The Tounj Bridge and the historic complex
The Tounj Bridge is a two-tier stone bridge over the gorge of the Tounjčica. It is twelve metres high and unique of its kind in Croatia. Its first level was built in 1775, and the second was added in 1836. Four sculptures of Roman soldiers and a commemorative plaque for Emperor Joseph adorn the edge of the bridge. Its construction phases and details make the structure a notable subject for anyone interested in architecture and regional history.
The historic Tounj complex also lies beside the Tounjčica. Only a small part of the tower and the Baroque Chapel of St John of Nepomuk have survived. Together, the structures tell the story of the past in different ways: the bridge through its two levels and design, and the complex through the parts that remain.
River, Gorge and Caves
The Tounjčica rises in a cave of the same name, 465 metres long. In the first part of its course, it flows through a very narrow gorge. The spring and river course therefore represent different landscape forms: the river originates in a cave, while the narrow valley shapes its first above-ground stretch.
The Špilja u kamenolomu Toun cave is about 8.5 kilometres long. The Ogulin cave sponge lives in both of the caves mentioned above, as well as in other caves: it is an endemic species and the world's only underground freshwater sponge. The caves and river gorge give the nature of the Municipality of Tounj two distinct facets—the exceptional underground ecosystem and the Tounjčica's narrow course.
Paths along the Tounjčica
The Poučna staza Tounjčica educational trail runs through the narrow valley of the Tounjčica. The Municipality of Tounj has improved the trail and its surroundings over the past decades. Check the conditions on the trail before making plans based on it.
The municipality has also created 1,500 metres of new paths and a promenade along the Tounjčica to the bathing area, as well as at the old Frankopan Bridge. A prepared bathing area is located below the Kokot rock on the Tounjčica. Conditions there may vary by season; check them before your visit.
The Tounjčica–Tounjske špilje–Tounjski most promenade project includes a reconstructed, 20-metre-long wooden footbridge. The second route of the Poučna staza Tounjčica is intended to reach the source cave and run between the Tounj Bridge and the source cave. This route is described as a plan. Check locally whether the entire promenade route has been completed.
Tounjski sir and local production
Traditional Tounjski sir has been made for years on family farms in the Tounj area. It is a smoked cheese made from fresh cow's milk. This speciality adds a tangible connection to regional food culture to the area's nature and cultural experiences.
In addition to Tounjski sir, the OPG Paher family farm produces škripavac, fresh cheese, Skuta, whey and cheese with herbs. If you are specifically looking for these products, it is best to check locally whether they are currently available.
Discover more destinations: Tounj, Municipality of Barilovići, Municipality of Ogulin, Municipality of Ozalj, Municipality of Generalski Stol, Municipality of Cetingrad, Municipality of Karlovac, Municipality of Lasinja.
Go to the regional travel overview: Karlovac County.
