Šijana/Siana Forest

If you are looking for a cool refuge from the summer heat, Šijana Forest is the perfect choice. This picturesque park-forest, located just a couple of kilometers from the center of Pula, is a true green oasis. Spanning over 150 hectares, this kingdom of oaks and hornbeams offers freshness and tranquility to every visitor looking for a break from the city bustle that can sometimes be tiring in sunny Croatia.

Šijana Forest. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Šijana is not just a forest area, but a protected natural zone with a unique microclimate. Here, downy and cork oaks grow alongside fragrant Turkish pine and wild flowers that carpet the ground in a bright blanket of cyclamens during the spring. The area was granted park-forest status in 1964, which helped preserve its rich biological diversity in its pristine form.

Today, it is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. The forest attracts visitors with its winding paths, reminiscent of a natural labyrinth, and well-maintained glades for relaxation. It is a space where the history of the imperial past intertwines harmoniously with the untouched beauty of Istria's nature.

Šijana Forest is a public natural area, so there are no strict office hours for visiting. However, for more details, you can refer to the official city tourism resources.

The park's main treasure is its network of paths totaling 20 kilometers in length. Here, you can enjoy endless walks or bike rides under the shade of century-old trees. The five-kilometer running route is especially popular: it combines paved and unpaved sections, and at certain points, it offers pleasant views toward the sea and the Brijuni archipelago.

For those seeking more tranquil experiences, there is the unique "Meadow of Celestial Labyrinths." Five energy labyrinths are located on its territory — power, feelings, connection, energy, and wisdom — as well as a sundial. It is a wonderful place for meditation, quiet reflection, and restoring inner peace while being at one with nature.

Families with children will love the central glade. It features a modern playground, picnic areas with tables and benches, and a small bar for snacks. In spring, you can admire the blooming of rare plants, and in autumn, observe a variety of mushrooms, keeping in mind that in this protected area, only observation and photography are allowed.

Getting to this natural corner is very easy: Šijana Forest is located just 2 kilometers from the city center. Those who prefer active recreation can walk or bike there, enjoying the transition from urban buildings to the coolness of the forest alleys. The main landmark is the road leading toward Labin.

If you are using public transport, take local bus routes that follow the Šijana Road (Šijanska cesta). You can also call a taxi from the city center — the trip will take just a few minutes. For those traveling by private or rental car, there are parking areas at the entrances to the park-forest.

The history of this place is shrouded in ancient legends. One of the most famous dates back to the 13th century: in 1271, the wealthy Castropola family fell victim to conspirators, but a loyal servant managed to save the heir of the lineage by hiding him in a monastery. When he grew up, the grateful young man gifted Šijana Forest to the Franciscans, which linked the area's fate with the religious community for a long time.

In the 19th century, the forest's appearance changed — in 1860, management was transferred to the Austro-Hungarian Navy. At the beginning of the 20th century, the area was known by the grand name Kaiserwald (Imperial Forest). It served as an elegant recreation area for the aristocracy and officers; they arrived in horse-drawn carriages and early automobiles, and a tram line was even laid from the city center.

After World War II, the forest became a traditional site for public festivities, especially on May 1st. Thanks to the unique combination of natural value and rich historical heritage, in 1964, Šijana officially received the status of a protected park-forest, preserving the atmosphere of an old imperial resort to this day.

When planning your walk, consider what type of recreation suits you best. For a simple introduction to the central part of the forest and a short rest in the glade, 1–2 hours is usually enough. If your goal is to walk the main routes, you should set aside 2–4 hours.

Active lifestyle enthusiasts will need about an hour to cover the five-kilometer main route at a running pace or by bicycle. However, if you are visiting with your family and planning a full picnic while visiting all five "celestial labyrinths" and the playgrounds, your rest could last for half a day.

Šijana Forest is open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from Monday to Sunday. You can come here at dawn for a morning run or at dusk to enjoy the silence of the evening forest.

Pula is a city with an incredible concentration of monuments, and a visit to the forest can easily be combined with exploring famous ancient ruins and entertainment centers. Exploring the surroundings beyond the shaded trails will allow you to fully feel the contrast between pristine nature and the power of ancient Roman architecture.

Below are some interesting sites located near the forest area: