Lošinj in the international Green Trails project: investing in sustainable and active tourism

The implementation of the project has started in the area of ​​Nerezin on the island of Lošinj Green Trails, international initiatives aimed at the development of sustainable and regenerative tourism through the improvement of infrastructure for outdoor activities.

The project is implemented within the framework of the program Interreg Slovenia - Croatia, and the total value is 1.574.628,34 euros, of which Lošinj participates with 428.359,50 euros. The project lasts 30 months, starting on March 1, 2026, and includes the development of recreational trails at the foot of Mount Osoršćica.

Improvement of trails at the foot of Osoršćica

As part of the project, the renovation of a total of 20 kilometers of hiking trails and 10 kilometers of cycling trails on existing routes in the Nerezine area. This is an area that includes the area of ​​shepherds' dwellings Halmac and Tržić, where elements of traditional architecture, dry stone walls, ponds, caves and wildlife habitats have been preserved.

The works include clearing and widening the corridors, removing rocks and vegetation, repairing drystone walls, and local landscaping and strengthening of the base. New visitor infrastructure will also be installed on the trails, including one photo point, five information boards, and a system of directional and safety signage.

Trail maps will be placed at the entrance points, and two rest areas with a total of four benches and two tables are planned. The planned routes will connect Nerezine and Osor and will connect to the Osoršćica mountain transversal.

Development of new tourism products

The project also includes additional activities aimed at the development of new tourist products in the segment of active tourism. Lošinj will acquire through the project five electric bicycles and two charging stations, which will be placed along the groomed paths.

It is also planned to create a map of a road cycling route that will connect Trbovlje and Mali Lošinj, as well as the development of a digital platform that will unify the tourist offer of all project partners. Digital totems will be installed at electric bike rental locations, through which visitors will be able to access multilingual information about cycling routes and other tourist attractions.

Partner cooperation and local community education

The project brings together partners from Croatia and Slovenia, including the Municipality of Trbovlje, the Public Institute for Tourism and Culture Kočevje, the Tourist Board of the City of Labin, OTRA, and the Tourist Board of the City of Mali Lošinj.

The project will develop a comprehensive strategy for a joint marketing approach and advertising under the 5 Green Trails* brand, and educational workshops and expert lectures for partners and local community representatives are also planned. The first such workshop will be held April 16th and 17th in Mali Lošinj, and will include examples of good practice from Croatia and Slovenia with an emphasis on the development of sustainable tourism. Special focus will be placed on the experiences of Lošinj as a destination that is the carrier of Golden Award for sustainable and responsible tourism.

Festival at the end of the project

After the project is completed, a joint event is planned. "5 STAR OUTDOOR FESTIVAL", which will present to the public the newly renovated trails and tourist products developed through the project.

The goal of the Green Trails project is to encourage the transition towards sustainable and regenerative tourism, strengthen the resilience of tourist destinations and improve the management of natural resources. In doing so, emphasis is placed on connecting tourism with the cultural and creative sector, as well as on the active involvement of the local community in the development of new tourist experiences.