The Municipality of Brinje stretches between the slopes of Velika Kapela and Velebit. The medieval Sokolac Castle stands in the centre of Brinje; the circular Brinjski prsten educational hiking trail passes through Zarin and Siničić Cave before returning to Brinje. Brinje lies on the Jozefinska cesta, the Josephine Road, and the present-day Zagreb–Split motorway (A1).

Sokolac and the Frankopans

Sokolac was built in the early 15th century by the Frankopans, the Counts of Krk. The entrance tower and the two-storey castle chapel of the Holy Trinity have been preserved. Since June 2007, the permanent exhibition “Plemićki grad Sokolac” has been housed in the lower level of the chapel. It provides information about the castle and the role of the Frankopans in Croatian history. The preserved parts of the castle thus offer a glimpse into the history of the family that built it.

Sacred buildings and details in the townscape

The Church of St. Vitus dates from the 14th century. The Gothic sacred 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 also dates from the same century: it is a protected late Romanesque sacred building designated as a cultural monument in the highest protection category. Gothic and late Romanesque architecture thus provide distinct architectural accents.

There is also a stone bridge in the centre of Brinje, on the Jozefinska cesta. It was built in 1801 and has a sundial. A bronze statue of a miner in the centre is the work of sculptor Kosta Angelini Radovani.

Collection and crafts

The Collection of Folk Heritage of the Municipality of Brinje is a permanent exhibition with more than 1,200 exhibits. The preserved Vretenaš mill offers another perspective on traditional crafts: its stone mill wheels can still be turned. Visits to Sokolac and the collection are possible by prior arrangement at 053 700 407 or 099 283 4740. Confirm the contact details before your trip.

Hiking, climbing and cycling

The Brinjski prsten is an 18.5-kilometre circular educational hiking trail on the Brinje–Zarin–Siničić Cave–Brinje route. Its longer section runs along the ridge of the Škamnica mountain range to the highest peak of the Brinje basin, Zarin (828 m), and the Kozjak viewpoint.

The via ferratas in Staro Brinje are considered an option for climbing in both winter and summer. Check seasonal conditions locally. The tourist cycling offer includes the two local routes Brinjski mineri 1 and 2; check route conditions and signage before setting out.

At Lake Brodić

Lake Brodić is rich in fish and natural vegetation. Species found there include carp, grass carp, pike and crayfish. There is a recreational area by the lake with a walking path, lighting and benches for outdoor relaxation. Check the condition of the facilities before your visit.

A cave near Jezerane

Rokina bezdana lies near Jezerane, between the two Kapelas. The karst pit is 100–110 metres deep; its 22 × 12-metre entrance leads to underground water channels. Entry is permitted only under the supervision of a speleologist.

Discover more destinations: Brinje, Crni Kal, Jezerane, Lipice, Vodoteč, Municipality of Perušić, Municipality of Otočac and Municipality of Donji Lapac.

Go to the main travel overview: Lika-Senj.