Routes following Natural Wonder s
THE LIKA ROUTE
If you want to connect with nature, you should certainly visit Karlovac - a town of parks on four rivers. It is not long before the low-lying landscapes are replaced by forested hills and mountains criss-crossed with the abundant springs of the cleanest European waters that quench the thirst of people across the oceans. Cross the winding bridge of the town of Slunj over the river Korana slowly, as beneath the bridge, between the waterfalls, the unique watermill village of Rastoke is situated. The multitude of sparkling waterfalls hints at the route of natural wonders which reveal themselves in all their glory at the Plitvice Lakes. The beauty and freshness of this part of the world's natural heritage, combined with traditional cuisine, are excellent reasons to take a break here. The area around Josipdol is a rich game reserve. Hiking enthusiasts will head towards Ogulin and Klek Mountain, the birthplace of hiking in Croatia. For those looking to directly encounter quiet and calming nature, Otočac and the Gacka River, rich in trout, are the right choice. At only 45 minutes' drive from Gospić, you can take a swim in Karlobag, where the sea is continuously chilled as the water flows in abundance from the subterranean layers of the mountain.
Plitvice Lakes
Natural Attractions
Plitvice Lakes and Northern Velebit National Parks, Velebit Nature Park, the Hajdučki i Rožanski Kukovi strict nature reserve, the forest parks of Jasikovac and Vujnović Brdo (Gospić), the significant landscape of Zavratnica bay at the foot of Velebit, the special reserve of Lun - wild olive groves (Lun on the island of Pag), the significant landscape around the river Slunjčica, the geo-morphological monument of nature - Cerovačke Pećine (Cerovec Caves, Gračac) and the Grabovača Cave Park, caves of Barać in Rakovica significant landscape, Klek significant landscape Đula's Abyss - a cave system in the middle of the town of Ogulin, Žumberak Nature Park - Samobor Highlands.
Cultural and Architectural Sites
Karlovac, urban historical complex Zvijezda, the only remaining Turkish tower in Lika, dating from the 15th century (Perušić), Sokolac, highestcategory cultural-heritage monument (Brinje), the Nehaj tower in Senj, the ancient aqueduct in Novalja, the old winding bridge over the Korana river (Slunj), old stone bridges (on the Dobra river - Novigrad, Kosinj, Otočac, Brinje), and the two-storey stone bridge (Tounj), "Munjara" - hydroelectric power plant in Ozalj built in 1895, the fortified town of Ozalj built on a rock above the river Kupa (where Ozalj Museum can be found), Frankopan Castle in Ogulin.
Gastronomy
A soft cheese known as 'škripavac' or 'creaker' and numerous other local cheeses produced in mini dairies along the Routes of Cheeses of Karlovac and Lika-Senj counties, the Lika potato, Lika lamb, products made from the forest fruits and old varieties of apples and pears, wild edible and medicinal herbs, wild mushrooms, plum and pear brandies, bread baked under a 'peka' (lid), Ogulin sauerkraut (with EU designation of origin production since 2015), beans, sour milk, 'cicvara' (a dish made from corn flour, milk, butter and sour cream) game delicacies, river fish specialities (zander, trout), the Ogulin lard and onion roll and strudel (the longest strudel was baked in Jaškovo, a small town near the town of Ozalj and as such has been listed in the Guinness Book of Records).
Cycling trails: trails along the Mrežnica River (Duga Resa), and along the Dobra and Kupa rivers towards the town of Ozalj, Jaškovo and Žakanje (Strudel by Bike). Among the numerous trails in the Karlovac County area the trail around the Sabljaci Lake is especially attractive, whilst the trails of the Slunj area are connected to the trails of the Rakovica municipality where they link with the trails on the territory of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, and then follow the Gacka river valley and the villages beneath Velebit (Otočac). The trails of the Velebit Nature Park are also very attractive, as well as the trails in the area of the town of Gospić.
Hiking trails and Nordic walking trail: in the suburbs of Duga Resa and along the Mrežnica River, and in the area of the mill village of Rastoke in Slunj and Rakovica, where one can see the old town of Drežnik along the trail, the educational trail, the mill, the Korana river canyon, waterfalls and a horse ranch.
Mountain trails: Ogulin-Bijelsko-Klek, Baške Oštarije-Zavižan (The Premužić Trail), Krasno-Zavižan, Krasno-Begovača, the 'Marković Rudine' mountain trail - Otočac, Dubovac mountain trail, Karlovac bypass Tthe Via Dinarica Green Trail, which stretches for 100 km through Karlovac County from Kamačnik to the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Hunting: areas around Duga Resa, Krnjak (between Karlovac - Slunj), Rakovica, Ogulin, Josipdol and Petrova Gora, the areas of North and Central Velebit, Gospić, Perušić, Otočac, Vrhovine and the area north of the town of Ozalj.
