Surely you know the breathtaking Plitvice Lakes National Park with all its beautiful hiking trails along the waterfalls. But have you heard about
the "little Plitvice"? About 30 km north,
near the village of Slunj in Karlovac County, there is a small
dreamy mill settlement called Rastoke, which will enchant you with its fairytale atmosphere.
The
emerald green shimmering Slunjcica, a beautiful and
short karst river rich in trout, grayling and crabs, flows there through
numerous small waterfalls, lakes and cascades into the river Korana. The same natural phenomenon as in the Plitvice Lakes can be observed at the mouth of the river - an imposing sinter barrier, which was created due to the high calcium content of the water and is formed by the mosses.
The
holes in the sedimentary rocks are home to otters, which have found their way back to Rastoke after a long absence. In this fertile environment many plants thrive, such as
mushrooms or burdock. Native tree species such as alders, willows or lime trees create a beautiful play of shadows.
The settlers of this region knew how to
use the advantages of nature without destroying it. Rastoke is proof that man can live in harmony with nature. The
numerous small mills, some of which date
back to the 17th century, and the
charming houses in the traditional 19th century architectural style blend in perfectly with the surroundings and create a harmonious overall picture.
On f
ootbridges you can stroll through the village and admire the charming buildings surrounded by nature. The
foundations are mostly made of stone, in which the sinter has been deposited, thus creating a natural isolation. The
picturesque wooden walls and the roofs, which are not only made of red brick but also
wooden shingles, contribute significantly to the beauty of the place. Other people have also recognized this, which is why
Rastoke was placed under the protection of the State Agency for the Protection of Cultural and Historical Heritage in 1962.
Have you
already booked a wonderful villa with us and are you now
looking for places to visit? This small and peaceful place will enchant you with its charm. Rastoke is
perfect for a day trip. Do you like active holidays? Then
discover Slunjcica and Korana by canoe. You can also go
fishing or rowing. Choose form a range of leisure activities that satisfy every whim. After an eventful day you can
enjoy the idyll with a delicious grilled trout or a bite of the famous Rastoke bread, which is made from a special mixture of different grains.
There is also something for the little guests to discover.
Rastoke is a place of legends. The fairytale surroundings are a perfect setting for the nightly hustle and bustle of
little fairies, who like to gather around the waterfall Vilina kosa (fairy hair).
According to a legend, these shy creatures once used to steal horses for their night trips. In the morning the inhabitants would find exhausted horses whose manes were decorated with small braids. Unfortunately, there are no horses in Rastoke today, but that shouldn't stop you from visiting this magical place. It doesn't take much imagination to hear the giggles of fairies in the rippling of the water.
Maja Kovacevic
15.4.2021
MY ISTRIA GUIDE
