Impressive new interpretive path in Croatia’s Bakar area opens

New interpretive path in the Bakar area (Photo: Bakar Tourist Board)

From the Famous Vineyards Straight to the Prehistory

Traditionally, the First of May in the Kvarner area offers an abundance of tourist content. This year it has been enriched by the opening of the interpretive spot and an adjoined path above Bakar, or a tiny pearl of great stories, as is often called.

Črni Vrh Praputnjak View (Photo: Bakar Tourist Board)

A Monument to Perseverance

The most important part of the path is located near the Bakarski Prezidi and the site of Takale. Here, famous terrace vineyards had been planted since the 18th century, covering the steep eastern coast of Bakar Bay. In 1972, this monument to human perseverance has been protected as a significant landscape – the first one in Croatia!

Črni Vrh Path (Photo: Bakar Tourist Board)

For generations, grapes of Takale have been used for the production of the Bakarska Vodica, a sweet sparkling wine made by the so-called méthode rurale technique.

(Photo: Bakar Tourist Board)

At one point, not only did this exceptional tradition had been dead, but was also smashed down by the symbolism of the „bakarska vodica“, the term under which a cheap sparkling wine used to be made during the second half of the 20th century.

At the beginning of the 21st century, the production of the genuine Bakarska Vodica, and the Takale vineyard restoration have been conducted, thanks to the efforts of the Dolčina Agriculture Cooperative from the nearby town of Praputnjak.

Bakarska Vodica (Photo: Bakar Tourist Board)

By visiting this magical place, not only you will immerse yourself in an exceptional story and one of the most beautiful views in Kvarner Bay, but will also contribute to the revitalization of the heritage, which has been through a lot during its two and a half centuries.

(Photo: Bakar Tourist Board)

A Walk to the Prehistory

Speaking of which, for a moment the future of the second part of the newly opened walkway did not seem bright either. Fortunately, instead into a highway route, the rugged slope between Takale and the nearby Črni Vrh area (Črni Vrh being The Black Summit in English) has been turned into a short but insightful trail that will introduce you to the secrets of Mediterranean herbs.

Črni Vrh View (Photo: Bakar Tourist Board)

Moreover, here as well you will come across several beautiful viewpoints towards the Kvarner Bay on one side and the hilly hinterland and picturesque villages such as Praputnjak and Hreljin on the other.

Besides being the crossroad between the sea and the mountains, the Takale-Črni Vrh path can also be seen as a small walk into prehistory, since it leads us through a triple belt of ancient Illyric fortress remains. In other words, experience for everyone – young and old, history buffs, wine connoisseurs, photographers, and botanists, all in one place!

(Photo: Bakar Tourist Board)

The importance of the path has been stressed by Sonja Jelušić Marić, Bakar Tourist Board Manager: „We are happy that after several years of preparations, this project finally comes to life, thanks to the cooperation of our creative associates and partners. Now we have not only a walkway but a reminder of the earnest work our ancestors had done, making this heritage for us.“

(Photo: Bakar Tourist Board)

The project has been finalized with the help of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, the Croatian Tourist Board, and the Kvarner Tourist Board. Naturally, among financial supporters was the Town of Bakar as well, with the mayor Tomislav Klarić also attending the opening day.