

170 m

GPX download

The island of Krk is home to many small aquatic habitats formed on the impermeable karst terrain. Besides a large number of ponds, it boasts two natural lakes. One of them is Jezero near Njivice, Krk’s biggest freshwater habitat, located only about a hundred metres off the island’s main road. Its diverse wildlife has always attracted explorers, and the first scientific research on it was published way back in 1874. So why not see for yourselves why this lake is exceptionally important for the biodiversity of both the island of Krk and the wider Kvarner area?

This circular trail starts at the Equestrian Club Njivice and continues on a wide macadam path by the lake that leads to the Moj prijatelj (‘My Friend’) ranch, where it turns into a thick Turkey and downy oak forest. In springtime, numerous cyclamens will treat you to their beautiful intense scent. After following the old drystone walls for a while, the lush vegetation will be replaced by the pastures with grazing cattle. You will soon get to a pond abundant in diverse flora and fauna, just like the lake you are touring. There you will see water lilies, with frogs, turtles and herons all around. Then follows a mild ascent, and the forest path will turn into a macadam section leading to the highest point where you will get to marvel at the entire lake. It takes up about 35 hectares, with a 60-hectare strip of reeds and peat by the shore. Its depth varies from 7.9 to 9.9 metres, depending on the water level. It is home to eels and several fishes, so no wonder it used to be of huge importance for Omišalj’s economy as a fishing and hunting site. Once the macadam path ends, turn right to the dirt road that will take you down to the point where you started off your trip.