Municipality of Tounj

The Tounj Bridge is a 12-metre-high stone bridge over the Tounjčica Gorge and is unique of its kind in Croatia. The river rises from a 465-metre-long cave. Several caves are also home to underground freshwater sponges, including an endemic species considered to be the only underground freshwater sponge in the world.

The bridge has two levels: the first was built in 1775 and the second was added in 1836. Four sculptures of Roman soldiers and a commemorative plaque to Emperor Joseph adorn its parapet.

The historic Tounj complex also lies along the Tounjčica. Only a small part of its tower and the Baroque Chapel of St John of Nepomuk remain. Thus, different historical features stand side by side along the Tounjčica: the complex with its surviving remains and the two-level bridge with its two construction phases. Visitors interested in architectural history can consider these aspects of Tounj separately.

The Tounjčica rises from a cave of the same name, which is 465 metres long. This is distinct from Špilja u kamenolomu Tounj, which is about 8.5 kilometres long. Along the first part of its course, the Tounjčica flows through a very narrow gorge. These caves and the gorge showcase different landscape features: the river’s underground source, an extensive cave system and the narrow above-ground river course.

The Ogulin cave sponge lives in both of these caves and in other caves. It is endemic and is considered the only underground freshwater sponge in the world. This makes the caves interesting to travellers whose interest extends beyond karst formations to the special habitats beneath the surface. The two caves differ considerably in their stated lengths; these measurements describe the caves, not a walking route.

The Municipality of Tounj has built 1,500 metres of new paths and a promenade along the Tounjčica to the bathing area and near the old Frankopan Bridge. There is also a prepared bathing area below Kokot Rock on the Tounjčica.

The Poučna staza Tounjčica excursion promenade runs through the river’s narrow valley. The municipality has improved the path and its surroundings over the past decades. A reconstructed, 20-metre-long wooden footbridge is part of the Tounjčica–Tounjske špilje–Tounjski most promenade project. A second route for the Poučna staza Tounjčica is also planned: it is intended to run between the Tounj Bridge and the source cave, and reach the cave. This will help you distinguish between the prepared path and the additional route section described as a planned destination when finding your way around.

Traditional Tounjski sir has been made for years on family farms in the Tounj area. It is a smoked cheese made from fresh cow’s milk. The OPG Paher family farm also makes škripavac, fresh cheese, skuta, whey and cheese with herbs, in addition to Tounjski sir. Alongside the bridge and river, these products give the municipality another distinctive feature: its cuisine. If regional products are important to your travel interests, Tounjski sir offers a tangible connection to local production.

The municipality also includes the destination of Tounj. Other municipalities to compare: Municipality of Duga Resa, Municipality of Generalski Stol, Municipality of Vojnić, Municipality of Ribnik, Municipality of Ozalj, Municipality of Draganić, Municipality of Žakanje.

How is the Tounj Bridge constructed?

The stone bridge has two levels: the first was built in 1775 and the second was added in 1836. It is 12 metres high.

How long are the caves mentioned?

The cave from which the Tounjčica rises is 465 metres long. Špilja u kamenolomu Tounj is about 8.5 kilometres long.

Where is the prepared bathing area?

A prepared bathing area is located below Kokot Rock on the Tounjčica.

For the regional travel overview: Karlovac County.