Municipality of Krnjak

The Municipality of Krnjak combines a protected cave landscape with rivers, a historic hiking trail and places connected with religious and recent history.

Jopićeva Pećina and its natural environment

The area around Jopićeva Pećina is designated as important for the conservation of species and habitat types. The cave itself is protected and almost 7 km long, making it one of Croatia’s longest caves. Its lower level contains an underground river. This natural area is notable both for the cave’s size and for its distinctive underground environment.

The area around Jopićeva Pećina is important for the conservation of the stone crayfish (Autropotamobius torrentium). The cave and its surroundings also provide a habitat for populations of four bat species: the long-fingered bat (Myotis capaccinii), the Geoffroy’s bat (Myotis emarginatus), the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) and the lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros). The natural highlights therefore range from an underground river to the protection of various animal species.

Rivers, hills and hiking trail

The Korana Canyon cuts through the hilly area of Krnjak. The Radonja also crosses the municipal area, and the Budačka Rijeka is another watercourse found here. The Korana and its tributaries are considered rich in fish in the Krnjak area and are of interest to anglers. The hilly, forested terrain is also associated with hunting. These landscape features offer nature enthusiasts a variety of points of interest, without implying that all activities can be combined into a single outing.

One specific suggestion for hikers is the historic educational Zmajsko-Frankopanska trail. It starts in the village of Vujaškovići in the Municipality of Krnjak and ends at the Old Frankopan Town of Skrad on the Korana. The trail is 1.3 km long. Along the way, hikers can enjoy views of landscapes in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The distance can be factored into your day’s plans, while the views connect the hiking experience with landscapes in both countries.

Churches, monastery and historic sites

The Monastery of Bogorodice Trojeručice is located in Donji Budački. Its complex includes the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, as well as a chapel dedicated to Bogorodica Trojeručica. The church dates from 1700, while the monastery was founded in 2007. These dates refer to different parts of the complex and distinguish the older church architecture from the more recent founding of the monastery.

Another religious site is the Chapel of Saint John the Baptist in Krnjak. It serves as a liturgical space for services and gatherings of the faithful. The municipality’s sites also reflect more recent history: Kuća Mačešić in Perići was the seat of the SKOJ for Karlovac. Kuća Perić is associated with the headquarters of the command of the I. Korduner Gebiet Zagorje; a building used as the technical workshop of the VIII. Korduner Division is also dated to 1943.

Choose the right starting point

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in the Municipality of Krnjak, you can first decide which themes are most important for your trip: the cave and biodiversity, the river landscape, the hiking trail, or historic and religious sites. One of Croatia’s most important roads also passes through Krnjak.

Places within the municipality include Gornji Budački and Krnjak. Other municipalities at the same administrative level are Municipality of Netretić, Municipality of Plaški, Municipality of Barilovići, Municipality of Žakanje, Municipality of Bosiljevo and Municipality of Slunj.

For an overview of the wider region: Karlovac County.