GORSKI KOTAR

A) Delnice – the highest town in Croatia

Delnice is the central and largest settlement in Gorski Kotar, located at an altitude of 698 meters. Therefore, Delnice is the highest town in Croatia. The first Delnice settlement was entirely Čakavian and located slightly south of the current site in Lučice. The first historical records of Delnice are associated with the Frankopan family in 1482. Frequent Turkish attacks resulted in the plunder and burning of Gorski Kotar’s settlements, where Delnice suffered as well. In the beginning of the 17th century, the Zrinski family settled Delnice with the population from their Pokupsko estates, Čabar, Brod, and Gerovo, and descendants of the original Delnice residents returned from Slovenia. With the construction of the “Lujzijana” road completed in 1811, Delnice became the center of the region once again. Delnički goor is the old local dialect belonging to the Gorski Kotar Kajkavian dialect. Today, the economy is based on forestry and the wood industry. The production and processing of wood, hospitality, trade, tourism, and the increasingly intensive development of entrepreneurship form the basis of management and the directions for further development.

B) Risnjak National Park Located in the most forested part of Gorski Kotar, Risnjak National Park is only 15 kilometers northeast of the city of Rijeka, separated from the Adriatic Sea. The peak of Veliki Risnjak is at an altitude of 1528 meters and is considered one of the most beautiful in Croatia. The main entrance to the park is located next to the Risnjak National Park Management. Several marked hiking trails, such as Leska, Horvatova, and others, lead to the mountain hut at the foot of the peak. Many animal species, most of which are protected, inhabit Risnjak. In addition to the brown bear and wolf, the lynx, from which Risnjak probably got its name, stands out, and deer, roe deer, and chamois also reside here. Risnjak is also home to over 60 species of birds. The entire area is rich in beech, fir, and spruce forests, as well as areas where forest fruits and mushrooms grow.

C) Protected natural areas Strict reserve: Bijele and Samarske stijene, Mrkopalj

Special geomorphological reserve: Vražji prolaz and Zeleni vir, Skrad

Park-forest: Golubinjak, Lokve Japlenški vrh, Delnice

Significant landscape: Kamačnik near Vrbovsko

Natural monument:

• Lokvarka Cave

Individual tree specimen: Old yew tree in Međedi

Park architecture monument: Park near the castle in Severin na Kupi

Caves: Lokvarka Cave, Lokve Vrelo Cave, Fužine Bukovac Cave, Lokve Hajdova hiža, Drgomalj

Rivers: Kupa and the source of Kupa Dobra Source of Čabranka River

Lakes: Lokvarsko Lake Bajer Lake, Fužine Lepenice Lake, Fužine Potkoš Lake, between Fužine and Lič

Mountains: Bjelolasica Risnjak Burni Bitoraj

D) Cultural monuments Petra Zrinski Castle

E) Folk traditions and cultural events Gorski kotar is known for its rich folk traditions and cultural events that showcase the region’s cultural heritage. Some of the most popular events include:

• Gorski kotar Fair in Ravna Gora, which takes place every year in late August and features traditional crafts, music, dance performances, and local food.
• Delnice Cultural Summer, a series of concerts, exhibitions, and theater performances that take place in Delnice during the summer months.
• Rijeka Carnival, one of the largest and most popular carnivals in Croatia, which takes place every year in the nearby city of Rijeka.
• International Mountain Film Festival, held annually in Delnice, featuring films and documentaries about mountaineering, outdoor activities, and nature.
• Ribičijada, a fishing festival held in the town of Brod na Kupi every August, where visitors can taste fresh fish dishes and enjoy music and dance performances.
• Days of Chestnut in Mrkopalj, a festival dedicated to the chestnut, a traditional food in Gorski kotar, featuring exhibitions, workshops, and tastings of chestnut-based dishes.
  
  

F) Outdoor activities Gorski kotar is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. Some of the most popular activities include:

• Hiking: The region has a network of marked hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
• Cycling: Gorski kotar is a great destination for cycling, with numerous cycling routes and trails, both on and off-road, suitable for all levels of experience.
• Kayaking and rafting: The rivers in the region, such as Kupa, Dobra, and Čabranka, offer excellent opportunities for kayaking and rafting, with several local companies offering guided tours.
• Fishing: Gorski kotar is a popular destination for fishing, with numerous rivers and lakes that are home to various fish species, including trout, grayling, and pike.
• Winter sports: In the winter months, the region offers opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports, with several ski resorts, such as Platak and Bjelolasica, located in the area.
  
  

G) Local cuisine Gorski kotar is known for its traditional cuisine, which is based on locally sourced ingredients and reflects the region’s cultural heritage. Some of the most popular local dishes include:

• Žgvacet: a hearty stew made with beef, onions, paprika, and potatoes, often served with homemade pasta or polenta.
• Krpice sa zeljem: a pasta dish made with homemade pasta and sautéed cabbage, served with bacon and grated cheese.
• Ombolo: smoked pork loin, served with sauerkraut and potatoes.
• Krušni kolač: a traditional bread made with cornmeal and served with various spreads, such as cheese, cream, or honey.
• Štrukli: a pastry dish made with dough and filled with cottage cheese, sour cream, and eggs, often served with a savory sauce.
• Rakija: a fruit brandy made with local fruits, such as plum, pear, or cherry, often served as a digestive or as an aperitif.

Overall, Gorski kotar is a unique region in Croatia, offering visitors a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities, as well as a chance to experience traditional cuisine and folk traditions.