good for you

Set within the Ucka Park of Nature is this charming 200-year-old stone cottage that has been carefully restored to within an inch of its former self. Once home to a farming family and their 150 sheep, the traditional "Dvors" (stone cottage) now forms the heart of Ucka Lodge, Croatia's newest eco-retreat.

With UK owners, this lodge has only recently opened and as such accommodation options are currently limited to one double and two twin bedrooms. Plans are underway however, to construct a number of cabins in the local style that will provide standard and deluxe accommodation.

Within the main stone building is a reception and cosy bar area with a variety of local reading material on offer. Here is where you'll also find the restaurant that comes with an Istrian-style fireplace that is used to cook on in the cooler months.

The lodge is ideal for nature lovers as the surrounding countryside is crying out to be explored whether that is on two feet or two wheels.

good for croatia

This lovely stone cottage has been carefully restored to create a unique education eco-tourism destination in the area. The building was renovated according to strict conservation guidelines and the additional cottages are being built by local craftsmen using traditional skills and materials.

Solar panels have been installed to meet the lodge's electricity needs and rain water is actively collected. There are no baths here, only showers, and a dual flush system has been installed on the toilets in order to decrease water consumption. All effluence is processed by the use of a bio plant processor which produces grey water that can then be used for irrigation.

Rooms

Food

A continental breakfast, full lunch and dinner are served in the main restaurant. Packed lunches are available for walkers and cyclists.

Evening meals consist of hearty country fare such as chicken with lemon and garlic, lamb casserole with garlic and broad beans and beef polpettes with mozzarella and tomato - perfect after a day walking in the mountains.

Special diets, including vegetarians, can be catered for.

Features & Facilities

• Ensuite bathrooms
• Airport transfer available
• Full range of activities on offer in the local area.
• Full restaurant facilities

See Local Info for more info on activities in the local area.

Local Info & Activities

There is a lot to do in the surrounding areas and your hosts are perfectly placed to organise just about any activity for you or just offer advice and suggestions.

Cycling There are eight cycle routes to pick from ranging from easy to more difficult and ranging in length from 12km to 25.7km. The various trails take you through earthen and gravel paths to asphalt roads through exquisite landscapes, villages and woodlands. Some of the more extreme routes have intense descents and ascents. As well as being well sign posted, you will receive a map to accompany you on your bike trail.

Walking Ucka Park of Nature itself encompasses villages and archaeological findings dating back to the 12th century B.C. For bird watchers Ucka Park has over 70 species of nesting birds and if you are lucky you may be able to see the Griffon Vulture (Gypus Fulvus) or the Golden Eagle (Aquila Chrysaetos) soar above you.

Baredine Jama-Grotta This underground kingdom houses beautiful stalagmite and stalactite formations. Along with the marvellous 10 meter long hanging "curtains" there are some life-like statues including: a torchbearer, Virgin Mary, a snowman and the leaning tower of Pisa. For the more adventurous, guided tours with the professional speleology (caving) society are available

Horseback Riding Enjoy the colourful, striking views and local wildlife while on horseback with your very own "Park Ranger". Trails have been picked for their abundance of vegetation and wildlife. There are tours for all levels of experience. Horse and cart trips to and from Ucka Lodge are also in planning.

Cultural & City Tours Tours to the cities of Pazin, Zagreb, Opatija and Pul are available. Explore castles, museums, amphitheatres, shops, casinos, markets and more. Throughout the year festivals are held in local towns which show traditional dress, music, games and food. Your hosts can advise on dates.

Vela Draga Not for the faint of heart is this rock climbing Mecca. Vela Draga has been a renowned climbing site since 1931 and now boasts 60 mapped climbing routes with the highest 'tower' climbing 100 metres above ground.

Balloon Ride Get a bird's eye view of the surroundings with a hot air balloon ride.

Game Fishing Charter your own boat and sail out in the clear blue seas of the Adriatic. All your equipment will be supplied alongside a well-seasoned skipper. This area is home to a multitude of fish ranging from the sea bass, spiny dogfish, needlefish, bluefin tuna and the truly magnificent swordfish, a bag any fisherman would be proud of. Trips are suitable for both novices to the accomplished fisherman.

Sustainability

The lodge has been renovated according to strict conservation guidelines and the additional cottages are being built by local craftsmen using traditional skills and materials.

Solar panels have been installed to meet the lodge's electricity needs and rain water is actively collected. There are no baths here, only showers, and a dual flush system has been installed on the toilets in order to decrease water consumption. All effluence is processed by the use of a bio plant processor which produces grey water that can then be used for irrigation.

The open fire in the main building consumes wood cleared from the forest and set aside traditional coppice area on the land, which in turn encourages a wider variety of wildlife.

The lodge has already installed 25 bird boxes for nesting birds and has an ongoing programme for wildlife conservation, the next stage being the installation of bat boxes.

The owners purchase green products where ever possible, recycle and try to purchase biodegradable products.

Even though the lodge has solar panels, they still use energy saving light bulbs and censor light switches.

DVDs about traditional building (straw bale), earth ships and permaculture are available for guests to watch.

The owners are working with a new park ranger to help promote local culture and are working with him as a consultant on a new map of the park to promote places of interest within the park.

Getting There

Ucka Lodge is situated at Brest Lupoglav Istria. Arriving by air the nearest airports are Pula and Rijeka. From Pula you can get a train to Lupoglav changing in Pazin and a bus runs from Rijeks airport into Rijeka and from there, there is a bus to Lupoglav. If driving, take the A3, turn off at the exit for Lupoglav and then take the turning for Lanisce. Take the Brest turning and carry on until you are in Brest pod Uckum where you turn up the mountain road at the crucifix and carry on until you reach Ucka Lodge. The lodge also do an airport pickup service.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

All prices are in UK Pound Sterling (£), based on two people sharing and include breakfast. Rates do not include tourist tax.

accommodation

Three night stay £270 per room

Seven night stay £500 per room

• There is a minimum 3 night stay.
• Bed & Breakfast rates are inclusive of accommodation and breakfast.
• All additional activities and excursions require an additional fee.
• Transfers to and from the airport require an addition fee.
• Rates do not include tourist tax.

booking & cancellation policy

• Bookings are confirmed on the payment of a 15% deposit and an additional £50.00 per person.
• The balance is payable 10 weeks before arrival date. If bookings are made within 10 weeks before arrival date, full payment is required at time of booking.
• Cancellations made 70 days or more before arrival date will result in the forfeiture of £50.00 p/person + 10% deposit.
• Cancellations made 35-69 days before arrival date will result in the loss of 60% of total cost of stay.
• Cancellations made between 0-34 days before arrival date will result in 100% of cost of stay being charged.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.