This Krmpote hinterland route links four very different places above Novi Vinodolski: the high Sviba viewpoint, the Glass Chapel in Omar, the Celestial Labyrinths and the lower coastal panorama at Kuk. It suits independent drivers who enjoy quiet mountain roads and are prepared for uneven walking terrain and limited facilities.
Route at a glance
- Vidikovac Sviba — the highest and most open panorama of the day.
- Staklena kapelica in Omar — a short cultural stop with a historic stone cistern.
- Nebeski labirinti — the main walking section among ten stone labyrinths.
- Vidikovac Kuk — a lower view reconnecting the mountains with the coast.
Plan it as a flexible half- or full-day outing rather than a race against a fixed schedule. The exact duration depends on where you start, how long you walk at the labyrinths and current road conditions. Start in the morning or early afternoon and keep a generous reserve of daylight.
1. Begin at Vidikovac Sviba
At 753 metres, Sviba gives the route its strongest highland opening. Stop for the broad landscape rather than facilities: the platform is compact, the surroundings are exposed and the road itself is part of the experience. On our late-August visit the dry grass created a stark contrast with the distant blue of Kvarner.
2. Continue to the Glass Chapel
The Glass Chapel of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a small but memorable contrast to the natural landscape. Look at its glass-and-metal construction, then find the nearby circular stone cistern and interpretation boards. The panel states that the chapel is on private property, so follow current signs and keep the visit respectful.
3. Give the Celestial Labyrinths the most time
The ten Celestial Labyrinths are spread across a broad karst area. This is the stop most likely to expand: walking between the stone patterns, reading their names and pausing at sea views takes much longer than a quick look at a map suggests. The symbolic meanings belong to the creators; the observable pleasure is the quiet, fragrant forest and open highland landscape.
4. Finish at Vidikovac Kuk
Kuk, at 301 metres, is lower and visually closer to Klenovica, Povile, Novi Vinodolski and the Vinodol Valley. It makes a satisfying final stop because the coast becomes part of the picture again. Do not leave it so late that the narrow local road must be driven in darkness.
Driving and safety
- Use up-to-date navigation together with on-site tourist signs; do not depend on remembered turn-by-turn directions.
- The route includes older paved forest and mountain roads with narrow sections and occasional passing spaces.
- Carry water, food, sun protection and closed shoes.
- Do not assume cafés, toilets, fuel or reliable mobile coverage will be available between stops.
- Avoid the route in darkness, fog, strong wind, snow, ice or storms.
- Let the trip end early if the driver, passengers or weather make the next section uncomfortable.
Shorter versions
For culture and an easy walk, combine the Glass Chapel with the Celestial Labyrinths. For views with minimal walking, choose Sviba and Kuk. Families should judge the heat and uneven terrain realistically; there is no need to complete all four places for the trip to be worthwhile.
Our verdict
This is one of the most varied independent day trips close to Novi Vinodolski: two contrasting viewpoints, an unusual heritage object and a genuinely distinctive landscape walk. Its limitations—remote roads, limited services and dependence on daylight—are also what preserve its quiet character.
Route completed 25 August 2026; facts reviewed 5 September 2026. Check current road, weather and access conditions before departure.