Grobnik

Grobnik, near Rijeka on the Croatian coast, sits inland at the Grobničko polje — a favourite of local pilots for its road access and the technical skill it demands. Because there's no ridge to lean on, thermal flying is required. Three takeoffs cover the massif: Žbelac, Mrtvak and Jazvina. Žbelac and Jazvina sit NE of the sport airfield and are the most-used. Mrtvak is the higher takeoff at 908 m ASL, oriented SE to SW, with the main thermal activity actually happening in front of the lower takeoff. Flyable year-round; the best thermals come in early spring when the mountains are still snow-covered but the fields below are clear.

Launch & conditions

Three takeoffs: Žbelac, Mrtvak and Jazvina. Žbelac and Jazvina sit NE of the sport airfield, reached by the road towards Platak ski resort; at one bend leave the car on the macadam road — left goes to Jazvina, right to Mrtvak. Mrtvak is the higher takeoff (908 m ASL), long enough, oriented SE to SW; main thermal activity is actually in front of the lower takeoff. Use the lower takeoff in westerly winds; use the higher takeoff in more southerly wind.

Getting there & local rules

Grobničko polje is near Rijeka, connected by the Rijeka–Zagreb highway. Landings: the airfield at 310 m ASL is the main LZ — you MUST contact the airfield operator before flying, since the airfield's operational airspace is the LZ. Approach over a small hill (Turčin) behind the hangars, and land only in the marked zone. Nearest alternative LZ is the shooting range below Žbelac, but avoid it — it's in military jurisdiction.

Local rules & hazards

DO NOT FLY in bora, N or NE wind! It is FORBIDDEN to enter the airfield's landing zone below 600 m ASL — contact the airfield operator first.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Grobnik, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Grobnik with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.