Only 18km northeast of Rijeka, Risnjak National Park is one of Croatia's loveliest national parks, thick with forests, meadows and wildlife. The cracks, sinkholes, caves and abysses make the karstic terrain much more interesting than your basic park and the underground streams render it more changeable. You'll also find ancient coniferous forests, subalpine and alpine flora. Animal life includes bear, chamois, Alpine deer and wild boar.

You don't need to be an alpinist to enjoy Risnjak even though the highest peak rises to a dizzying 1528metres. There are several easy walks to take through the woods and signposts in English help explain the geological, botanical and zoological curiosities.