Nikina Plasa

Nikina Plasa is a mountain summit above the village of Krbavica in Croatia's Lika region, rising to roughly 1,268 metres above sea level. It is the highest point of the Mrsinj ridge, where the gentle uplands of Lika meet the Mala Kapela mountains — a rewarding, moderately easy hike for anyone after wide views without technical climbing.

How do you get to the summit?

Two marked trails lead to Nikina Plasa. The first starts in the centre of nearby Korenica and takes about two hours and forty-five minutes, winding through forest and upland meadows and passing the ruins of the medieval Mrsinjgrad fortress along the way — a natural spot for a short break. The second option begins right in Krbavica, at a spring on the edge of the village, and takes around two hours; it crosses the settlement before entering forest and emerging onto the open, grassy slopes near the top.

By car, the easiest approach is to drive to Korenica (a petrol station serves as a handy reference point) or straight to the entrance of Krbavica, where both routes begin.

What will you see from the top?

The upper section of Nikina Plasa opens into grassy slopes with a panorama stretching from west to north. From the summit you can pick out the Northern Velebit range, including the peaks of Kozjak (1,620 m) and Hajdučki Kuk (1,649 m), while the Mala Kapela massif fills the horizon to the north. That combination is why local hikers rate the peak highly as a viewpoint, even though it isn't among the tallest summits in the region.

Along the way, especially on the Korenica route, it's worth pausing at Mrsinjgrad — the remains of an old hilltop fortification — and at the Poljice plateau. Near the summit itself, shepherd huts and wildlife feeding stations are a common sight, a reminder that this is still active pastureland typical of Lika.

Where does the name come from?

The word "plasa" derives from a term for cleared land or a meadow, which fits the open, grassy character of the upper slopes well. Interestingly, official maps sometimes label the summit itself as "Srčanik," while "Nikina plasa" more broadly refers to the whole Mrsinj ridge, of which this is the highest point.

When is the best time to hike?

Because the terrain up top is open and grassy, late spring, summer, and early autumn are the best seasons, when trails are dry and the views toward Velebit and Mala Kapela are at their clearest. Winter can make the route considerably harder, with snow and the low temperatures typical of highland Lika, so it's worth checking conditions before heading out outside the summer season.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Nikina Plasa? The summit reaches roughly 1,268 metres above sea level and is the highest point of the Mrsinj ridge.

How long does the hike take? From Korenica the climb takes about two hours and forty-five minutes; from Krbavica it takes around two hours.

Is the trail technically difficult? No — both routes run through forest and meadow with no climbing sections, making them accessible to hikers with average fitness.

What's worth seeing along the way? The ruins of Mrsinjgrad fortress and the Poljice plateau are natural stops on the Korenica route, worth a short pause before continuing to the summit.