The landscape of dreams roughly bounded by the Velebit and Pljesevica mountains, a traditional rural area with developed farming that boasts with two National parks - Plitvice Lakes and Sjeverni Velebit.
10 localities in Croatia are part of UNESCO List of World Heritage sites. Plitvice Lakes is Croatia's best known national park.
Wedged between Zagreb and the Adriatic coast, the Lika and Karlovac Region is where Croatia turns wild and green. Mountains rise above quiet river valleys, roads weave through forests, and small towns feel a world away from the busy coastal resorts. Most visitors only glimpse this area on the way to Plitvice Lakes, but if you give it a couple of days you’ll find national parks, rivers, caves and villages that feel like a different Croatia altogether.
This region spans the counties of Lika-Senj and Karlovac, taking in the Velebit mountain range, the Gacka and Korana rivers, and the forests and fields around Gospić, Otočac, Karlovac and Slunj. It’s easy to reach by car or bus from Zagreb, yet it still feels off the main tourist trail, with cooler air in summer and a strong sense of local life. Think wooden watermills, log cabins, hearty food and star-filled skies - and, if you’re curious about regional dishes, take a look at our Delicious Croatia food and wine guide for inspiration.
Where is the Lika and Karlovac Region?
The Lika and Karlovac Region stretches across central Croatia, between the capital Zagreb and the northern Dalmatian coast. It includes Lika-Senj County, centred around Gospić, Otočac and the Velebit mountains, and Karlovac County, whose main town of Karlovac sits at the crossroads of four rivers. Plitvice Lakes National Park lies roughly halfway between Zagreb and the coast, making it the best-known gateway into the region. Drive south from Zagreb along the A1 motorway or the older main roads and you’re quickly in a landscape of forests, meadows and peaks rather than city sprawl.
Why visit the Lika and Karlovac Region
Lika and Karlovac are ideal if you love nature but don’t want to spend your entire trip on the coast. This is the land of deep forests, clear rivers and quiet mountain villages, anchored by Croatia’s most famous inland sight - Plitvice Lakes. The climate is cooler than the seaside in summer, the pace is slower, and prices are generally gentler than in big-name coastal resorts. It’s a perfect region for combining a road trip, hiking or river activities with a few days by the sea and other hubs like Zadar or Split.
Beyond Plitvice, you can hike in the Velebit mountains, wander through waterfall villages like Rastoke, kayak or fish on the Gacka River, explore caves and visit the birthplace of Nikola Tesla in Smiljan. Towns such as Karlovac and Slunj are big enough to offer cafés and restaurants, but small enough to feel relaxed and local.
For me, driving over the Velebit range and through the Lika countryside, with wide open views and that crisp mountain air, already feels like part of the experience. Arriving at Plitvice early in the morning, with cool air, quiet trails and the smell of pine forest around the lakes, made the waterfalls feel even more magical and untouched.
Lika & Karlovac at a glance
Think of Lika and Karlovac as Croatia’s green corridor between Zagreb and the sea. The main bases are the Plitvice Lakes area, the towns of Gospić and Otočac in Lika, and Karlovac and Slunj with its fairy-tale suburb of Rastoke. A stay of 2–4 days works well: one or two days around Plitvice Lakes National Park, plus time for Velebit, Rastoke or the Gacka River.
The region suits hikers, nature lovers, road-trippers and families who enjoy being outdoors more than shopping or nightlife. It’s also easier on the wallet than many Adriatic hotspots - your main costs are national park tickets, fuel or bus fares, and accommodation, with food and activities often pleasantly affordable.
Top 7 things to do in Lika & Karlovac Region
1. Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is the star attraction of inland Croatia: a chain of terraced turquoise lakes linked by waterfalls and boardwalks, surrounded by deep forest. Wooden paths take you right over the water, past cascades and cliff faces, with viewpoints scattered along the routes. You can visit as a long day trip, but staying nearby lets you enter early or later in the day when the crowds thin and the light is softer. For detailed walking routes, ticket tips and seasonal advice, see our full Plitvice Lakes National Park guide.
2. Hike the Velebit mountains and the Premužić Trail
The Velebit mountains form the backbone of the region, rising steeply above the Lika plateau and the Adriatic coast. In Northern Velebit National Park you’ll find the famous Premužić Trail, a beautifully built stone path that contours the mountain slopes with wide views over peaks and islands. Most visitors walk just a section rather than the full multi-day route, which is enough to experience the open karst landscape and big skies. Trails range from easy rambles to more demanding hikes, so you can choose something that fits your fitness and the weather.
If you enjoy hiking, I really recommend doing at least a short section of the Premužić Trail between the Zavižan mountain hut and Alan hut - it’s one of the most famous routes on Velebit, with a beautifully built stone path and constant views over the Adriatic and the islands below. Walking that ridge, with occasional stops at viewpoints around Rožanski kukovi and near Rossi’s shelter, felt like the perfect "mountain fix" to balance the more crowded, touristy feel of Plitvice.
