Three springs of the Gacka lie beside Sinac on the southeastern edge of the Gacko Field; there is also a cycling route, a hike of about three hours, and a distinctive cultural heritage. This mix gives you different priorities to consider when choosing a stay in Sinac. If you are looking for hotels, you can first decide whether the Gacka Springs and trails, or the churches, milling traditions and local customs, will shape your view of the area.

The Gacka Springs and Majerovo vrilo

The Vrela Gacke are protected as a natural monument. The Gacka Springs are located in Sinac below the Godača and Venac hills; three springs lie beside Sinac on the southeastern edge of the Gacko Field. Majerovo vrilo is considered the most interesting visitor spot among the Gacka Springs. Visitors can watch flour being milled there and buy freshly milled flour. This place therefore combines a protected landscape with a firsthand look at grain processing.

Choose between the cycling route and the hike

The Barkanova Trail passes through Sinac and by Majerovo vrilo, following the course of the Gacka. As a cycling route, it is 42.6 km long and of moderate difficulty. The Godača hike is 8 km long, of moderate difficulty, and takes about three hours. Its starting point is near a hunting lodge, about 1 km from Majerovo vrilo. The two routes therefore have different planning considerations: the Godača hike has a stated distance and approximate duration, while Barkanova is a considerably longer cycling route.

Check trail conditions before setting out on either route. Conditions and trail markings on the Barkanova Trail may also change.

Churches, milling traditions and customs

Gospin oltar is on Godača Hill above Sinac. The Church of St. Elias in Sinac was completed in 1750 in the Classical style. It is registered as protected cultural heritage under number Z-3951. These details add an architectural dimension to the area's history, distinct from its nature and trails.

The Štimac watermill stands at the Klanac spring on a site that is more than 300 years old; the present-day building dates from the late 19th century. The complex includes a watermill, a water-powered fulling mill, and a košić, which was used for washing or fulling woollen textiles. The Štimac family’s fulling mill is one of the few in Croatia to have survived in its original form and to remain in continuous operation. If you are planning to visit the complex, check visiting arrangements in advance.

Music, language and customs are also part of the cultural heritage. KUD Lipa Sinac grew out of a tamburitza orchestra founded in 1923 and works to preserve Sinac’s musical and oral heritage. Residents still speak Sinčeranska Čakavian and maintain the traditional custom of gacko prelo.

Plan your trip and stay

For driving to the spring area, a route via exit 10 of the A1 motorway for Otočac serves as a guide. From there, continue towards Vrhovine, Korenica and Plitvice; then take the turn-off for Sinac. The distance and duration details for the two routes can help you fit your chosen activity into your stay.

Discover more destinations: Licko Lesce, Otočac, Prozor, Donji Kosinj, Kuterevo, Vrhovine.

Go to the main travel overview: Općina Otočac.