Stari Laz: Cycling Routes and Local History

Cycling, hiking and local history give you several concrete starting points for planning a trip to Stari Laz. The “Following the Path of Berries” MTB route passes through the village; the Camino Gorski kotar passes the Church of Saint Stephen the King. Another approach leads along an unmarked forest path to nearby Dedinski Vrh. These different options can help you tailor your plans to your chosen activity and the character of the route.

History and the Church

Around 1632, Stari Laz was one of the settlements in this area where Gašpar Frankopan settled people from Bosnia. From 1726, the historic Karolina Road was built in the wider Ravna Gora area; it connected Karlovac with Bakar. These two historical reference points relate to different contexts: the settlements around 1632 involved Stari Laz and other villages, while the road connected Karlovac and Bakar at a regional level.

The Church of Saint Stephen the King in Stari Laz was built in 1912. The Camino Gorski kotar passes by the church in the village. For travelers interested in history, the year of construction provides a specific point of reference; the church is also a named landmark along the route.

A report dated June 11, 2025, describes Kraljevo, Stari Laz’s village day, as a celebration held on August 16 or the first Sunday after that feast day. According to the report, visitors are served portions of beans. If you’re planning a trip for the occasion, check the specific event dates in advance.

Cycling and hiking routes in Stari Laz

The “Following the Path of Berries” MTB route follows a loop from Ravna Gora through Stari Laz. It is 33.5 km long, with a total elevation gain of 670 m. Its stated difficulty ratings are 3/5 for physical difficulty and 2/5 for technical difficulty. The two ratings therefore distinguish between physical and technical demands. Check current route conditions before setting out.

Before setting out on the Camino Gorski kotar, check current route conditions and trail markers. From Stari Laz, a forest path between the fire station and the Church of Saint Stephen leads to nearby Dedinski Vrh. The approach is described as taking about 30 minutes: first across meadows, then into the forest. The path is unmarked. Take this into account when planning, and distinguish this access route from the described routes.

More travel options in the wider destination of Općina Ravna Gora

For broader trip planning, you can also include the wider destination of Općina Ravna Gora. The 761 “Rivers of life” road route starts in Ravna Gora and is 66 km long. Its route type and distance differ from those of the 33.5 km “Following the Path of Berries” MTB loop, which passes through Stari Laz. The HPS-listed Ravna Gora–Javorova Kosa trail has a stated walking time of 0.45 hours. These details offer different points of reference: a road route, an MTB loop with distance and elevation information, and a walking time for the HPS trail.

The Plodovi gorja educational trail is also in the wider destination of Općina Ravna Gora. It is short and suitable for the whole family because of its gentle ascent. Information boards share knowledge about the vegetation of Gorski kotar, including trees, shrubs, mushrooms, medicinal plants and berries. This adds a nature-focused subject to the routes, in the context of this wider destination.

Discover more destinations: Stara Sušica, Kupjak, Ravna Gora, Zalesina

View the wider travel guide: Općina Ravna Gora.