Karlovac: Hotels and Accommodation

Karlovac brings the Kupa and Korana rivers together in the city centre, alongside historic districts, museums and marked trails. The more peripheral Mrežnica and Dobra rivers can be reached by car or bicycle during a short visit.

Rivers and Getting There

Aquatika presents the flora and fauna of Croatian rivers and lakes, their geological history, traditional culture, and the history of the four river basins around Karlovac. The pool complex follows the course of a typical karst river and allows visitors to experience a river from its source to its mouth. Foginovo is described as Croatia’s first registered river bathing site.

Passenger trains stop at Karlovac Centar railway station. It is located in the city centre, opposite Karlovac bus station. The bus station is also in the city centre and is a five-minute walk from the historic Star district.

History and Culture

Zvijezda is Karlovac’s oldest district. It is bordered by defensive ditches and preserves remnants of a stone fortification. The Branič Tower of Stari grad Dubovac Castle houses a museum exhibition. Kino Edison is a cultural and historical monument of Karlovac, was built in 1920, and is one of the oldest cinemas in Croatia purpose-built as cinemas. It is also described as Croatia’s first VR cinema; educational VR and documentary films are shown.

The Church of the Holy Trinity is described as a monument of national significance. The Franciscan monastery and church form a historical and cultural complex that has been administered by Franciscans since the 17th century. The monastery houses the Museum of Sacred Heritage, which contains 10,000 rare books and objects of sacred art. The Karlovac–Turanj Homeland War Museum is located in a former Austrian barracks in Karlovac’s Turanj district.

Trails and Nature

A historic walking route connects Dubovac Castle, the fortified old town of Star, 19th-century parks and Aquatika. It follows a tree-shaded promenade and the banks of the Kupa, then leads through the old town centre and onwards through the Vrbanić Gardens. The Kupa Promenade is about 10 kilometres long and takes around two hours at an easy walking pace. It is marked with hiking symbols and direction signs.

Vrbanić Park has been open to the public since 1896 and was created as a small open-air botanical garden. Two major national cycling tourism routes pass through Karlovac.

Local Cuisine

Visitors to Karlovac can try seasonal themed dishes from local restaurants, including fish, beer-based dishes, strawberries, mushrooms and chestnuts.

Anyone wishing to book a hotel in Karlovac can continue their accommodation search afterwards. More local pages to compare: Ribari, Mahićno, Tušilović, Gornje Stative, Zamršje.

To the higher-level travel overview: Općina Karlovac.

More about the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Karlovac in Croatia: Rivers, Old Town and Excursions.