Hajducka Vrata

Hajducka Vrata, the outlaws' gate, is a natural arch in the limestone of the Cvrsnica ridge at around 1,800 metres above the Blidinje plateau, a window in the rock framing the view through to the Dugo polje on the other side, and it is the best-known feature of the massif. The walk up from the plateau takes three hours or so on a marked route over karst and scree, exposed and without water, and the ridge beyond continues to the Plocno summit at 2,228 metres, the high point of Cvrsnica. The Bosnian pine grows in twisted stands on the approach. Weather on the ridge changes quickly and the karst is hard on ankles.

The landscape

• The rock arch - the window in the limestone ridge.
• The Cvrsnica ridge - the high karst spine of the massif.
• The Blidinje view - the plateau below on the approach.
• Bosnian pine - the endemic stands on the way up.

When to go

June to September, when the route is clear of snow; the ridge holds snow into early summer and is dangerous in winter. Start early, since afternoon storms build over the massif. Water must be carried.

Practical notes

The walk is a full day, steep, exposed and over rough karst with no water on the route. Weather changes fast and the ridge is dangerous in cloud. There is no rescue infrastructure. Marking is intermittent in places.

Nearby

Blidinje plateau lies below; Prenj is east across the Neretva.