language

    Horvat’s 500 steps

    Deep in the lush greenery on the northern side of Medvednica lies one of the mountain's most unique spots – Horvat’s 500 steps.

    While they’ve become a popular hiking destination, the story behind them goes far beyond just the number.

    In the 1930s, Vladimir Horvat, a Zagreb-based hiker, journalist and passionate Medvednica enthusiast, discovered a hidden karst landscape near Hunjka, with the help of forester Mijo Pliško. When he first laid eyes on the cave, now known as Medvednica cave, nestled at the foot of the rock, he instantly knew a trail had to be built here so everyone could enjoy this stunning corner of the mountain. However, it wasn’t until after World War II that he received the green light to bring his vision to life – and that’s when his seven-year journey began.

    From 1946 to 1953, Vladimir Horvat, with occasional help from local youths, built 500 stone steps—first leading to Medvednica cave, and then continuing all the way to the Bistri Jarek stream, where he created a resting spot called Srnec. While the benches remain today, the shelter has since fallen into disrepair. Still, the cool shade and the soothing sound of the stream provide a perfect place to rest.

    Each step tells its own story. At the tenth step, you’ll find the “Dwarf’s cave”, a small crack filled with dwarf figurines that especially delight children. But keep in mind that access can be slippery and tricky, so take extra care. At step 70, you'll reach a beautiful viewpoint, and by step 270, you’ll arrive at the “My Bow” rock and the beginning of the cliffside. A little further, above a gorge covered in branches, stands an old yew tree – known as Tisin ponor (Yew’s gorge). At step 400, you’ll come across two caves, including the Medvednica cave itself, accessible yet also quite mystical, with a natural “chimney” in the ceiling.

    Horvat’s steps remain one of the most charming spots to discover on Medvednica –whether you're a hiker, an explorer or just a curious wanderer. The easiest access is via trail no. 1 from Hunjka, and as you descend the steps, it’s hard not to feel a sense of respect for the man who built them with love, perseverance and a belief that nature should be accessible to all.

    This is a place well worth experiencing – but be sure to visit on a sunny or at least dry day. In rain, snow or ice, these magical steps can become very slippery and demanding, so it’s best to wait for better weather.

    See also

    Horvat’s 500 steps

    Deep in the lush greenery on the northern side of Medvednica lies one of the mountain's most unique spots – Horvat’s 500 steps.

    Brestovac sanatorium

    Deep in the woods of Medvednica, the haunting ruins of Brestovac sanatorium still hold one of Zagreb’s most remarkable stories.

    The bats of Sljeme

    As the sun slips behind the peaks of Sljeme and the forest settles into stillness, a new world awakens. Out from the treetops come the quiet flyers of the night – bats, gliding silently through the dusk.

    Vila Rebar

    As you wander through the dense forest above Dolje and step onto trail no. 17, you'll eventually stumble upon the quiet crumbling remains of what was once a grand villa.

    Sljeme Tunnel

    On your way up to Sljeme, hidden beneath the green slopes of Medvednica, lies an intriguing piece of history – the old Sljeme tunnel.

    The Forester’s Grave

    Tucked away in a quiet green clearing beneath a 12-metre cliff – where the Bliznec stream bubbles up with fresh drinking water – you’ll find a place known as the Forester’s Grave.