Ivan Pačkovski mountain hut – Puntijarka

At an altitude of 957 metres, Puntijarka is the second highest peak of Medvednica, also known for its radar station.

Just below the summit, along Sljeme Road, sits a mountain hut on the site where a student retreat was meant to be built after World War II. Although that plan never came to life, the Zagreb Mountaineering Society took over the location in 1954. It was thanks to the dedication of Ivan Pačkovski – an avid mountaineer and president of the society at the time – that the mountain hut was built. It now bears his name, though most people simply know it as Puntijarka.

Today, Puntijarka is the most well-known and busiest mountain hut on Medvednica, welcoming hikers and day-trippers all year round. The large outdoor area, lined with plenty of benches, is a perfect place to enjoy the mountain atmosphere — and on sunny days it becomes a lively gathering spot. While it's not possible to stay overnight, the hut features three welcoming dining rooms, where you can savour hearty homemade fare – from bean stews to freshly baked strudels and savoury pies.

Whether you're dropping in for a quick pitstop or looking for a well-earned meal, you’ll find great food, a warm atmosphere and good company in nature.

Puntijarka is easy to reach via the popular hiking trails no. 18 (Bikčevićeva) and no. 19 from Bliznec, or by car or bus (line 140 from Mihaljevac).

Hiking trails leading to the destination:
Hiking trail no. 18 + hiking trail no. 64 + hiking trail no. 21 – 2:30 h
Hiking trail no. 19 – 1:30 h

Distance to:
Lugarnica Mala Hunjka (hiking trail no. 108) – 0:40 h
Sljeme (hiking trail no. 21) – 1:20 h
PD Runolist (hiking trail no. 107) – 0:30 h

Food and drinks:	YES
Accommodation:	NO
Pets:	Indoors NO, on the terrace YES
Vehicle access:	Take the Sljeme road to the junction below Činovnička livada, then follow the right fork towards Stubičke Toplice (the lodge is on the right side of the road).
Parking:	YES
Storage for hiking equipment:	NO
Accessible for people with disabilities:	NO
First aid kit:	YES
Children's playground / Facilities for children and families:	YES

Radno vrijeme: PON - PET: 9:00 – 18:00; VIKEND I PRAZNICI: 7:00 – 20:00

Mail: puntijarkazagreb@gmail.com

What to eat?

Barbecue

Barbecue is the method of preparing meat over an open flame or hot coals. Common choices include ćevapi, pljeskavice (burgers), sausages, skewers, marinated chicken, pork neck or chops. A mixed meat platter is a popular option, often accompanied by ajvar or kajmak.

Smoked pork knuckle

Buncek is the local name for a smoked and cured pork shank. This cut of meat needs long cooking to become tender but once ready, it’s a delicious specialty often added to stews or served on its own with sauerkraut and roasted or mashed potatoes.

Stuffed cabbage rolls

A dish of long-simmered rolls of fermented cabbage leaves filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice and spices is the most popular winter food. It is served in the flavourful broth they were cooked in, with paprika and chopped cabbage, and always with mashed potatoes.

Bean stew

A thick and simple stew made from beans, with some onion, carrots, smoked meat and spices, is the most common hiker’s meal. It’s available year-round and especially comforting in winter with added sausage or smoked pork and sauerkraut.

Stara lugarnica

If you wander a little deeper into the forest, to the spot where hikers once warmed their hands by the fire and watched the first light of dawn, you’ll find Stara Lugarnica (Old Forester’s Lodge). It’s not just a bistro, but a piece of mountain history.

#Where to eat

Grofica restaurant

A walk across Sljeme gets even better when it ends with a delicious meal – and Grofica certainly delivers.

#Where to eat