Fishing: the rivers Mrežnica and Gacka, the area around Gospić, the rivers Kupa, Korana and Dobra, Lake Sabljaci in Ogulin, gravel pits in Ozalj. Rafting and canoeing: the rivers Mrežnica (Duga Resa), Kupa and Korana, Gacka and Lika.
Speleology: Barać Caves (Rakovica), Plitvice Caves (Plitvice Lakes NP), Grabovača Cave Park (Perušić), Vrlovka Cave (Kamanje), Đula's Abyss (Ogulin), Bubi's Cave (Barilović).
Souvenirs: Lička kapa (Lika-style cap), ceramic or wooden miniature of a river boat (Karlovac), ceramic sheep, 'coklje' (traditional slippers), broomstick driving licence.
Gastronomy souvenirs: traditional local cheeses from mini dairies, local wines, juices and brandies.
LIKA - Karlovac.
1. Rastoke - Millers' Village
Slunj Town Tourist Board Braće Radića 7, 47240 Slunj Tel: +385 (0)47 777 630 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.tz-slunj.hr
The course of the river Slunjčica, abundant in falls, rapids and cascades, formed Rastoke by playfully flowing over tufa into the river Korana.
2. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Josipa Jovića 19, 53231 Plitvička jezera Tel: +385 (0)53 751 732 (Reservations, Sales Department), +385 (0)53 751 014, +385 (0)53 751 015 (Additional information, entrance) E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr
This national park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its unique natural wonders in the form of numerous lakes, waterfalls and burbles which disappear and are reborn, their appearance continously shifting. The opportunity to experience a unique moment in these natural galleries should not be missed.
3. Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre, Smiljan
Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre, Smiljan Smiljan 87/1, 53211 Smiljan Tel: +385 (0)53 746 530 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.mcnikolatesla.hr
Nikola Tesla, scientist and inventor in the field of electricity, was born and spent his youth here. The modern museum, housed in his birthplace, and the nearby theme park preserve the memories of Tesla's scientific path.
Lika Museum Gospić
- Ulica dr. Franje Tuđmana 3, 53000 Gospić
- Tel: + 385 (0)53 572 051
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Web: www.muzejlike.hr
4. Velebit Nature Park4a and the National Park Northern Velebit 4b
Velebit Nature Park
Kaniža Gospićka 4b, 53000 Gospić Tel: +385 (0)53 560 450 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.pp-velebit.hr
The uniqueness of karstic forms, landscapes, and wildlife are the reasons why UNESCO issued a declaration listing the entire Velebit Nature Park as part of the world network of biosphere reserves. Velebit offers various opportunities for active recreation: hiking, walking on educational trails, visiting caves, rafting and canoeing, cycling, mountaineering activities- One of the most beautiful bays in Croatia, Zavratnica Bay, is located in the northern part of the Velebit Nature Park, near Jablanac. A visit to Premužić trail, which passes through the most attractive parts of northern and central Velebit, is another interesting activity which should be on every visitor's to-do list. This trail is protected as cultural heritage and offers unforgettable views of the sea.
Northern Velebit National Park Krasno 96, 53274 Krasno Tel: +385 (0)53 665 380 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Web: www.np-sjeverni-velebit.hr
The Northern Velebit National Park is its most attractive part, and it is known for the peaks Hajdučki and Rožanski Kukovi, as well as for the Velebit botanical garden. The center of the national park is located in the village of
Krasno, one of the great Marian shrines, situated at an altitude of 714 metres. The Velebit House is the information center for the visitors of the Northern Velebit National Park. It is located in Krasno. Its modern, attractive and recognisable exhibition offers visitors a chance to get to know the natural and cultural attractions of the park year-round.
5. Ogulin 5, the homeland of fairytales: "Ivana's House of Fairytales" Visitor Centre
Trg Hrvatskih rodoljuba, 47300 Ogulin Tel: +385 (0)47 525 398 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.ivaninakucabajke.hr
Ogulin Town Tourist Board Kardinala A. Stepinca 1, 47300 Ogulin Tel: +385 (0)47 532 278 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.visitogulin.hr
The magnificent natural heritage of the Ogulin region, its turbulent history and the most interesting local events and historical figures have always stirred its inhabitants' imagination. In that way, the folk tradition gifted us with our ancestors' intangible heritage and enriched every corner of our region.
6. Aquatika - freshwater aquarium Karlovac
Branka Čavlovića Čavleka 1a, 47000 Karlovac Tel: +385 (0)47 659 112 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.aquariumKarlovac.com
Karlovac Town Tourist Board Trg Petra Zrinskog 3, 47000 Karlovac Tel: +385 (0)47 615 115 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.Karlovac-touristinfo.hr
The freshwater aquarium Karlovac is the only freshwater aquarium in Croatia, and a local tourist attraction where one can see the biodiversity of the rivers and lakes in Karlovac, as well as the traditional way of life along the river. The aquarium
LIKA - Karlovac.