We visited Majerovo and Tonkovićevo vrilo, two jewels of the Gacka valley!

On the occasion of holding an interesting festival in Otočac, which we already wrote about, we decided to fulfill a few more wishes from our travel list. We took advantage of the daylight and headed to the Sinac settlement, where two exceptional gems and the most famous springs in the Gacka River valley are hidden!

Although every season is ideal for visiting this area, we took the opportunity to enjoy the charms of autumn in peace, without too many crowds, and explore the beauty of this valley.

Tonkovićevo vrilo, Photo: Adria.fun

Up until now, you have mostly heard about the popular Majerovo vrilo, so we will use this opportunity to first present you the main one, which was also our first destination. Hidden to the side, among dense vegetation and under tall trees, was the famous Tonkovićevo vrilo.

There is no official parking lot, so it is best to stop wherever you find a place, breathe in the fresh air, and carefully descend over the wooden bridge to the main spring of Gacka. Sitting on a bench, you absorb untouched nature’s sights, sounds, and smells.

Tonkovićevo vrilo, Photo: Adria.fun

You can feel this moment only here – because Tonkovićevo vrilo plays a key role in the system of one of the cleanest and most beautiful rivers in Croatia. The location of the spring itself is carefully guarded by surveillance cameras and a wire fence, so taking photos of it is strictly prohibited. But right behind the fence is the observation deck and the first fall of the Gacka River over the karst limestone, where the river continues its path along the old, already abandoned mills.

For adventurers, there is also a resting place for cyclists and those who want to explore the Gacka Valley actively, as well as a perfect place for a picnic, all to enjoy the untouched beauty of this area.

Those who still arrived near this spring, but didn’t bring anything of their own, can have a snack at the local restaurant “Vrelo Gacke”.

Tonkovićevo vrilo, Photo: Adria.fun

After driving four kilometers, we come across Majerovo vrilo, probably the most famous location and tourist center near Otočac. Fortunately, there were no crowds, except for a few curious passers-by and a playful duck.

At this spring four beautiful wooden mills are still working today, giving visitors an insight into the old way of processing grains and other products. You can enjoy OPG Mayer products and buy them as an authentic souvenir from Lika.

We also learned that the mill of the Orešković family, built in 1915, was once located on this very well, but due to long-term neglect, it deteriorated until it finally collapsed. Today, a faithful replica stands in its place, which includes a mill, a grain room, tools, a miller’s room, and a living area.

Walking around, whichever way you look, you feel how the past and tradition are in perfect harmony with nature here, and autumn has further highlighted this harmony with colorful and lush beauty. If you get the chance to visit Otočac in winter, don’t forget to go to Sinac, where the scenery is equally magical!