Never enough reasons to visit Otočac both in winter and summer!

In the heart of Lika-Senj County lies a city that we often ignore as we head towards our favorite Adriatic destinations every summer. Seduced by the river Gacka, Otočac has a long history dating back to the time of the Illyrian Japods tribe. Its existence is forever engraved in the Baška tablet, and it proudly holds the status of one of the oldest Croatian settlements.

It got its name from the river island, which many could not easily access, it flourished under the noble family of Frankopan, and today it deserves to be visited, both in summer and winter!

So, what is it gonna take for you to stop by?

Gacka, Photo: Ivan Sardi, Croatian Tourist Board

1. GREAT RUN-AWAY SPOT

In summer, when the heat takes over the Dalmatian coast, Otočac, surrounded by Velebit and Mala Kapela, stays up to 10 degrees cooler. Upon arrival, a fresh breeze flowing through Gacko Polje, accompanied by the murmur of pure Gacka river water welcomes you to this historic city. Along it, many available rentals are situated, with the rest guaranteed.

In winter, when temperatures are dropping, and many for snow hoping, the city of Otočac turns into a peaceful snow idyll, and its surrounding hills, with laughter, fill.

Gacka, Photo: Tourist Board Otočac

2. RICH IN HISTORY

Even before the 11th century, Otočac was an important settlement. Over the years, its significance grew, known for being a city that was never occupied. The Fortica fortress and its city walls protected it from Ottoman invasion. When the threat subsided, the city expanded beyond its walls.

Empress Maria Theresa later designated the city as a major trading center, a status it retained. Even today, the Theresian fair takes place every Wednesday.

Of course, thanks to the Museum of Gacka you can find more insights about the lives of its first inhabitants, showcasing archaeological, cultural, historical, and memorial collections of the Gacka region.

Fortica Fortress, Photo: Tourist Board Otočac

3. NATURAL REFUGE

Thanks to the magnificent and pure Gacka River, the area around the city is teeming with rich flora and fauna. Renowned for its trout, which grows five times faster than in other rivers, and river crabs, Otočac also hosts a center for autochthonous fish and crustacean species of karst waters. Yet, this is not the only sanctuary.

In Kuterevo, just 20 minutes away from the city center, you will find a Velebit refuge for young bears. This center was established to aid in the protection of the brown bear species and educate the population about the invaluable biodiversity of the region.

Kuterevo bear refuge, Photo: Julien, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED

4. ACTIVE LIFE FOR EVERY AGE

The city of Otočac also provides a wide range of recreational activities, including kayaking, fishing, hiking, and cycling along the paths alongside the Gacka River valley or the first Japod trail in Croatia. For those seeking even more significant adventures, a quad safari and paragliding await. Opportunities abound, catering to every age group.

Mlinice, Gacka Photo Ivan Sardi, Croatian Tourist Board

5. INTERESTING LOCATIONS YOU MUST INVESTIGATE

Those who love to delve deeper can explore the Špilnik air base, not far from the city itself, where years of work and admiration towards fighter planes that once ruled the sky are on display. The collection of the Airplane Museum continues to grow, so make sure to check it out.

Of course, there are also watermills on Majerovo and Tokovićevo Vrilo in Sinac where the Gacka River springs from, the cave in Ličko Lešće from the Mesolithic era, and the Sanctuary of the god Mitra. 

Airplane Museum, Photo: Roberta F., CC BY-SA 3.0

6. Love goes through the stomach

Lika is very well known for its gastronomy, and such an experience is inevitable in Otočac as well. You must have heard about the famous Lika lamb, cheeses, potato halves (police), and everyone’s favorite masnica, so now it’s time to try them all too.

More about it, and the life in Lika you can hear from Jelena’s first-hand experience here.

Potato halfs (pole), Photo: Adria.fun

7. EVENTS all year round

From January to December, no matter when you visit, Otočac and its region always have something on its calendar.  Some of the events you need to visit are the Gacka carnival, Easter fair, Croatian and Alpe Adria moto championship race Team Silber Race, street art festival Coklje Fest, Folklore Show, Gacka run, Barka’s bicycle race, Eko Ethno Gacka gastronomic event, Croatian walking festival, Autumn festival, or Advent. 

And much much more…

Svica, Photo: Tourist Board Otočac