3. Wander through Rastoke in Slunj
Rastoke is a tiny village perched on a cluster of waterfalls where the Slunjčica River tumbles into the Korana. Wooden houses and old watermills stand above channels and cascades, giving the place a storybook feel. It’s an ideal stop between Zagreb and Plitvice, you can stretch your legs, have coffee or lunch with a view and take photos from the bridges and riverbanks. Stay overnight if you want to enjoy the sound of the water after the day-trip crowds have gone.
4. Discover the Gacka River and Otočac
The Gacka is one of Croatia’s most famous karst rivers, known for its clear, cold water and trout. Around the town of Otočac you’ll find traditional wooden mills, small chapels and quiet backroads that are perfect for slow exploration. This is a great area for easy cycling, short river walks and low-key picnics by the water rather than big ticket attractions. If you enjoy fishing, check local regulations and permits, the river is a prized spot for fly-fishers.
5. Visit the Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre in Smiljan
Just outside Gospić, the village of Smiljan is home to the Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre, built around the inventor’s birthplace. The site combines a small museum, reconstructed rooms, outdoor exhibits and demonstrations that bring Tesla’s experiments and ideas to life. It’s a rewarding stop for both adults and children, especially if you’re already interested in science and technology. You can easily combine a visit here with exploring Gospić itself or driving further into the Velebit foothills.
6. Explore caves at Grabovača Cave Park
Lika is riddled with caves and sinkholes, and Grabovača Cave Park near Perušić gives you a safe, guided way to experience this underground world. The best-known cave, Samograd, has stairs, walkways and lighting, so you don’t need any special equipment beyond good shoes and a warm layer. Above ground there are viewpoints, educational panels and short walking trails, making it a good half-day trip. Families usually enjoy the sense of adventure, especially if you combine the cave with a picnic or a short hike.
7. Relax in Karlovac, the city on four rivers
Karlovac is a green, laid-back town built in a star-shaped plan in the 16th century and wrapped in parks and rivers. It makes an easy day trip or overnight from Zagreb, with a compact old center, river promenades and swimming spots in summer. You can visit the Aquatika freshwater aquarium, stroll along the Korana and Kupa, or simply sit in a café and watch local life go by. For many travelers it’s a softer, less touristy introduction to inland Croatia than the capital itself.
When to visit the Lika and Karlovac Region
Lika and Karlovac have a more continental climate than the coast, with cold winters, warm summers and pronounced spring and autumn seasons. In spring, rivers are full and forests are bright green, while in autumn the beech woods around Plitvice turn shades of orange and red. Summer days can still be hot, but evenings tend to be cooler than on the Adriatic, especially in higher areas around Velebit and the Lika plateau. Winter brings snow and ice, transforming Plitvice and the mountains into a quiet, white landscape when conditions allow, you can read more about travelling at this time of year in our Visit Croatia in winter guide.
For most travelers, late April to June and September to mid-October are the sweet spots. Trails are open, waterfalls are usually impressive, and temperatures are comfortable for hiking and sightseeing. July and August are best if you want long days, swimming in rivers and combining Lika with the coast, but this is also when Plitvice is busiest and national park tickets are at their highest. In shoulder months you’ll often find better value on accommodation and more space on the paths, especially if you start early.
Winter, roughly November to March, can be magical if you’re prepared and flexible, with snow-covered forests and frozen sections of the lakes. However, days are short, some services close, and road conditions can be tricky in bad weather. If you’re planning a winter trip, keep a close eye on forecasts and road reports, make sure your car has proper winter equipment and expect a quieter, slower experience.
How to get to Lika & Karlovac Region
By car
Driving is the most flexible way to explore Lika and Karlovac. From Zagreb, the A1 motorway runs south towards the coast with exits for Karlovac, Ogulin, Gospić and other towns, while older main roads lead towards Plitvice Lakes and the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Once you leave the motorway, expect winding regional roads that cut through forests and climb over hills, with occasional viewpoints and lay-bys. In winter, many routes require winter tyres or chains, and high winds or heavy snow can briefly close exposed sections of the motorway and mountain passes, so always check conditions before you set off.
By bus
If you’re not driving, buses are the main way to reach Lika from Zagreb and the coast. Regular services run from Zagreb's Main Bus Station to Plitvice Lakes and towns like Karlovac and Gospić, with more departures in high season. Typical journey times from Zagreb to Plitvice range from about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on the route and number of stops. One-way tickets usually start around the low double digits in euros, with prices varying by operator and date, so always double-check on the Zagreb bus station or transport pages such as Travelling to and from Zagreb by bus for up-to-date schedules and fares.
From Zagreb and from the coast
From Zagreb, the simplest route is to follow the A1 motorway south to Karlovac and then continue towards Plitvice or deeper into Lika, or to take the older main road via Slunj and Rastoke for a more scenic drive. My suggestion is to even combine a couple of nights near Plitvice with time in the capital, using our best day trips from Zagreb page for ideas. From the coast, you can reach the region from hubs like Zadar and Split via the A1 motorway or via mountain roads over Velebit; the motorway is faster and easier, while the older roads offer big views but require more care, especially in bad weather.
