Natural sights

The most prominent natural sights in Karlovac are its four rivers Kupa, Mrežnica, Dobra, and Korana.

The Kupa river that springs into the Risnjak National Park is the longest of the four rivers that flow through Karlovac. What makes the Kupa stand out is the fact that, although it springs only 30 km from the Adriatic Sea, its course goes inland, which is not characteristic of any other river in the world. In 1908. the Ozalj-Munjara hydroelectric power station was built on the Kupa River in Ozalj, which contributed to the development of the Karlovac economy.

Mrežnica river is a beautiful river, rich in waterfalls and cascades. With its cleanliness and temperature suitable for swimming, it is a favorite holiday spot for many visitors from Zagreb and the Karlovac area.

The Dobra River has two sources and is characterized by underground and above-ground flows. It is 107 km long. Dobra disappears underground in Ogulin, in the Djulin abyss and resumes its above-ground flow at the village of Gojak, where the Gojak hydroelectric power plant is.

Throughout history, the first parks, baths, and hotels were created along the Korana, and today the Korana is a place where Karlovac citizens gather for swimming, sports, and entertainment.

The historian Radovinovic described his experience of Karlovac as “a city in a park”, and Karlovac is indeed a city rich in parks, promenades and generally greenery. The construction of parks began at the time of the construction of the city fortress, and to this day the Karlovac people pay great attention to environmental care.

Karlovac ranks first in Croatia by the number of parks, relative to its urban area. The natural beauty and environment of Karlovac were also recognized by the Croatian National Tourist Board, which in 2010. presented the “Green Flower Award” to Karlovac for the most decorated city of continental Croatia. If you want to spend the day outdoors and enjoy a walk in some of the most beautiful parks and promenades in Karlovac, you definitely have to visit the Marmont Plane Alley located in Dubovac, which is characterized by the 200-year-old plane tree avenue planted in 1809. – by the order of August Marmont, Napoleon’s marshal.

The alley is 850 m long and there was originally planted 112 maple leaf trees. In 1968. the plane tree alley was entered in the register of specially protected natural objects. Another unforgettable and beautiful promenade is the Grand promenade (today the promenade of Dr. Franjo Tudjman), which is located around the Star of Karlovac and is one of the most important centers of social life in Karlovac today.

During the rebuilding from 1886. to 1888. trees were planted on the promenade in five rows, the scene which still stands out today. The large promenade extends along with the 11 most famous civic houses and villas from the second half of the 19th century – from “Kavana” to “Zorin dom”. Other green areas ideal for walking include: Renaissance park along the University of Karlovac, the avenue of linden trees at the remains of the fortification ramparts, the Black Promenade between the street of Draskovic and the road of D. Trstenjaka, the Arboretum at the Forestry School, Modrusanov Park and the unique Vrbanic park, which was opened to the public in 1896. The idea for the park was accepted by the then-mayor and pharmacist Josip Vrbanic, at the initiative of the Society for the Beautification of the City, and it was conceived as a small botanical garden in the open. The Vrbanic park is located in the south-east part of the town, between the river Korana and the famous Karlovac “Star”, and it consists of three parts: the English part of the park, the French part and the third part where coniferous spruce and fir trees predominate. Korzo, or in Italian, “Corso” represents the main city street or promenade. The Karlovac korzo is considered to be Petar Zrinski Street, which extends from the river Kupa to the green promenade near the Star of Karlovac.