Učka Land Art Trail

Učka Land Art Trail (formerly the Stražica–Sapaćica Land Art Trail) is a 7.2-km circular walking trail through Učka Nature Park, on the border of Istria and Kvarner in Croatia. Created by artist Boris Pecigoš, it combines 20 works of land art and rock art with the forests, pastures and limestone landscapes of the Učka and Ćićarija mountains. The trail opened in July 2016.

The 7.2-km circular trail passes through the southern Ćićarija landscape around the Stražica cliffs and Sapaćica pastures. Its artworks are integrated into the natural surroundings and often appear unexpectedly along the route.

The project was conceived by artist Boris Pecigoš to encourage a closer relationship between people and nature. The works invite visitors not only to look at the landscape, but also to slow down and experience it through touch, sound and other senses.

Along the trail you may be encouraged to touch painted handprints, feel moss and stone, listen to the forest, or simply stop and spend time in the surroundings. Many of the installations use these direct encounters with nature as part of the artwork itself.

Land art is an art form in which works are created in, and often from, the landscape. Natural materials such as stone, soil, branches, leaves and tree trunks are commonly used, although artificial materials may also be introduced. Several works on this trail are examples of rock art, in which existing rock surfaces have been painted with environmentally friendly paints. Because the works remain outdoors, they gradually change under the influence of weather, vegetation and other natural processes.

Land art developed as a modern art movement in the United States during the 1960s, but the idea of making art directly in the landscape is much older. Cave paintings, petroglyphs, geoglyphs, megaliths and other monumental structures created by earlier cultures can be seen as predecessors of the modern movement.

The Land Art Trail brings together artistic, ecological and contemplative elements. Its works are shaped by the mountain environment and draw on the natural characteristics of Učka and Ćićarija, as well as local mythology and folklore.

The Učka Land Art Trail is an easy mountain walk suitable for most visitors, including families with children and older walkers. The route is about 7.2 km long, with an elevation difference of around 130 m and approximately 350 m of total ascent. Although technically easy (T1/K1), parts of the trail cross uneven forest and mountain ground, so sturdy walking or hiking shoes are recommended. Walking poles are not essential, but can be useful on uneven sections.

The trail is intended to be walked, and visitors should expect to carry their own water, food and other belongings. Those travelling with a baby carriage, wheelchair or with limited mobility should check current trail conditions and accessibility with the Poklon Visitor Centre before setting out.

There are two entrances on Poklon pass. The visitor center is close to Entrance 1 and provides information about Učka Nature Park, the trail and the surrounding area.

• 45.30946214.2146541 Poklon Visitor Centre, Poklon 8, info@pp-ucka.hr. Visitor centre for Učka Nature Park.  (updated Mar 2020)

The detailed trail map shows both entrances, all 20 land art and rock art works, four viewpoints, the pit cave, nearby restaurants, toilets and the visitor centre. Using the map together with the colour markings along the trail makes it easier to keep track of your position. A GPX track can also be downloaded from Waymarked Trails.

Allow about 2–3 hours for the circuit at a fast pace with only short stops. Around four hours is more comfortable for a family walk or for photography, while five hours or more allows plenty of time to explore the artworks, viewpoints and other features along the way.

There is no entrance fee for either Učka Nature Park or the Učka Land Art Trail.

There are places to eat close to both trail entrances, so it is not necessary to carry a full day's food unless you prefer to eat along the trail. Restaurant & Pansion Učka is near Entrance 1 and offers food as well as accommodation, while 45.30660314.206551 Restaurant Dopolavoro is near Entrance 2.

There are no restaurants on the forest section of the trail itself, so bring snacks or a packed meal if you expect to spend several hours at the artworks and viewpoints.

Carry enough water for the walk, particularly in summer. The route passes mainly through forest and mountain terrain and you should not rely on finding drinking water along the trail. Water and other drinks can be obtained near Poklon before or after the walk at the restaurants and other facilities around the two entrances.

Most visitors complete the Land Art Trail as a day walk, so no overnight equipment is required. Visitors wishing to stay at Poklon can use 45.30754214.2156141 Restaurant & Pansion Učka, near Entrance 1. For other accommodation options and current information, ask at the Poklon Visitor Centre or consult the Učka Nature Park website.

