Turčić

Turčić is a mountain peak rising above the village of Rastovača in Croatia's Lika-Senj County, right on the edge of Plitvice Lakes National Park. At 801 metres above sea level, it forms part of a small ridge known as Medvjeđak, alongside the taller summits of Oštri Medvjeđak (884 m) and Tupi Medvjeđak (868 m).

Where exactly is Turčić?

The peak sits near the locality of Palež, at roughly 44.898° N, 15.626° E, directly adjacent to Rastovača — a small settlement of fewer than a hundred residents within the Plitvička Jezera municipality. Rastovača itself lies at about 502 metres of elevation, some 45 km northeast of Gospić and over 55 km from the Adriatic coast, making it a typical inland mountain village of the Lika region.

How do you get to Turčić?

Rastovača serves as one of the entry points (Ulaz 1) for hiking trails leading into the Medvjeđak ridge. From here, a marked footpath climbs toward Oštri Medvjeđak, passing directly over Turčić along the way — the full crossing takes roughly three hours on foot. The route is well known among local hiking clubs and is treated as a quieter alternative to the busier trails inside the national park itself.

What will you see along the way?

The path over Turčić runs through classic Lika scenery: mixed beech and fir forest, limestone outcrops breaking through the treeline, and occasional open views across the surrounding hills and valleys. The Korana River, which originates in the Plitvice Lakes system, flows through the wider Plitvička Jezera municipality nearby — a useful landmark for the region, even though the summit of Turčić itself sits well above the riverbed, higher up in the mountain terrain.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring through early autumn (May to October) is the most reliable window for hiking Turčić, when trails are dry and passable and temperatures in the Lika highlands suit longer treks. In winter the area frequently sees snow cover and demands proper preparation, since the region has a distinctly mountainous, continental climate with cold winters.

Why detour from the main Plitvice route?

Most visitors to Plitvice Lakes stay focused on the lakes and waterfalls themselves, overlooking the mountain ridges that surround them. Turčić and neighbouring Medvjeđak offer a different perspective on the park and the wider Lika region — seen from above, away from the crowds, surrounded by forest quiet. It's a solid option for travellers near Plitvice who want more than a walk along the wooden boardwalks.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Turčić? The peak reaches 801 metres above sea level, the lowest of the three main summits on the Medvjeđak ridge, alongside Oštri Medvjeđak (884 m) and Tupi Medvjeđak (868 m).

Is Turčić inside Plitvice Lakes National Park? The peak lies immediately next to the park, near the Ulaz 1 entrance at Rastovača, on trails that lead into the Medvjeđak ridge.

How long does the hike to Turčić take from Rastovača? The trail crossing Turčić on the way to Oštri Medvjeđak takes roughly three hours of walking.

Can you stay overnight in Rastovača before the hike? Rastovača is a small village in the Plitvička Jezera municipality, close to the national park's main entrances, making it a convenient base for heading into the surrounding mountains, including Turčić.