Gornji Zagon – History and EuroVelo 8

Gornji Zagon lies near Novi Vinodolski in a peaceful rural setting. Houses and estates have been restored, and efforts are also being made to develop rural tourism. Two themes stand out for planning your trip: the history of the five hamlets and the Rijeka–Bater section of EuroVelo 8. This lets you decide whether you would prefer to explore historical connections to the area or include a cycling stage in your travel plans.

Understanding the roads and routes

The through road in Gornji Zagon was fully paved in 2019. From Bater, the route continues through the historic coastal hamlets of Krasnica, Kal, Trbotinj, Valač and Plužnica. Two road connections also help with orientation: ŽC5093 connects Gornji Zagon with Donji Zagon, while ŽC5219 connects Bribir with Gornji Zagon. The route from Bater through the hamlets and the road connections to Donji Zagon and Bribir are separate points of reference for getting there. Road conditions can change, so check them before travelling.

Cycling stage and overnight stays

The Rijeka–Bater section of EuroVelo 8 is 55 kilometres long and fully paved or surfaced with macadam. This distance applies to the entire stage; it is distinct from the road connections mentioned above, which link Gornji Zagon with Donji Zagon and Bribir, respectively. Overnight accommodation is available in Gornji Zagon along the stage. Check availability before your trip.

The five hamlets and their history

The historic collective name Gornje Zagonje refers to the settlements of Krasnica, Kal, Trbotinj, Valač and Plužnice. Oral tradition attributes the founding of these five settlements to 18 families. The period of settlement is a separate matter: Gornji Zagon’s villages were settled in the 17th century and abandoned in the 1970s. The oral account of their founding and these later dates offer two different perspectives on how the hamlets changed.

Chapels and the local landscape

The Church of Saint Anthony is one of Gornji Zagon’s historic buildings. Plužnica is also home to the newly built Chapel of Saint Anthony. Descendants of Gornji Zagon residents built it in 2020/2021. The chapel was created as a legacy for future generations and dedicated to the saint revered by the residents’ ancestors. The timeline thus spans from settlement in the 17th century to the chapel’s construction in 2020/2021: the places combine a long history of settlement with a more recent dedication looking to future generations.

Caring for the hamlets is also part of their history. In 2022, the Zavičajna udruga Plužnice worked on their restoration, cleaning, landscaping and improvement. This community effort adds a later initiative focused on the built and community heritage of the five hamlets to the history of settlement and chapel construction.

Discover more destinations: Luka Krmpotska, Novi Vinodolski, Ledenice, Donji Zagon, Povile, Bribir, Smokvica Krmpotska, Klenovica

Return to the main travel overview: Općina Novi Vinodolski.