The Dretulja initially flows above ground before disappearing into Plaško polje. As a sinking river, it rises below Mala Kapela and flows on the surface for about ten kilometres. In the valley, you’ll encounter meanders, meadow and marsh vegetation, the Vrnjika tributary, and agricultural land near Plaški. The watercourse and open valley spaces give the landscape its distinctive character.
Dretulja Valley and nature
Dolina Dretulje is designated as a Natura 2000 site for species and habitat types, covering 590.77 hectares. The management plan for the 2023–2032 implementation period lists two target plant species and five target habitat types, including calcareous fens and lowland hay meadows. The flora of the upper Dretulja Valley is also diverse: 161 plant species have been recorded there, 32 of which are on Croatia’s Red List of threatened species.
Transport routes also provide a sense of the area’s geography. The D42 state road passes through the Dretulje ecological area on the Ogulin–Josipdol–Plaški–Saborsko–Grabovac route, heading towards the Plitvice Lakes. The Oštarije–Knin railway line also runs through the area. These routes place Plaški within the landscape between the towns mentioned.
Hiking, the lake and a cycling route
If you’d like to explore the area on foot, the Plaška Glava hike combines nature and history in one outing. The trail reaches the remains of the old town of Gradina, and climbing to the tower ruins opens up views across the valley. The hike is rated as moderately difficult; standard hiking equipment is recommended, and it takes 3.5 to 5 hours. Route information may change, so check it before setting out. A branch of the route leads to Lake Sinjac, which can be reached from a local paved road after a 15-minute walk. From Vršak, you can also see Blaćansko jezero, Lička Jesenica and Saborsko, as well as Lička Plješivica.
Sinjac is a karst lake with a stated depth of 203 metres and is considered Croatia’s second-deepest karst lake. An information board presented at the lake in 2023 showed a chronology of research, a map, photographs of underground channels and details about the recorded wildlife; check its current condition on site. A local legend tells of an ox cart disappearing into the lake in 1936—a story passed down over time, not a verified historical account.
The wider landscape can also be explored on two wheels: cycling route 9 runs from Rakovica to Saborsko, passes through Plitvice Lakes National Park and continues through Plaški towards Josipdol. The hilly terrain in Plaški Municipality is also suited to recreational cycling and walking. Other activities include gathering medicinal herbs and forest fruits. Sport fishing is possible on the Dretulja and Vrnjika rivers in Plaščanska dolina.
Traces of local history
In the centre of Plaški, a stone school building dating from 1809 has been preserved. The historic Učiona school building is protected as cultural heritage and is associated with the education of Nikola Tesla’s father and uncle. The school’s history also includes a mixed civilian agricultural school named Nikola Tesla, which began operating in 1921.
The Saborna Church of the Presentation of the Holy Mother of God is about 260 years old and was formerly the seat of the Eparchy of Upper Karlovac. The Dom kulture, now a cinema, hosted the Second Session of ZAVNOH, presided over by the writer Vladimir Nazor. These diverse sites—a school, a church and a cultural centre—offer a glimpse into the town’s educational and cultural history.
Local products and experiences
The Green Road between Josipdol, Plaški and Saborsko showcases regional products such as cheese, honey, Lika potatoes, cabbage and liqueurs. Atelje Janja Gora also combines visits with local production: the visitor programme described includes tastings of regional products, visits to producers and the opportunity to buy products from the area. Confirm availability before your trip.
The guided tour programme at Atelje Janja Gora also includes visits to archaeological sites associated with the prehistoric Japodes, as well as the Dretulja and other springs whose water is considered clean drinking water. For organised groups, the atelier offers three- to four-hour workshops using simple coiling techniques. You can take your work home unfired or leave it there to be fired and delivered. Tour options and workshop arrangements may change, so check what’s available in advance.
Discover more destinations: Žakanje Municipality, Josipdol Municipality, Krnjak Municipality, Tounj Municipality, Generalski Stol Municipality, Slunj Municipality, Saborsko Municipality.
View the wider travel guide: Karlovac County.
