Klanac: Cycling Routes, Horse Riding and Cultural Heritage

A trip to Klanac can be planned around three specific interests: cycling, horse riding and cultural heritage. Three cycling routes pass through the village, horseback rides are available at Ranč Klanac, and the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands in Klanac. About two kilometres away is a scenic stretch of the Lika River canyon. Anyone looking for hotels in Klanac can take these different themes into account when planning their stay.

Cycling on Three Routes

Velikana II runs from Gospić through Smiljan, Bužim, Kalinovača, Aleksinica, Klanac and Veliki Žitnik, and then back to Gospić. Its total length is 36.7 kilometres, with a total elevation gain of 66 metres. On the Jezero route, Klanac comes after Smiljan and before Kaluđerovac; the loop continues via Mušaluk and Lički Osik back to Gospić. Its total length is 33.14 kilometres.

The Jezero loop is therefore shorter than the 36.7-kilometre Velikana II. The Štirovača loop also passes through Klanac: from Gospić, it runs via Smiljan, Klanac, Aleksinica, Pazarište, Štirovača, Kugina Kuća, Jadovno and Trnovac before returning to Gospić. This lets you compare the two stated total distances and also take Velikana II’s total elevation gain into account; the sequences of places distinguish the three routes from one another.

Horse Riding and Landscape

Ranč Klanac is located in the village of Klanac, near Gospić. Horseback rides through unspoilt nature are available there. Another scenic point of interest is the stretch of the Lika River canyon, about two kilometres from Klanac.

When water levels are low in summer, the foundations and ruins of the submerged village can become visible at the artificial Kruščica Lake. These include the church, houses, plots of land and a road. The visibility of the remains depends on the water level during the summer.

Sport fishing is also possible at Kruščica Lake. Fish species include trout, pike, carp, catfish, tench and chub. Particularly large specimens of catfish, carp and pike are highlighted. The lake therefore offers both the seasonal experience of seeing the visible village remains and fishing for its various fish species.

Cultural Heritage in Klanac

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands roughly in the centre of Klanac, at a crossroads on elevated ground. It was built in 1842 in the Neoclassical style, is protected cultural property and belongs to the sacral-profane cultural heritage. Its construction date and architectural style provide a specific historical context for a visit; its location places it within the village.

Another protected site is Šević jama in Klanac. It is protected as a memorial site and immovable cultural property. Together with the church, it offers another way to explore the history and cultural heritage of the area: one is a memorial site, the other a church building constructed in 1842 in the Neoclassical style.

Discover more destinations: Donje Pazariste, Trnovac, Mogorić, Smiljan, Bužim, Budak, Ostrvica, Gospić.

For the overview of the wider area: Općina Gospić.