RISNJAK is a forested mountain massif situated not far from the City of Rijeka and which takes its name from the lynx (Croatian: ris), the mountain’s best-known resident. Risnjak National Park extends across and up an area rising from 300 to 1500 metres above sea level. As a result of its position at the junction between the Julian Alps and the Dinaric Alps, and between the Mediterranean and Pannonia, almost all types of forest, as well as many plant and animal species, are to be found within this relatively small area. The beauty of the forest, the karst phenomena, attractive springs and magnificent views attract countless hikers and other lovers of nature to Risnjak. The area around the highest peak of the massif is a magnet for mountaineers, the main visitors to the national park. Risnjak’s summit is equally attractive whatever the season: in winter, when it is blanketed with snow; in spring, when the meadowlands are transformed into flower gardens; in summer, when it provides refuge from the summer heat at nearby seaside resorts, and in autumn, when the forest is resplendent with a wide variety of hues. The park is also well known for its wealth of fauna, featuring (apart from the lynx - its ”trademark”) brown bear, marten dormouse and many, many more. Although there was a period during which the lynx came close to extinction, since 1974 this fascinating animal has increased considerably in numbers. Risnjak is also celebrated for the magnificent views presented from its numerous peaks of the Bay of Kvarner, of the mountains in neighbouring Slovenia and of the Alps. Bordering the national park are the first few kilometres of the course of the River Kupa that sets out from here on its 300 km-long journey to the Pannonian Plain. In its upper course the Kupa is a fast-flowing, clear mountain river with numerous rapids, making it popular with white-water enthusiasts. It is also a river most favoured by anglers, and especially fly-fishermen, as it abounds in trout. Its magnificent wellspring, issuing from beneath a high rock is one of the most beautiful of its kind in the country.