The trail can be walked in much of the year, but conditions on Učka can differ considerably from those on the nearby coast. In summer, bring sun protection and plenty of water, even though much of the route is shaded by forest. During colder months, be prepared for wind and low temperatures, and carry warmer clothing than you might need at sea level.

The trail has two entrances along the road crossing Mount Učka between Kvarner and Istria.

• 45.30942914.213291 Entrance 1 – Poklon. The main and recommended starting point, at Poklon near the Učka Nature Park visitor centre, Planinarski dom Poklon and Pansion Učka.  
• 45.30690914.2047912 Entrance 2 – Stražica. Near Restaurant Dopolavoro, opposite the junction of the minor road leading towards Vojak. An information board and trail sign mark the entrance.  

There is no regular public transport to the trailheads, so you will need a car, rental car or taxi.

From Rijeka, Opatija and the Kvarner side: take the E61 (A7) bypass and then the E751 (A8) motorway towards Pula. Leave at the Veprinac exit. At the first junction turn left towards Veprinac, then turn left again at the next junction, following signs for Učka. Continue for about 7.2 km to Poklon and Entrance 1. Entrance 2 is another 800 m along the road.

From Istria, including Pula, Rovinj, Poreč, Umag and Motovun: follow the E751 (A8) motorway and take the Vranja exit, following signs for Cres, Labin and Vela Učka. Immediately after the toll booths, turn left towards Vela Učka. Continue for about 5.6 km to Entrance 2. Entrance 1 at Poklon is another 800 m along the road.

Although the Land Art Trail has two entrances, it is best to start at the main entrance at Poklon (Entrance 1) and follow the trail anticlockwise. This takes you past the artworks in the same order in which they are listed in this itinerary. The route is well marked with signs and trail markings, so simply follow the path from one stop to the next.

The trail is divided into five colour-coded sections. Begin by following the green markings on trees and rocks. This section includes seven land art installations (1–7) and a pit cave. Continue along the red section, which contains five more installations (8–12) and three viewpoints. The purple section follows, with six installations (13–18), most of them examples of rock art.

The purple section leads to Entrance 2. From here, a short pink-marked spur leads to the Krog Viewpoint on the Stražica cliff (996 m), passing one land art installation (19) along the way. Return to Entrance 2 and follow the orange markings through the forest back to Entrance 1 and Poklon. The orange section contains the final artwork on the trail (20).

As you walk through the woods and pastures, you will encounter a variety of land art and rock art installations. The following descriptions explain the ideas and meanings behind all 20 works.

Green section

 2.4 km

Unlike typical hikes, your journey begins with a gentle descent from Poklon through a magical forest toward the Sapaćica pasture. This section features seven diverse land art installations and a cave. The pasture itself is stunning, especially in spring when many interesting plants are in bloom, including alpine pasqueflowers, primroses, gentians, daffodils, wild roses, and peonies.

45.31043314.2088351 Golden Footmarks & Sphere is located on a rocky ridge and consists of golden footprints leading towards a “levitating” sphere. It symbolizes the starting point and man's first step on the path of conscious connection with nature. The Footmarks and the Sphere also contain deeper esoteric elements.

This place in the shade of trees offers you the first chance for deeper contact with nature.

A stone circle (∅ = 200 cm) with footprints in the limestone slab invites you to take off your shoes and stand inside it, be calm and quiet, listen to the nature around you and feel yourself as part of nature.

Your view will then spontaneously be directed to a "levitating" Sphere (∅ = 50 cm), land art construction stretched between two trees on a small ridge that connects the two neighboring dolines. The sphere serves to focus your attention so you can easily enter a meditative state of deep relaxation.

Near the stone circle, surrounded by thick green grass, there is a beech tree that you can embrace and thus literally merge with the forest.

45.31254214.209742 Fairy Gathering is a composition of painted rocks set in a peaceful, forested area that exudes a mystical atmosphere. This work is inspired by a local legend about fairies gathering in hidden places on the mountain, and invites the visitor to silence and respect for the invisible world of nature.

