Sušica

Sušica is a stream and the walking route named after it in the municipality of Jelenje, in the hinterland of Rijeka, in the Grobnišćina region at the foot of the Grobnik Alps (Grobničke Alpe).

What kind of place is this?

Sušica is a small, seasonal stream — a tributary of the Rječina river — that only fills its bed after heavier rainfall, staying dry the rest of the time. That intermittent, "dry" nature is exactly where the name comes from. Along its course runs a circular walking path just over two kilometres long, linking three neighbouring settlements: Dražice, Podkilavac and Jelenje. It's one of the few routes in the municipality built to suit almost any visitor, from families with young children to older walkers.

How do you get there?

The natural starting point is the bridge over the Zala stream in Rastočine, about 2.5 km from the roundabout in Dražice. From there the loop winds through nearby fields and settlements, passing Podkilavac and Jelenje before closing back at the starting point. Coming from Rijeka takes only a short drive — Jelenje sits right behind the city, on the far side of the hills that separate the coast from the Grobnik Field.

What will you see along the way?

Despite its modest length, the path packs in a surprising amount. Halfway along stands a small outdoor fitness park with basic exercise equipment. Further on there's a children's playground with benches for a break, and dogs are welcome on the trail. Nine stone sculptures depicting celestial labyrinths linked to the planets are placed along the streambed — an unusual artistic touch you wouldn't expect on an ordinary walking path. After heavier rain, a waterfall appears in the Sušica streambed, its flow tracked by an installed water gauge. Romantically inclined visitors can walk through a tree-lined "avenue of love," while those after some quiet will find shaded reading nooks with seating along the route. Horses, sheep, goats and cattle graze in the surrounding meadows and smallholdings, giving the walk a distinctly rural feel. Open stretches of the path offer views of the Grobnik Alps rising above the Grobnik Field.

How long does it take, and how demanding is it?

The full loop runs a little over 2 km and takes about 30 minutes at an easy pace. The terrain is flat and well marked, so no fitness level or hiking experience is required — this is a stroll, not a mountain trek. The same path also works for jogging, running or cycling, which is why it draws both Sunday-afternoon families and locals training on their own schedule.

When is the best time to visit?

The path is walkable pretty much year-round, since flat terrain doesn't turn into a problem in bad weather. The most rewarding time to go is a day or two after a heavy rainfall, when the Sušica streambed actually fills with water and the waterfall is genuinely running. During the dry summer months the bed is often completely empty, but the greenery and the views toward the Grobnik Alps still make the walk worthwhile.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sušica trail difficult? No — it's a flat, well-maintained loop just over 2 km long, walkable in about 30 minutes. No hiking experience or special preparation is needed.

Can you bring children or a dog? Yes. The route is built with families in mind, with a playground and rest benches along the way, and dogs are welcome.

Where does the walk start? The usual starting point is the bridge over the Zala stream in Rastočine, roughly 2.5 km from the roundabout in Dražice. The loop connects Dražice, Podkilavac and Jelenje.

Does the Sušica stream flow all year? No, it's a seasonal stream — it only fills up after heavier rainfall, and its bed is dry the rest of the time, which is actually where its name comes from.