Hrastovi Vrh

Hrastovi Vrh is a hill near the village of Smoljanac, in Lika-Senj County, Croatia, right along the eastern edge of Plitvice Lakes National Park. The peak rises to 630 metres above sea level and sits between the villages of Rastovača and Korana, within the Plitvička Jezera municipality. Its name comes from the Croatian word "hrast" (oak) — "Hrastovi Vrh" translates literally as "Oak Peak," reflecting the deciduous woodland that covers its slopes.

Where exactly is it?

Hrastovi Vrh lies in the heart of the Lika region, an area best known for Plitvice Lakes, one of Croatia's most visited destinations. Smoljanac, the village the hill is associated with, is a small settlement with postal code 53231, located just outside the national park boundary. The hill's coordinates are approximately 44.924° N, 15.632° E.

How do you get there?

The area is well connected to the rest of Croatia thanks to its proximity to the main routes leading to Plitvice Lakes, the region's biggest tourist draw. Travelling by car is the most practical option — Smoljanac and neighbouring villages such as Rastovača sit right next to the eastern entrances of the national park. Visitors without their own transport can take a bus to Plitvice Lakes and continue locally from there.

What is the surrounding area like?

The landscape around Hrastovi Vrh is typical of the hilly Lika region — rolling hills covered in deciduous and mixed forest, interrupted here and there by small villages. Sitting in the shadow of the much larger Plitvice Lakes attraction, the area has kept a quiet, rural character. It suits travellers looking for nature and calm rather than developed tourist infrastructure.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring through summer (May to September) is the best window for this part of Lika, when the weather favours outdoor activity and the deciduous forests are fully green. Early autumn, when the oak and beech leaves turn colour, is also appealing for travellers who prefer a quieter setting than the peak-season crowds at Plitvice Lakes itself.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Hrastovi Vrh? The hill reaches an elevation of 630 metres above sea level.

Which municipality is Hrastovi Vrh in? It lies within the Plitvička Jezera municipality, in Lika-Senj County.

Is Hrastovi Vrh close to Plitvice Lakes? Yes, the hill sits right along the eastern edge of Plitvice Lakes National Park, near the villages of Rastovača and Korana.

What does the name Hrastovi Vrh mean? The name comes from the Croatian word "hrast" (oak) and means "Oak Peak," a reference to the deciduous forest covering the hill.