Čejića vršak

Čejića vršak is a modest hill in the Lika region of Croatia, rising just above the hamlet of Zaklopača within the Plitvička Jezera municipality. The summit reaches 599 metres above sea level and sits in Lika-Senj County, right in the heart of the Dinaric hinterland.

Where exactly is it located?

Čejića vršak stands only a few hundred metres from Zaklopača, a settlement that has been almost entirely abandoned - the 2011 census recorded just five residents. Zaklopača itself covers 6.37 km² and lies at around 540 metres above sea level, so the climb from the hamlet to the summit is short and gentle rather than a serious mountain ascent. The whole area falls within the Plitvička Jezera municipality, best known for the nearby Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the most visited destinations in Croatia.

What will you see from the top?

The hill forms part of a longer ridge in the Dinaric Alps, at the foot of the Lička Plješivica range. From a viewpoint near Gornji Vaganac, the whole chain of nearby summits comes into view - Hrnjakov vrh, Klišanićev vršak, Čejića vršak, and further on towards Lisina. It's a landscape typical of Lika: rolling, forested hills cut by rocky ridgelines, without any dramatic peaks, but with wide views over the karst valleys and scattered villages below.

How do you get there?

Zaklopača and the surrounding hills sit within easy reach of the main roads leading to the Plitvice Lakes, which serve as the natural base for exploring this part of Lika. Because the elevation gain is small and the terrain is gentle, reaching the summit doesn't require any special preparation - sturdy shoes and a bit of time are enough. It makes a good option for travellers who want a quieter, less crowded stop after visiting the lakes.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for a walk here, with mild temperatures and deciduous forests that turn fresh green in April and May or gold and rust in September and October. Summers can be hot and dry, so an early morning start is worth planning. In winter, snow covers the Dinaric foothills, giving the area a quiet, picturesque character, though extra care is needed on the slopes.

Why detour to Zaklopača?

This is a destination for travellers who want to see a different side of Lika than the one on postcards of the Plitvice Lakes - depopulated villages, quiet hills, and a landscape where nature is slowly reclaiming old fields and farmsteads. The fact that only a handful of people still live in Zaklopača gives the place a reflective, unhurried character rarely found in the more touristy parts of the region.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Čejića vršak? The summit stands at 599 metres above sea level.

Where is Čejića vršak located? In Lika-Senj County, within the Plitvička Jezera municipality, right next to the hamlet of Zaklopača.

Is Čejića vršak close to the Plitvice Lakes? Yes, the hill lies within the same municipality as Plitvice Lakes National Park, although it is not itself inside the park boundaries.

Is the climb to the summit difficult? No - the elevation difference from neighbouring Zaklopača is small, and the terrain has the gentle, rolling character typical of the Lika region.