Exploring Croatia’s hills and mountains in January doesn’t mean giving up comfort. Quite the opposite — some of the most rewarding winter walks are those that end at a welcoming mountain hut, where a warm room, the smell of home-cooked food and a friendly atmosphere await. These destinations combine gentle or moderate hiking trails with mountain lodges that remain open on weekends even in mid-winter, offering travellers a perfect balance of outdoor adventure and cosy refuge.
Medvednica: Lipa, Glavica–Kladeščica and Cerinski Vrh
Just above Zagreb, Medvednica Nature Park is a reliable winter escape, with a dense network of well-marked trails and several mountain huts open throughout January.Mountain Hut Lipa is a favourite for families and casual walkers, easily reached by gentle forest paths and well known for its relaxed atmosphere and traditional dishes.
Mountain Hut Glavica–Kladeščica offers a peaceful forest setting and is a popular stop on longer ridge walks across Medvednica.
Mountain Hut Cerinski Vir appeals to hikers seeking quieter trails and a more secluded mountain-hut experience, complete with hearty food and a warm stove.
Klek: A Mountain of Legends
Rising above the town of Ogulin, Mount Klek is famous for its dramatic cliffs and rich folklore. Even in January, its lower and mid-level trails are inviting for winter walks.The Mountain Hut Klek remains open during winter, welcoming hikers with warm interiors and filling, home-style meals — a comforting contrast to the mountain’s wild appearance.
Omanovac: Easy Winter Walks in Western Slavonia
The Omanovac Mountain Hut, located above Pakrac, is a popular year-round destination. Its surrounding trails are well suited for relaxed winter walks, and the hut is known for its friendly hosts and homemade food, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a gentle outdoor experience in January.Dalmatian Mountains: Mosor and Biokovo
Winter hiking in Dalmatia offers a striking contrast of rugged mountains, open skies and distant sea views — and even in January, warm mountain huts await those who make the climb.On Mosor Mountain, the Umberto Girometta Mountain Hut remains open to winter hikers exploring stone paths and exposed slopes above Split. Its welcoming interior and simple, home-style food provide a comforting pause in an otherwise raw and dramatic landscape.
Farther south, rising above the Makarska Riviera, Biokovo delivers one of Croatia’s most impressive mountain experiences. Mountain Hut Vošac, open in January, sits high above the coast and rewards hikers with sweeping views over the Adriatic Sea and nearby islands. A warm meal here, paired with the vastness of the surroundings, makes the journey especially memorable.
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