On a small hill seven stones, which nature has placed in a circle (∅ ≈ 5 m), stick out of the grass. It's said that in places like this the forest fairies gather. Local legends speak of the “vile Učkarice” (Učka fairies).

Enter the circle and choose one of the seven painted stone symbols which attracts you the most, sit next to that stone on the soft grass and enjoy the shade of this magical place. The symbols represent the seven letters of the word “nature” (“priroda” in Croatian) written in cursive Glagolitic alphabet.

Also hug a beech tree that grows from a large stone and as a guard leans over the stone circle. Listen to and watch in silence... maybe you'll get lucky and see the forest fairies!

45.31404314.2082013 Love Rock focuses on the symbolism of the heart and emotional connection, highlighting love as a universal force that connects all living things. The work is set in a secluded, peaceful space that invites a moment of tenderness, gratitude, and compassion for oneself and one's surroundings.

A rock in the shape of a heart, measuring 150 x 200 cm, is comprised of two stones which lean on each other, symbolising love, partnership and mutual support. The deeper message of the painted rock is love and the unity of man and nature.

If you visit this place with your partner, touch the rocks together or lean on them and soak up the atmosphere of this place.

If you are single you can still enjoy this place, and if you long to find the love of your life, maybe the nature in some strange way realizes your wish...

45.31509214.2066224 Stone Cairn builds on the tradition of dry-stone construction and karst customs of stacking stones. The work emphasizes stability, grounding, and respect for the solid material that makes up the very backbone of the mountain.

It also serves as a signpost. Hemispherical stone cairn (∅ = 160 cm) with painted capstone and two branches directs hikers on the right path.

On the grassy slope opposite the stone mound some larch trees grow. This is the only place on Land Art Trail with the larches. Larch is one of the few conifers that in winter releases its needles. In early spring the female cone-like flowers attract with its red color.

Don't miss the 45.31475214.2052181 Pit Cave "Jama za greben". It is an interesting speleological object 111 m deep and 35 m long. The vertical entrance is 17x6 m wide. You can reach the pit cave by taking a short, unmarked 150-meter branch that turns left into the forest just before the Handprints point. You approach the pit cave at your own risk, as the opening is not secured (there is no fence).

45.31592314.2057015 Handprints on the rock invite the visitor to have direct physical contact with the mountain. The work symbolizes the presence of man in nature and the importance of conscious contact as a way of communicating with the environment that surrounds us.

This land art (actually rock art) carries a message of the positive impact of man on nature.

The pasture Sapaćica as well as other pastures on Učka did not occur naturally but from the millennia of man’s activities, deforestation and sheep grazing. Over time, the new ecosystem stabilized with meadow plants and animals. Because of the distinctive and rich flora and fauna, grasslands are a significant reservoir of biodiversity of wildlife. Today, this ecosystem is threatened due to the emigration of people from Učka and neglecting of traditional activities. Meadows are unfortunately less used for pasture and as hayfield so they gradually overgrow with forests, and many meadow species are threatened with disappearance.

The handprints on the rock measuring 2.2 x 8.5 m want to show the actions of human hands that have left a positive impact on the colorfulness (biodiversity) of the natural world.

45.3171714.2041976 Sheep Geoglyphs on the grassy slope are dedicated to the millennial tradition of sheep farming on the pastures of Učka and Ćićarija. Stone figures of sheep in supernatural size revive the memory of the pastoral way of life and the importance of the coexistence of man and cattle in this region.

In a symbolic way the sheep geoglyphs return the flocks to the pastures and represent the indigenous Istrian species – Pramenka, on pastures which were once used for grazing in the past.

The area of origin and cultivation of Istrian sheep Pramenka is our largest peninsula of Istria, according to which this breed got its name. It is the most lactic Croatian original breed of sheep. Sheep are usually colorful or black and white, rarely completely black, while there are the smallest number of completely white individuals. As their milk contains an average of 7% fat, it is mostly used to make traditional semi-hard, full-fat cheese and curd.

Ram: 7.5 x 7.6 m

Ewe: 5.9 x 6.8 m

Lamb: 2,8 x 3,4 m (added in 2025)

45.31810814.2029097 Red Tree is a dried tree that the author transformed into a sculpture in space using ecological paint. The work points to human destruction of nature, but also emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and symbolizes the vital energy that permeates nature even in the processes of decay.

