Municipality of Tounj: Discover the bridge, river and caves

The Tounj Bridge and the historic site

The Tounj Bridge spans the gorge of the Tounjčica. It is a two-level stone bridge, 12 metres high, and unique of its kind in Croatia. Its construction history can be read in its two levels: the first was built in 1775, and the second was added in 1836. Four sculptures of Roman soldiers stand at the edge; a plaque there also commemorates Emperor Joseph. These details make the bridge a special destination for anyone who also pays attention to historic architecture and its design while travelling.

The historic site of Tounj is also located on the Tounjčica. Only a small part of the tower and the Baroque Chapel of St John of Nepomuk remain. Thus, the site is defined not by complete buildings but by a few surviving parts. If you are interested in the history of the place, you can consider these remains alongside the bridge as a cultural interest in their own right.

The gorge, paths and bathing area on the Tounjčica

In the first part of its course, the Tounjčica flows through a very narrow gorge. The Poučna staza Tounjčica excursion promenade leads through this narrow valley; the municipality has developed the path and its surroundings over the past decades. For planning your day, the landscape itself is therefore the main feature: the path runs through a narrow valley, not an open river landscape.

The Municipality of Tounj has also established 1,500 metres of new paths and a promenade along the Tounjčica to the bathing area and by the old Frankopan Bridge. A developed bathing area is located beneath the Kokot cliff on the Tounjčica. A reconstructed, 20-metre-long wooden footbridge is part of the Tounjčica–Tounjske špilje–Tounjski most promenade project. A second route of the Poučna staza Tounjčica is planned to reach the Tounjčica spring cave and run through the area between the Tounj Bridge and the spring cave. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between the existing path through the narrow valley and this second route, which is described as a planned project.

Caves and regional specialities

The Tounjčica rises from a cave of the same name, which is 465 metres long. Another notable cave is Špilja u kamenolomu Tounj, which is about 8.5 kilometres long. Both of these caves and other caves are home to the Ogulin cave sponge: an endemic species and the world’s only subterranean freshwater sponge. In addition to their size and role in the river system, this feature gives the caves their own significance for natural history.

The local cheesemaking tradition is also part of the area’s character. Tounjski sir has been made here for years on family farms. The smoked cheese is made from fresh cow’s milk. In addition to Tounjski sir, the OPG Paher family farm also makes škripavac exclusively from fresh cheese, Skuta, whey and cheese with herbs. If local food is part of your trip, this cheese is a specific speciality to look out for as you explore Tounj.

Which accommodation suits your trip?

When choosing a holiday apartment in the Municipality of Tounj, the experiences that matter to you may help you decide: would you especially like to explore the bridge and the historic site, are you interested in the Tounjčica and its paths, or are caves and regional foods your main focus? Consider which of these themes you would like to include in your stay.

You can reach the town of Tounj via Tounj. Other destinations: Municipality of Lasinja, Municipality of Barilovići, Municipality of Generalski Stol, Municipality of Netretić, Municipality of Josipdol, Municipality of Duga Resa, Municipality of Cetingrad.

For the broader travel overview: Karlovac County.