Dear users,
Zones and numbers of all trails have been modified. Due to these modifications, possible differences in trail numbers may occur between the web site, maps and field labels. The adjustment period will run all through 2019 so we kindly ask for your patience and understanding. For correct information plese refer to our website where old trail numbers are listed as well to avoid confusion.

301 (ex 551) MINJERA

Minjera trail runs from Buzet to the abandoned medieval bauxite mines, which is why it is good to take a torch, when setting out on this trail. The torch comes in handy, if you want to explore the impressive old mines.

The trail starts south from Buzet on the bridge over Mirna River next to a parking space of Cimos factory. It heads west, downstream along a footpath which follows the river for about 4.3 km towards a bridge which carries the local road to Sovinjak and Sovinjština. About two hundred meters before the bridge, it reaches Minjera – an abandoned bauxite mine, which consists of up to fifty meters long horizontal excavations. It is believed that the bauxite seam was found by miners from Saxony who used to work in Venetian mines. According to the records, exploitation of the ore began in the 16th century, and the Venetian lieutenant Piretro Turini built here a real plant for processing of bauxite into sulphuric acid and alum, a chemical used for tanning of leather, at the end of the 18th century. The mine was closed in 1865. Still, besides the excavations, there are remains of the mine facilities, as well as the ruins of a nearby church of St. Peter (crkvica Sv. Petra) situated right next to the road to Sovinjak which remind us of the life in Minjera. From Minjera, the trail gradually ascends back to Buzet along a marked path. It runs through the woods for a kilometre and a half in the direction southeast up to a plateau just below Sovinjsko polje, and then it turns north and climbs up to a picturesque village of Podrebas with stone houses typical for the middle part of Grey Istria. Continuing through the village, the trail joins an asphalt road which leads to the bottom of the hill. Following the road, the trail passes cultivated fields, orchards and vineyards on its right, while on its left there is a view of the Mirna valley and a plateau called Veli Mlun which stretches along the opposite river bank. After 7.8 km, the trail leaves the road, turns east and continues along a path uphill up to the highest point of the plateau at 263 m (8.3 km). From this point on, the trail begins to descend gradually in the direction northeast towards the village of Maruškići and then runs through the village of Vrbanac. The village of Maruškići is surrounded by farmland and vineyards. The road then enters a wood, before eventually reaching the end at its starting point next to the bridge.

Highlights

Accommodation - Bike & Bed

Accommodation - Bike hotels

Bike shops

Assistance

Note: Map and trails on the website are informative and are to be used at one's own risk.