The message of this land art is the negative impact of humans on nature. The gas pipeline, powerline, transmitters, radar, road, the Učka tunnel – all of these are artificial structures which unnaturally stick out amidst the mountain beauty. And so this red tree 3 m high, located on high ground in the middle of Sapaćica pasture, between the route of the gas pipeline and power line, unnaturally dominates the landscape, transmitting a message about our destruction of nature.

Still, it draws attention, attracts and invites you to sit beside it and enjoy the view of Učka and the hills of Ćićarija.

Version 2.0 is from 2025.

Red section

 2.0 km

This section leads uphill to several stone structures, some of which are decorated with color. You will reach a cliff edge with views overlooking Istria and have the chance to walk through two land art installations—a labyrinth and a geoglyph—located right next to the cliffs and viewpoints.

45.31863914.1997198 Stone Teeth are sharp limestone outcrops on this section of the trail, highlighted with color to emphasize their resemblance to teeth emerging from the ground. The work draws attention to the dramatic geological structure of the karst and the power of natural forces that shape the mountain, as well as its connection to Slavic myths.

The bare stone surface stands out like a stain in relation to the surrounding grass, whilst numerous stone teeth protrude into the air. There are 21 teeth 20-50 cm high on 4.5 x 5.0 m surface area.

The golden painted teeth send a message that the eternal force of nature can very well "show its teeth" if humans go too far with their destruction.

45.31830714.1962469 Triangle & Glagolitic Stone connects the geometric purity of the triangle with the Glagolitic script, paying homage to the cultural history of these regions. The combination of symbols on the rock creates a space for reflection on the connection between spiritual heritage and the nature that surrounds us.

Stone triangle measuring 245 x 280 cm. Its peaks direct hikers to pasture Sapaćica and Poklon (Entrance 1), to Stražica (Entrance 2) and to a rest stop on 45.31839114.1961152 Mali vidikovac / Little Viewpoint.

If you look carefully at the triangle, as well as at the nearby scattered stones you'll find spiral fossils of planktonic foraminifera.

Little viewpoint offers a view of The Raven Reef and Istria. Down in Istria are the towns of Roč and Hum, and between them passes the Glagolitic Alley, artistic memory of the Glagolitic history of this region. For this reason, on a small rock just opposite a bench, verse of Boris Pecigoš’ poem is written in the Glagolitic alphabet:

I am the king of the high mountain,

of the rock from the sea emerged,

its eons are like short days, and I,

I'm just a breath of little significance.

45.31581914.1971110 Labyrinth (∅ = 11 m) directs you to stay on the right path on the sharp turn of the trail. It also points to the trail which leads to the 45.31556314.1952193 Gornji vidikovac / Upper Viewpoint with the view of Istria, the geomorphological natural monument of the Vela Draga canyon and the main Učka massif.

Geoglyphs are the form of land art, motives “drawn” on the ground, usually by stones or similar permanent landscape elements, such as gravel, soil, planted plants, hedges or trees. The term petroform is also used for the forms made of superimposed pieces of freestanding stones.

Labyrinths are complex forms of path leading to the center and back, and mazes are wide networks that require resourcefulness and orientation to find out the exit. The famous ancient labyrinths like Minoan on Crete, Roman mazes, labyrinths in medieval Christian cathedrals, and even todays labyrinths in certain circles, are given spiritual significance – circling the winding paths of the labyrinth to its center represents the quest for answers and the journey to the center of the soul, coming into the center of labyrinth symbolizes contact with the divine and the acquisition of knowledge or insight, and then follows the return and realization of acquired insights. Labyrinth can be shown on a drawing or picture, but if it is made in the form of geoglyph (petroform) falls under land art.

45.31476714.19839111 Stone Playground is an interactive zone that encourages visitors to freely arrange stones and express themselves creatively in the moment. The work celebrates the joy of creation and reminds us that we are all co-creators in the constant process of changing nature.

Given the abundant source of broken stones, here you can play with the building of your own land art – pillar, mound, pyramid, circle, spiral or other shape as you want. It is an excellent way to stimulate your own creativity!

