Istarske toplice

Between Buzet and Motovun, which almost compete who has more medieval charm, lies a health spa Istarske toplice with massages, saunas and swimming pools, but the climber‘s gaze will drift to the rocks that surround the spa. You should come here, if only to hike around – the paths are great, while the scenery and the view are one of the best.

Drive along the old town of Buzet (on a hill to your left), beside the Mirna river in the direction of Motovun, Novigrad and Buje. Istarske toplice are well sign-posted – the turn is on your right.

For sector Frat turn left a couple meters before, go over the bridge, park and continue on a walking trail , that splits left for Majeri. Walk until a prominent left hairpin bend. When it turns right again take a small path left and uphill towards the crag.
For Hallelujah caves drive through the spa to the right side. Park without blocking anything. The approach starts on the side of the wire fence on the right and goes straight and steeply uphill.

Most crags are sunny, even though you can always find some shade. Hallelujah caves and Frat tend to get wet after rain. Rain in Hallelujah cave is not a problem, which is not the case elsewhere – but you will get soaked while walking there, and the path gets quite slippery. Best times are still spring and autumn and sunny winter days.

Rock quality in Istarske toplice is good. The bases of all crags are nice and large.

When it gets warm the snakes may come out. These timid creatures shouldn‘t scare you too much. And, since you are here – why not jump into a healing thermal bath or wrap yourself in mud bandages, after a nice massage.

Istarske toplice is a crag that offers all climbing styles. Depending on where you intend to climb. In some routes the bolts can be far apart.