From the beautiful Plitvice Lakes to the Barać caves, the tower in the Old Town of Drežnik to the Rastoke village and many other hidden gems, our surroundings abounds with amazing places that will enchant you. Delve into diverse activities, research the rich history and enjoy the beauties of the pristine nature.
Drežnik Old Town is a magnificent defensive fortress from the 12th century that protected this part of Europe from the invasion of the Turks for 400 years. Due to its strategically important position, Drežnik often changed masters over the centuries, which left a mark on its walls, but 900 years later it still stands proudly as a witness to the turbulent history of this area. It is one of the few preserved historical attractions of the Plitvice Valleys that the Municipality of Rakovica has decided to protect and carefully restore. At the end of 2011, the large tower was restored, and since then the project of repairing the walls and roof of the large inner tower, as well as the remains of the defensive walls, has been underway.
Although it is not possible to explore the interior of the tower in 2023, the glade where the fort is located is part of many cycling, walking, and horseback riding trails because this place offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Korana river and the surrounding area.
In the Speleon atrium, the visitors encounter hyper-realistic replicas of exotic animals that no longer inhabit the region but used to live here during the Ice Age. Thus, one can see the woolly rhinoceros, cave lion, cave bear, wolf and hyena.
The entire collection is accompanied by a series of modern, multimedia models of interpretation such as model representations, LCD screens, smart glass, replicas, animations and multi-touch screens. Apart from the permanent exhibition, the visitor centre contains also a multi-functional hall, a children’s playroom, a speleo-documentary library, hospitality services, a souvenir shop, a storage and a parking lot.
The town of Gospić proudly inaugurated the “Nikola Tesla” Memorial Center in Smiljan, marking the 150th anniversary of Nikola Tesla’s birth on July 10, 2006.
This unique center, the first of its kind in the Republic of Croatia, offers visitors a chance to explore the life and work of one of history’s greatest scientists. Housed within Tesla’s childhood home, the multimedia exhibit provides a fascinating insight into Tesla’s life. The ground floor presents a chronological overview of Tesla’s life, featuring vivid displays, documents, and excerpts from Tesla’s autobiography “My Inventions,” accompanied by soundscapes and video projections that transport visitors back to Tesla’s childhood. On the attic level, visitors can delve into Tesla’s inventions through interactive exhibits and video presentations, experiencing the ambiance of his laboratory.
The “Nikola Tesla” Memorial Center is just 80 km away from the Plitvice Holiday Resort, making it an ideal destination for science and history enthusiasts alike.)
In the village of Brođani, about 15 kilometers from Karlovac, there is the Grain Boat Zora – a historic ship that sailed in the 18th century on the river Kupa and transported grain. Embark on a boating trip and experience a unique view of nature from a riverboat.
In addition to the enchanting nature that surrounds you as you sail, you will also be delighted by the hosts who will prepare homemade shopping cookies, a welcome drink and introduce you to the rich history of the path of the grains and the river Kupa.
