Discover the Municipality of Brinje

Discover Brinje’s history

In the centre of Brinje stands Sokolac, a medieval noble castle built in the early 15th century by the Frankopans, the Counts of Krk. The entrance tower and the two-storey Chapel of the Holy Trinity have been preserved. Since June 2007, the chapel’s lower level has housed the permanent exhibition “Plemićki grad Sokolac”. It provides information about Sokolac and the Frankopans’ role in Croatian history. A visit to Sokolac must be arranged in advance by calling 053 700 407 or 099 283 4740.

The religious buildings also tell different chapters of the area’s history. The Church of St Vid dates back to the 14th century. This Gothic religious building is near the centre of Brinje, at the foot of Humac Hill, and is now occasionally used as a funerary chapel. The Chapel of St Fabian and St Sebastian is a protected late Romanesque religious building from the 14th century and is designated a cultural monument in the highest protection category.

Other notable structures include the stone bridge in the centre of Brinje on Jozefinska cesta. Built in 1801, it features a sundial. The village centre is also home to a bronze statue of a miner, a work by sculptor Kosta Angelini Radovani. The preserved Vretenaš mill, meanwhile, has stone mill wheels that can still be turned. Those interested in folk heritage can visit the permanent exhibition of the Municipality of Brinje, which features more than 1,200 exhibits. Visits must also be arranged in advance by calling 053 700 407 or 099 283 4740.

Hiking and nature experiences

The Brinjski prsten combines an educational trail and hiking route in a circular loop from Brinje through Zarin and the Siničić Cave, and back to Brinje. The route is 18.5 km long. The longer section follows the ridge of the Škamnica range to Zarin, the highest peak in the Brinje Basin at 828 m, and continues to the Kozjak viewpoint. The total distance and route described here give you concrete details to consider when planning an outing on this trail.

Another natural formation is Rokina bezdana, near Jezerane between two Kapela ranges. This karst pit is 100–110 m deep; its entrance measures 22 × 12 m and leads to underground water channels. Entry is permitted only under the supervision of a speleologist. If you plan to visit, this access requirement is essential to your arrangements.

Walks, cycling routes and other excursions

At Lake Brodić in the Municipality of Brinje, there is an excursion spot with a new walking path, lighting and benches for outdoor recreation and leisure. The lake is rich in fish and natural vegetation; the fish species mentioned include carp, grass carp, pike and crayfish. When choosing an outing, you can therefore consider a range of options: a walk by the lake, a longer hiking route or a visit to historic buildings.

Brinje’s tourist offerings include the two local cycling routes, Brinjski mineri 1 and 2. Staro Brinje also has via ferratas for climbing in winter and summer. The public Nextbike bicycle-sharing system has one station in the centre below Sokolac and another by Hotel Lika at the A1 motorway rest area. Brinje is located on Jozefinska cesta, the Josephine Road, and on the present-day Zagreb–Split motorway, the A1; you can take these road connections into account when planning your journey.

When searching for accommodation, use your preferred focus to help guide your decision: if you mainly want to visit the buildings and exhibitions, focus on Brinje. For hikes, the lake or a visit near Jezerane, you can also consider other destinations in the municipality. Places to help you get your bearings include Brinje, Crni Kal, Jezerane, Lipice and Vodoteč.

For the broader travel overview: Lika-Senj.

More destinations

More places in the same destination:

Municipality of Rakovica, Municipality of Karlobag, Municipality of Donji Lapac.