Old Torpedo–Launching Ramp
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Torpedo Launching Ramp Mlaka

4.2
·387 reviews·Rijeka, Croatia

Explore the historic site where the world's first torpedoes were developed, offering a glimpse into naval innovation amidst atmospheric ruins.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer port workers

CrowdLow
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Old Torpedo–Launching Ramp

Torpedo Launching Ramp Mlaka

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer port workers

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the historic site where the world's first torpedoes were developed, offering a glimpse into naval innovation amidst atmospheric ruins.

4.2
(387 reviews)

"A historic site for naval innovation, though in a derelict state, offering beautiful sea views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♂️ Access Through Port

You'll need to pass through an active port. Be prepared for potential security checks and restrictions.

⚠️ Safety First!

The site is derelict. Ladders are rusty and concrete crumbles. Explore with extreme caution.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 387 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Torpedo Trolley Lines

Historic Torpedo Trolley Lines

Along the ramp

See the remnants of the original trolley lines used to launch the world's first torpedoes.

Adriatic Sea Vista

Adriatic Sea Vista

Top of the ramp

Enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea from this historic vantage point.

Site of Naval Innovation

Site of Naval Innovation

The entire complex

Stand where Robert Whitehead developed and tested the world's first torpedoes in the 19th century.

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Naval History & Port Access

This historic torpedo launch site offers a glimpse into naval innovation. Be aware that access is through an active port, and security may restrict entry, especially with bicycles. The site is derelict, so proceed with caution.

Site Condition & Safety

The Torpedo Launching Ramp Mlaka is in a state of disrepair. While the trolley lines are visible and the sea views are beautiful, ladders and concrete are crumbling. Exercise extreme caution if exploring.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer port workers
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Where was I in 2021?

Rijeka, Kroatië, torpedo launch test station

🚶‍♂️ Access Through Port

You'll need to pass through an active port. Be prepared for potential security checks and restrictions. Reddit

⚠️ Safety First!

The site is derelict. Ladders are rusty and concrete crumbles. Explore with extreme caution. Reddit

🚲 Bicycle Restrictions

Security may not allow bicycles inside the port area. Reddit

🚌 Easy Bus Access

A 15-minute public bus ride from Rijeka's town center makes it accessible. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♂️ Access Through Port

You'll need to pass through an active port. Be prepared for potential security checks and restrictions. Reddit

⚠️ Safety First!

The site is derelict. Ladders are rusty and concrete crumbles. Explore with extreme caution. Reddit

🚲 Bicycle Restrictions

Security may not allow bicycles inside the port area. Reddit

🚌 Easy Bus Access

A 15-minute public bus ride from Rijeka's town center makes it accessible. Reddit

📸 Photogenic Ruins

Despite its condition, the ruins offer a unique and atmospheric photographic opportunity. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(387 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are drawn to the Torpedo Launching Ramp Mlaka for its significant naval history and the atmospheric ruins, offering beautiful sea views. However, many note the site's derelict condition, with crumbling structures and safety concerns, and advise caution during exploration. Access through an active port can also present challenges.

"Anyone truly interested in naval history and innovation should make the effort to visit this old torpedo launch site just on the edge of Rijeka's former port area. It's an historic place for one reason: it was here that the Imperial Austrian navy in the second half of the 19th century developed and tested the world's first torpedoes under the supervision of one Robert Whitehead, a British engineer and factory owner. The structure is derelict but the torpedo trolly lines are still visible and the vista to the Adriatic Sea is beautiful. Although remote it's only a short 15 minute public bus ride from Rijeka's town centre."

Phil Mead

"You have to get trough an active port, the security lady did not let me get in with my bicycle, and it is closed. You could climb in, it’s not really secure and no one gives a shit. The place is pretty runned down sadly"

Mihály Selmeczi-Kovács

"Had to get too and a lot of the building is unfortunately gone. Feels weird walking through a business car park but no one cared."

Andrew Gill

What People Like

Historic naval significance
Atmospheric ruins
Beautiful sea views

What People Dislike

Derelict condition
Safety concerns
Port access issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take a public bus from Rijeka's town center, which is about a 15-minute ride. Be aware that you will need to pass through an active port area to reach the site. Reddit

Some visitors have reported being denied entry with bicycles by port security. It's advisable to check in advance or consider alternative transport. Reddit

Parking might be limited or restricted due to the active port. Some visitors have mentioned navigating through business car parks. Reddit

The site is located on the edge of Rijeka's former port area. Access involves navigating through an active port, which can have security measures in place. Reddit

Accessibility can be challenging due to the derelict nature of the site and its location within an active port. Visitors should be prepared for uneven terrain and potential restrictions. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There are no official tickets or entry fees mentioned, as the site is largely abandoned. However, access is through an active port, which may have its own regulations. Reddit

As the site is derelict and within a port, there are no official opening hours. Access is generally possible during port operating hours, but may be restricted. Reddit

No entrance fee is typically associated with visiting the ruins themselves. However, access through the port might be subject to its own rules. Reddit

While the site itself is accessible, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety reasons, especially given its condition. Access through the port might also be limited outside of business hours. Reddit

Currently, there are no official guided tours. Visitors typically explore the site independently, but should be aware of the safety concerns. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see the historic torpedo trolley lines, remnants of the launch station, and enjoy beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea. The site is a testament to naval innovation. Reddit+1

The site is in a derelict and run-down condition. Ladders are rusty, concrete is crumbling, and much of the original structure is gone. Reddit+1

Exploration is at your own risk. The structures are unstable, and ladders are broken. Extreme caution is advised. Reddit

This is where Robert Whitehead developed and tested the world's first torpedoes in the second half of the 19th century, revolutionizing naval warfare. Reddit

No facilities are available at the site. It is an abandoned historical location. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The historic trolley lines, the crumbling structures against the sea backdrop, and the overall industrial decay offer unique photographic opportunities. Reddit

Yes, the derelict nature and industrial remnants make it a compelling location for urban exploration photography, but safety is paramount. Reddit

Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the atmosphere of the ruins against the sea. Reddit

While the site is abandoned, access is through an active port, so be mindful of any port regulations regarding photography, especially of operational areas. Reddit

A wide-angle lens can capture the scale of the site and the sea views. A sturdy tripod might be useful for low-light conditions, but be prepared for uneven terrain. Reddit

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