Municipality of Saborsko: Springs, Churches and Cultural Heritage

A quarter of the Municipality of Saborsko lies within the boundaries of Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are also protected spring landscapes, historic churches and a cycling tourism route that ends in the municipality. Nature and culture sit side by side here, without limiting a trip to just one experience.

Springs, sinkholes and a changing lake

The protected landscape of Lička Jesenica includes Veliko Vrelo and Malo Vrelo, as well as the entire watercourse with its sinkholes. There is also a cave at the source of Malo Vrelo. Above it is a rock with a face of Christ, reminiscent of the face of Jesus Christ on the Shroud of Turin. It is an unusual detail for anyone who also appreciates distinctive shapes and stories while enjoying nature.

Lake Blata is a different kind of natural phenomenon: it is a periodically appearing and disappearing estavelle. Whether it contains water depends on the dry or wet season. If you plan to include the lake in your trip, bear in mind its seasonal changes rather than expecting the landscape to look the same year-round.

The Čorkova Uvala Special Reserve is also part of the municipality and is protected. Visitors may walk along the edge of the reserve from Kuselj to the forest lodge and onward towards Plitvice. Entry into the primeval forest itself is strictly prohibited, except for scientists studying its features. This clear boundary is important to keep in mind when visiting. In Čorkova Uvala stands Lugarnica, a forest lodge built in 1955 for the forestry service of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Since 2010, it has been under provisional protection as Croatian cultural heritage.

Churches and places of remembrance

In Saborsko, the present-day Church of St John of Nepomuk tells of a more recent chapter in the village’s history: it was built between 2001 and 2003, after the previous church was destroyed. Its design is reminiscent of old churches in the Krbava region and mountain houses. The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Saborsko was built in 1726 on the ruins of a larger church dating from before the Ottoman period and is described as a protected monument of category zero.

In Lička Jesenica stands the Orthodox Church of St Elijah the Prophet, built in 1751. St Elijah is also the patron saint of Saborsko; his feast day is traditionally celebrated there every year on 2 August. Another historic landmark is the stone bridge in Lička Jesenica: built in 1876, it has been preserved in its original form. For visitors interested in local history, this offers a range of points of interest, from church architecture to traditionally used infrastructure.

Craftsmanship and commemorative traditions also contribute to the municipality’s character. The Etno šindra business makes traditional wooden shingles and is associated with Saborsko’s intangible cultural heritage. The Way of the Cross from the mass grave site to the summit of Alan was built in honour of Saborsko’s residents who fell in the wars. These places give cultural interests a distinct local character, alongside the older churches and the bridge.

Cycling route and regional products

For cyclists, cycling tourism route 34 offers a clear point of reference: it ends in Biljevina, in the Municipality of Saborsko, after 15.6 kilometres and 410 metres of elevation gain. If you prefer to explore on foot, the Izvor-Voda walking trail is well marked and has a GPS track. There is also a playful, self-guided companion booklet, “Saborka”.

Brown trout are plentiful in the Jesenica River, which is noted as a waterway where anglers can try their luck. Culinary discoveries are close by: along the “Green Road”, which leads from Josipdol and Plaški to Saborsko, you can find cheese, honey, honey cake, rakija, herbal drinks and other local products.

When looking for a holiday rental, you can first decide whether nature, cultural history or an active excursion should shape your stay. The Municipality of Saborsko offers a range of themes to explore individually or combine into your own personal mix.

Other municipalities at the same level: Municipality of Barilovići, Municipality of Josipdol, Municipality of Žakanje, Municipality of Vojnić, Municipality of Slunj, Municipality of Cetingrad, Municipality of Netretić.

For the overview of the wider region: Karlovac County.