Gutešin Vrh

Gutešin Vrh is a mountain peak above the village of Bruvno, in the Gračac municipality of Zadar County, Croatia. Rising to 1,416 metres, it is the highest point of an undulating ridge that forms the southeastern continuation of Lička Plješivica, standing directly behind the Bruvno and Mazin fields.

Where is Gutešin Vrh?

The peak sits in the Lika region, surrounded by karst fields and small villages. To the south stretches the broad Bruvno field, which gradually merges into Gračačko Polje some 10 km away, home to the town of Gračac — the nearest hub with accommodation and shops. Gutešin Vrh borders other summits of the same massif that hikers exploring the area around Bruvno already know, such as Mali Urljaj, Veliki Urljaj and Visibaba — together they form a quiet, uncrowded hiking ground in Lika.

What will you see at the top?

A defining feature of this part of the massif is the grassy plateau of Ravne Čemernice, which opens onto views of the Bosnian mountains Osječenica, Ilica and Klekovača, as well as the deep canyon of the Dabašnica. The landscape combines rocky karst ground with green pastureland typical of the Lika highlands. From Gutešin's upper slopes you can see both the cultivated valley fields below and mountain ranges stretching toward the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

How do you get to Gutešin Vrh?

The starting point is the village of Bruvno, reached by a local road from Gračac (the D1 state road links Gračac with Zadar and Knin). From Bruvno, unmarked or faintly marked farm and shepherd tracks lead up toward the massif's summits — this is genuine mountain terrain without developed tourist infrastructure, so it's worth carrying a topographic map or GPS app and planning the route in advance. An early start is recommended to avoid the heat on the open, largely shadeless slopes.

When is the best time to visit?

The most comfortable hiking conditions run from May to October, when the grassy slopes are dry, though summer temperatures in Lika can still climb high despite the elevation. Spring and autumn bring extra colour to the landscape, and visibility toward the Bosnian mountains is often best right after a weather front passes, when the air is clear. In winter the peak can be snow-covered, and reaching it requires experience and proper equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Gutešin Vrh? The peak rises to 1,416 metres, making it the highest point of this part of the massif above Bruvno.

Is there a marked trail to the summit? There is no extensive network of marked hiking trails here — access is mainly via local farm tracks, so a topographic map or GPS device is recommended.

What can you see from Gutešin Vrh? The nearby Ravne Čemernice plateau offers views of the Bosnian mountains Osječenica, Ilica and Klekovača, along with the canyon of the Dabašnica.

How do you reach the starting point? The easiest route is to drive to Gračac via the D1 road, then take the local road to the village of Bruvno, where the ascent of the massif begins.