Through taking and stacking stones you achieve a direct tactile contact with nature, which is the main theme of this artistic-environmental project.

45.31374914.19769512 Spiral Geoglyph (∅ = 13.5 m) has been made following the cross section of the spiral shell of a fossilised foraminifera (nummulite), which, if you look a little carefully, can be found in the nearby scattered rocks on this rocky viewpoint (45.31357214.1974924 Donji vidikovac / Lower Viewpoint) with views of the summit ridge of Učka, Stražica cliff, Vela Draga canyon and Istria.

Učka and Ćićarija are built of limestone rock which had been forming by long-lasting deposition of limestone skeletons of planktonic organisms in the then Tethys Ocean in the Cretaceous period of 140 million years ago until the mid-Tertiary, 30 million years ago. A collision of the African and European plates rises Alps and the Dinarides, whose integral part are Učka and Ćićarija. Therefore, today, in this place, at a height of over 900 meters above sea level we can find the remains of organisms that once lived in the deep sea.

Purple section

 1.5 km

This section passes through some of the most enchanting parts of the trail, characterized by dense forest, lush moisture, and an abundance of moss and ferns. Along this path, you will encounter a series of rock art pieces—painted stones featuring nature motifs and deep symbolism.

45.31034214.20053113 Stone Forest consists of painted stones placed along the path. They were originally placed on stumps of felled trees (2016). The work symbolizes the soul of the trees and serves as a visual monument to the forest life that once flourished in those places, and which is reborn today.

In the place where the forest has been completely cleared there only remain sad stumps as a reminder of the impressive trees that once grew here and provided homes for numerous forest creatures. The land art installations here are a direct artistic reminder of the damage that arises due to the reckless and excessive cutting down of trees.

On several stumps there are painted stones that represent the soul of the missing trees, but also the seed of new life that emerges from the desolation of human activity. This points to the power of nature to be renewed and that is impossible to destroy nature.

45.30972914.2010214 Rock Painting on the Cliff (Rock art Lichen) is an impressive work made with ecological paints and inspired by prehistoric art and floral motifs. The works are visible from afar and mark the cliff as a natural sanctuary that connects earth and sky.

The theme of this large rock painting (petroglyph measuring 300 x 300 cm) is lichens, their diversity and importance to the eco-system. Rock painting can be seen already from the main road, but you can get closer by the short branch trail, touch the rock art and enjoy under the Stražica cliff.

The lichens are extremely sensitive to human activities such as pollution and forest clearance. Due to the loss of habitats, changes in the microclimatic conditions and pollution of the air they have become endangered. Knowledge of the lihenoflore contributes to the knowledge of biodiversity in general and is an important bioindicator of different environmental conditions.

45.30824414.20095815 Rock art Moss 1 and 45.30794614.20107716 Rock art Moss 2 use moss as the theme of an artistic intervention. They depict structures from the unusual life cycle of moss and invite close observation and appreciation of some of the smallest forms of life in nature.

The first petroglyph, painted on a small stone (36 x 36 cm) opposite the bench, draws attention to the moss growing among the mass of stones on the rock creep beneath the Stražica cliffs. The place has an almost fairytale-like atmosphere. Nearby, a painted rock mosaic (290 x 450 cm), partly covered with moss, forms the second work. Both rock paintings are inspired by the intricate forms of moss sporangia (capsules with spores) and peristomes (openings of capsules).

There is a widespread misconception that moss grows on the north side of trees and rocks and can therefore be used to determine north. Moss grows in shady, moist areas regardless of the orientation of the habitat. This area, for example, faces west.

The theme of 45.30710114.20168317 Monolith with a Spiral Motif 1 and 45.3068214.20226418 Monolith with a Spiral Motif 2 (Rock art Fern) is the spiral as a basic form of nature that appears from the microcosm to the macrocosm. The spiral form is present in DNA, in the shells of foraminifera that build the limestone rocks of Učka, in snail shells, in the twists of young fern leaves and other plants, in water eddies and large atmospheric cyclones, and in the shape of galaxies.

The first monolith (155 x 195 cm) is located along the trail, and its spiral form alludes to the building elements of the rocks of Učka and Ćićarija – invisible spiral microfossils that the artwork makes visible.

