In Rastoke, part of the town of Slunj, the Slunjčica river flows over travertine steps and dozens of small waterfalls into the Korana – right between old wooden mills and stone houses. The village lies on the way from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes and is often called "little Plitvice". Stay here by the water, fall asleep to the sound of rushing water and be at the national park 30 minutes after breakfast.
At a glance
Region
Kordun / approach to Lika
To Plitvice Lakes
approx. 30 km
From Zagreb
approx. 105 km (approx. 1.5 hrs)
Admission
charged, tickets online or at kiosks
Best time to visit
April to October
Ideal for
stopovers, families, photographers
Mills and waterfalls
Dozens of watermills once turned here, grinding grain and washing laundry in wooden fulling mills. Some mills have been restored and can be visited; an exhibition explains the old technology. The circular path crosses bridges and boardwalks between the cascades. Access is through barriers opened with tickets from the Town of Slunj web shop or ticket kiosks.
Slunj and surroundings
Above Rastoke sits Slunj's old town with the ruins of the Frankopan castle. In summer you can swim and kayak in the Korana below the village. Nearby are the Barać caves near Rakovica, open for guided tours, and Plitvice Lakes.
Honest verdict
Rastoke is small – a loop takes an hour. It's ideal as a stopover or overnight base before an early visit to Plitvice, but not enough for a whole holiday. Coaches arrive during the day in summer; mornings and evenings are loveliest.
