Lapjak – the Peak Above Velika in Papuk Nature Park

Lapjak is a wooded peak rising to roughly 667 metres above sea level (some sources give 632 m), located in the southern part of the Papuk range right above the municipality of Općina Velika in Slavonia. The mountain sits on the very edge of the Požega Valley, also known as the Golden Valley, and is built of dolomite — seen from the south it forms an almost pyramidal, sharply defined silhouette that stands out among the rounder hills typical of this part of Croatia.

How do you get to Lapjak?

The usual starting point is the town of Velika, where the most popular route begins at the car park next to the swimming pool. The path climbs steeply straight away toward the ruins of Velika fortress (about 425 m), built in the 13th century, before entering the forest and continuing upward to the summit itself. An alternative starting point is the Lapjak mountain lodge, sitting at around 335 m on the northern edge of Velika, at the head of the Dubočanka valley beneath the Topličke glava hill. From the lodge, trails fan out not only to Lapjak but also toward Nevoljaš, Jankovac, Trišnjci and Češljakovački vis, making Velika one of the main trailheads for the whole Papuk range.

What will you see along the way?

The trail's signature feature is a set of rock outcrops known as Tauberove stijene — steep, exposed cliffs on the ridge where a summit cross has been placed. From there, the view opens onto the Požega basin and the hills surrounding it. On the way up, hikers also pass the ruins of the medieval Velika fortress, a reminder of the area's former defensive importance, while the forest on Lapjak's slopes remains one of the more natural, lightly disturbed stretches of Papuk Nature Park. The climb can also be treated as the first leg of a longer ridge route that continues toward Jankovac, one of the most visited spots in the whole park.

When is the best time to visit?

In summer, warm springs and a nearby thermal pool operate at the foot of the mountain, right by the Lapjak mountain lodge — a popular way to unwind after coming down from the peak. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for the hike itself, with milder temperatures and thinner tree cover that make the views from the rocky outlooks easier to enjoy. In winter the steep sections near the fortress can ice over, so it's worth checking trail conditions before setting out.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Lapjak? The summit reaches about 667 m, though some sources list 632 m — the discrepancy comes from measuring at slightly different points along the ridge.

Where should you start the hike? The most convenient option is from central Velika, starting at the pool car park and passing the Velika fortress ruins, or alternatively from the Lapjak mountain lodge on the town's northern edge.

Can you swim nearby? Yes — at the foot of the peak, next to the Lapjak lodge, there are warm springs and a thermal facility that's especially popular in summer.

What else is worth seeing from this side of Papuk Nature Park? From Lapjak, the ridge trail continues toward Jankovac and the peaks of Nevoljaš and Češljakovački vis, making it easy to plan a longer day out across the central part of the park.