Flora

Forests were the main reason which prompted the authorities to establish a national park in Risnjak. What other regions offer over large areas, Risnjak offers in an area of some 30 sq. km, thanks to its strategic geographical position. The whole of Gorski Kotar reflects four kinds of vegetation influences: coastal vs. continental and Dinaric vs. Alpine. Thus, in the national park alone, 30 plant communities have been identified, ten of which are forest communities.

The largest part of the national park (about two thirds of the total area) is under beech and fir (Fagetum croaticum abietetosum). Such forests extend from the lowest altitudes to 1200m. Individual specimens of spruce (Picea excelsa), sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) and wych elm (Ulmus glabra) are also found in the same belt.

Altitude above 1200 m is zone of subalpine beech (Fagetum croaticum subalpinum), the second most widespread forest community in the national park (526 hectares).

Shrublike beech trees are accompanied in the highest zone by mountain pine trees (Pinus mugus).