Veliki Makovnik

Veliki Makovnik is a modest mountain peak in Croatia, rising within the Mala Kapela range a few kilometers south of Modruš, near the hamlet of Sabljaki Modruški. It suits travelers looking for a quiet, forested corner of the Lika region, away from the crowds that gather on the better-known Kapela summits.

Where is Veliki Makovnik located?

The peak sits at roughly 45.1°N, 15.27°E, within the Josipdol municipality in Karlovac County. It lies just under 4 kilometers south, as the crow flies, from Modruš, the former seat of the powerful Frankopan noble family. Its smaller neighbor, Mali Makovnik, sits about 1.3 kilometers away, and together the two summits form a natural pair of landmarks for anyone crossing this stretch of forested terrain.

The surrounding area falls under the Josipdol forest management unit, run by the Ogulin branch of Hrvatske šume (Croatian Forests). The Makovnik section alone covers nearly 4,000 hectares and ranks among the most productive forest complexes in Mala Kapela, which explains the dense, well-preserved tree cover across the slopes.

How do you get to Veliki Makovnik?

Most visitors start from Ogulin, from where local roads lead toward Modruš and onward to Josipdol. From Modruš, the easiest continuation is along forest roads heading south toward the Sabljaki Modruški hamlet, which marks the practical starting point for reaching the peak. The route runs through terrain typical of Mala Kapela — mixed beech and fir forest, crossed by working forest roads used by the local forestry service.

It's worth carrying a hiking map or a GPS track before setting out, since the summit isn't among the region's most heavily signposted hiking destinations. This is better suited to travelers comfortable navigating forest terrain independently than to those expecting a fully marked, ready-made trail.

What will you see along the way?

The landscape around Veliki Makovnik is classic Lika scenery — forested hills, shallow valleys, and working clearings. From the higher stretches of the slope, gaps in the tree cover open onto views of the neighboring ridges of Mala Kapela and the valley toward Modruš. This is a place valued more for its quiet, natural character than for sweeping panoramas — the forest's stillness and the rhythm of forestry work set the tone.

Modruš itself, at the foot of the range, is worth a separate stop — it was the historical seat of the Frankopan family, one of Croatia's most powerful noble dynasties in the 14th and 15th centuries, adding a layer of regional history to the trip.

When is the best time to visit?

May through October is the best window, when forest roads are dry and easy to travel and days are long enough for unhurried exploration. Spring and autumn show the forest at its most scenic, while summer visitors should start early to avoid midday heat on exposed stretches of the route. Winter access can be difficult due to conditions on the unpaved forest roads.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Veliki Makovnik? It's a peak in the Mala Kapela range, within Josipdol municipality, about 4 km south of Modruš, near the Sabljaki Modruški hamlet.

Is the peak marked with hiking trails? No, it isn't a popular, fully signposted trail — bring a map or GPS track and treat the trip as independent forest exploration.

How far is it from Ogulin? Ogulin is the natural starting point, with local roads running through Modruš toward Josipdol and on to the Makovnik area.

What pairs well with a visit to Veliki Makovnik? A stop in Modruš, the historic seat of the Frankopan family, at the base of the range, is the obvious complement.