Kvarner Bay: Discover Nature and Culture

The Natura 2000 network in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County comprises 111 sites. It covers nearly 75 percent of the land area and 16 percent of the sea area. The cultural and tourist route Putovima Frankopana includes a total of 17 Frankopan castles and 3 sacred sites in the county. Nature enthusiasts can explore topics such as the “Velike zvijeri” Visitor Centre, Golubinjak Forest Park and Risnjak National Park.

The region’s natural attractions each have their own character. At Golubinjak Forest Park, forests and rock formations are the main natural features. Zeleni Vir reveals another side of the region: inside a cave is an emerald-green lake with crystal-clear, calm water; the spring lies at the bottom of the cave. Those interested in the nature of Gorski kotar and the region’s large predators will find two different ways to explore these subjects: the “Velike zvijeri” Visitor Centre in Stara Sušica is dedicated to bears, wolves and lynxes, and helps develop tourism and share knowledge about the nature of Gorski kotar.

Kamačnik also offers a practical point of reference for planning a trip: the canyon section open to visitors begins at the confluence and is about 1 kilometre long. On the map of Risnjak National Park, cycling routes ranging from 4.2 to 40 kilometres are marked. These details offer different options for visitors who prefer to explore nature on foot or by bike; the kilometre figures given refer to the marked routes, not to walking or cycling times.

As a cultural and tourist route, Putovima Frankopana connects the theme of Frankopan castles with sacred sites: in total, 17 castles and 3 sacred sites in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County are part of the route. Those interested in this regional heritage can use the route as a thematic framework for exploring history and culture.

Zrinski Castle in Brod na Kupi houses a permanent exhibition and an interpretation centre. Both focus on the nature of Gorski kotar and the relationship of the Frankopan and Zrinski families with nature. Nature and family history are therefore presented together. Munjara represents another chapter in the region’s history: the building is considered the first hydroelectric power plant in this area and is located in the protected Vražji Prolaz and Zeleni Vir landscape.

For a regional overview, find more pages here about the individual municipalities (Općina): Općina Klana, Vinodolska Općina, Općina Ravna Gora, Općina Viškovo, Općina Jelenje, Općina Vrbovsko, Općina Brod Moravice, Općina Fužine, Općina Rijeka, Općina Bakar, Općina Skrad, Općina Čavle, Općina Lokve, Općina Mošćenička Draga, Općina Delnice, Općina Crikvenica, Općina Mrkopalj, Općina Novi Vinodolski, Općina Kostrena, Općina Kraljevica, Općina Čabar, Općina Matulji, Općina Kastav, Općina Opatija and Općina Lovran.

How large is the Natura 2000 network in the county?

It comprises 111 sites. Nearly 75 percent of the land area and 16 percent of the sea area are covered.

What route lengths are shown on the map of Risnjak National Park?

The map shows cycling routes ranging from 4.2 to 40 kilometres.

What can visitors expect at Zrinski Castle in Brod na Kupi?

It houses a permanent exhibition and an interpretation centre about the nature of Gorski kotar and the relationship of the Frankopan and Zrinski families with nature.

For the broader travel overview: Croatia.