Medvednica-afternoon easy hike in Forest near Zagreb

Into the woods (again) 

A hot summer Saturday afternoon. After finishing all my usual chores, I decided to leave the confines of my apartment and head out for a walk on Medvednica. I figured I might even find a mushroom or two for tomorrow’s lunch.

But as soon as I stepped into the forest, I realized the daily southern wind had dried everything out — not even a mad mushroom could survive in these conditions. So I just kept walking, slowly making my way uphill along trail number 55, with a loose plan to reach the old abandoned Brestovac sanatorium. It used to be a place for treating tuberculosis back in the early 1900s. From there, I’d loop back via trail 57. That was the rough idea, anyway.

Beginning of trail 55

Wild flowers everywhere

The forest path welcomed me with birdsong, but also with a sad sight — cut-down beech trees, lying coldly abandoned beside the trail. I couldn't help but think: those trees must’ve grown for at least 60 years to reach that size, only to be cut down in a single day.

They say when wheat ripens, it’s time to harvest. I guess the forest "ripened" too, and met the same fate. Trees over 100 years old were felled — trees that no longer offer shelter because their canopies are too old, no longer providing the warmth, light, and moisture they once did. It feels like we’re always bothered by anything that gets old. And as the old forest disappears, I wonder — will a new one grow back on its own?

Just as I was starting to feel really down about all that logging, the trail cheered me up. The path along the Snopljak stream was beautifully maintained — grass neatly cut, young saplings supported by wooden stakes, and the stream crossing made easier with carefully arranged stones. Finally, it felt like a gentle step forward.

The steepest part, charmingly called “the stairway to heaven,” was still as brutal as ever — not for the faint of heart. But once I reached the ridge, I was greeted by stunning wild orchids. Exotic flowers, right in our backyard!

Trail 55 - "Put u nebo"

Medvednica - wild orchids

Further down the trail, walking alongside the stream, the scent of blooming elderflower filled the air. I snacked on wild strawberries along the way, while raspberries were just starting to form, and blackberries were still in bloom.

The forest above our city is full of riches — fresh air, sweet berries, peace, and a little recharge for heading back into the hectic rhythm of city life.

Here you can see a loop that I hiked this wonderful summer afternoon.