The second monolith (250 x 180 cm) is set a little deeper in the woods, and its spiral motif deals with ferns. After reflecting on the rock paintings, continue beyond the monolith to a small rest area, or even climb the monolith and enjoy a different perspective of the forest.

Pink section

 0.4 km

This is a short, out-and-back branch from Entrance 2 to the Krog Viewpoint on the Stražica cliff (996 m), with a single land art installation along the way. After visiting Krog, return to Entrance 2 and continue the trail by following the orange markings.

45.30753514.2035519 Sentinel is a striking wooden vertical that symbolically guards the border between the wooded part of the trail and open spaces. The work represents the archetypal figure of the protector of the mountain, who watches over every traveler who passes through here.

Land art installation made of acacia logs appropriately reminiscents of the sentinel (guard) because it is located on the rise to the 45.30722314.2033185 Krog Viewpoint on Stražica. Stražica took its name from the observation points from the Uskok-Venetian War in the 17th century. The remains are visible along the elongated ridge in the form of dry stone walls and little artificially levelled clearings.

Krog viewpoint at an altitude of 996 m offers a view of the western slopes of Učka, Istria and the Josephine Road, named in honour of Emperor Joseph II, who had it built at the end of the 18th century. The road connected Kvarner and Istria over the Poklon pass until the opening of the tunnel Učka in 1981.

Logs: 230 x 45 x 30 cm

Orange section

 0.9 km

The orange section of the Land Art Trail connects Entrance 2 with Entrance 1. Follow the orange markings through the forest and they will return you to Poklon, where you started your journey. This section features only one stone land art installation.

45.30831414.20737920 Stone Circle is located on a grassy plateau with a view of the forest canopy. This work symbolizes wholeness, a complete journey, and a return to one's own center after an experience in nature.

On the grassy plateau above a steep slope (on “the balcony”) there is a simple small geoglyph with multilayered symbolism of the circle and the center (∅ = 5.5 m).

The place by itself can be a pleasant resting place – inside the circle or on a small elevation on which a big tree is growing. The tree invites you to hug it with gratitude to nature, and the entire site serves as a farewell to the forest before returning to the Poklon and into civilization.

Follow the trail signposts and the five colour-coded markings — green, red, purple, pink and orange — to stay on the correct route. The trail's handprint-and-labyrinth logo appears on entrance signs, at junctions leading to some of the more secluded artworks, and on the trail map.

In an emergency, call the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service on ☏ 112.

There are several other trails and attractions on Mount Učka and in the surrounding area:

• 45.28495214.2019821 Vojak (1,401 m) is the highest peak of Mount Učka and can be visited on the same day as the Land Art Trail, either by car or on foot from Poklon. By car, follow the narrow road that branches south from the main road near Entrance 2 for about 5.7 km. On foot, the main hiking route starts at Poklon near Entrance 1 and the Učka Nature Park visitor centre; allow about 1½–2 hours to reach the summit from an elevation of about 922 m. At the top, the Vojak Tower, built in 1911, offers panoramic views over Istria, Kvarner Bay and its islands, Gorski Kotar, Mount Velebit, the Alps and, in clear weather, Italy. There is also a souvenir shop in the tower.

• 45.31649914.1670422 Vela Draga Canyon lies west of the trail and is a protected geomorphological natural monument. The parking area is about 5.1 km from Entrance 2 or 5.9 km from Entrance 1, on the left about 180 m after passing under the E751 motorway. A short educational trail follows the edge of the canyon to a viewpoint overlooking its limestone towers. A more demanding section descends towards the base of the formations. The route is about 2 km long and takes around 1–1½ hours.
• 45.33766914.2790763 Veprinac lies on the approach to the trail from Rijeka or Opatija. This small historic village is worth a stop for its medieval Church of St Mark, which stands on a prominent hill with wide views over Kvarner Bay.
• 45.2469814.214824 the Trebišća–Perun history and mythology trail starts in Mošćenička Draga on the southeastern side of the mountain. The 15-km route climbs from sea level through a deep gorge to about 880 m at Perun and takes at least 7 hours. The trail explores the area's associations with early Slavic mythology, as well as its natural landscape and traditional way of life.