The primary goal of the research was to collect information on the level of activation of energy capacities for the health, and the secondary goal was to determine the differences in physical activity on the two most visited hiking trails.

Some of the most important reasons for visiting Medvednica Nature Park (NPM) are fresh air, enjoying nature, sports and recreation.

There are no two identical hiking trails in the world and with this research we have determined the differences between the two most visited hiking trails (Bikčevićeva and Leustekova). Although Bikčević’s trail is much shorter in its intensity and complexity, it activates the cardiovascular system significantly more, the parameters of pulmonary ventilation are increased, which contributes to the intake of quality air without the impact of harmful particles that can be recorded in urban areas. Unlike Bikčević’s, Leustek’s trail significantly involves more energy mechanisms, ie more values of basal metabolism are consumed, which is an interesting fact for people who pay attention to energy intake and energy consumption.

The obtained values can be used in the planning of sports and recreational activities and as valuable data on the benefits of consuming NPM natural resources.

Jurjević Varga M., Kasović M., Popijač M., Belović Kelemen M., 2020. The health function of peri-urban forests in protected areas – Assessment of hiking trails energy capacity in Nature Park Medvednica. Book of Abstracts 9th Symposium with International Participation Kopački rit / past, present, future, pp. 100-101.