Where to stay in and around Lika & Karlovac
Choosing the right base in Lika and Karlovac depends on how much you want to move around and whether you’re travelling by car or bus. I recommend most first-time visitors stay near Plitvice Lakes for easy access to the park, then add a night or two somewhere quieter if they have more time. If you’re driving, you can be more flexible and split your stay between different valleys and towns without wasting too much time on transfers.
Staying near Plitvice Lakes
The Plitvice Lakes area is the most practical base for a short visit, with everything from simple rooms in family houses to hotels a short walk or drive from the entrances. It works well if you want to be at the park gates for opening time, take an afternoon break and return later in the day when it’s quieter. Buses from Zagreb and the coast stop along the main road, so you can stay here even without a car, although you’ll need to check how far your accommodation is from the bus stop and from the park entrances.
Gospić, Smiljan and the Lika interior
If you want a more "everyday Lika" feel, consider staying in or around Gospić. From here you can reach the Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre in Smiljan, head into the Velebit foothills or make day trips towards Plitvice and the Gacka valley. Expect a quieter atmosphere, with local cafés and a smaller choice of restaurants and accommodation than in major tourist centers. This kind of base suits travelers with a car who enjoy using one place as a hub for different day trips.
Otočac and the Gacka Valley
Otočac and the surrounding Gacka Valley are ideal for travelers like myself who like rivers, low-key cycling and village scenery. Many rural guesthouses here sit close to the water or in small hamlets, so you wake up to fields, mills and morning mist rather than traffic. It’s a good option if you’re coming from or heading to the northern Adriatic and want to break the journey with a couple of peaceful nights. With a car you can still reach Plitvice, Velebit and the coast, but expect longer driving days.
Karlovac and Slunj/Rastoke
Karlovac suits visitors who want a small city base with parks, cafés and riverside walks within easy reach of Zagreb. You can stay near the center and make day trips along the rivers, then continue south towards Plitvice. Slunj and its waterfall suburb of Rastoke offer a more intimate base, where you can sleep to the sound of water and split your time between walking, photography and day trips. Both Karlovac and Slunj work well for travelers who prefer not to change accommodation too often but still want to dip into different parts of the region.
Lika & Karlovac practical tips
A bit of planning goes a long way in Lika and Karlovac, especially if you’re visiting in peak season or winter. Distances on the map look short, but winding roads, park entry times and weather can all slow you down. These quick tips are based on my own experience and should help you avoid common snags and make the most of your time between the capital, the coast and the mountains.
- Book Plitvice Lakes tickets in advance for busy dates, and pay close attention to your chosen entrance and time slot.
- Allow more travel time than you think, especially if you plan to stop in Zagreb, Karlovac or Rastoke on the same day as your park visit.
- Pack layers: mornings and evenings can be chilly even in summer, particularly near rivers, lakes and higher sections of the Velebit mountains.
- Wear sturdy shoes with a decent grip, boardwalks around waterfalls can be wet and slippery, and forest paths are often uneven.
- Check bus timetables in both directions; some services only run once or twice a day, so it’s worth planning around them or considering a rental car.
- In winter, make sure your car has proper tires and carry chains where required; conditions can change quickly at higher altitudes.
- Stock up on snacks and water before long walks or drives, as shops and fuel stations are more widely spaced than in and around coastal cities like Zadar and Split.
- If you have allergies or dietary needs, mention them clearly when booking rural accommodation, smaller guesthouses may need extra time to prepare alternatives.
FAQ about Lika and Karlovac Region
Where is the Lika and Karlovac Region in Croatia?
The Lika and Karlovac Region lies between Zagreb and the northern Dalmatian coast, covering the inland counties of Lika-Senj and Karlovac. It stretches from the Velebit mountains and the Gacka Valley in the south up to the rivers and forests around Karlovac and Slunj in the north. Plitvice Lakes National Park sits roughly in the middle, making it the most famous entry point for travellers.
Is Lika worth visiting if I’m already going to Plitvice Lakes?
Yes, if you only visit Plitvice as a quick day trip you’ll miss much of what makes this region special. Staying one or two nights lets you explore the Velebit mountains, the mills and waterfalls of Rastoke, the Gacka River and the Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre in Smiljan at a slower pace. You also avoid rushing back to the coast or Zagreb and get a better feel for local life, food and landscapes away from the busiest spots inside the park.
How many days do you need in the Lika & Karlovac Region?
Two to four days is a good starting point for most trips. With two days you can spend a full day in Plitvice and add either Rastoke or a short hike on Velebit. With three or four days you can add an extra walk in the mountains, time on the Gacka River or a visit to Karlovac or the Tesla Memorial Centre. If you are planning a longer Croatia itinerary that also includes Zadar, Split or the islands, Lika fits nicely in the middle as a cooler, greener break.
Is it better to visit Lika by car or bus?
You can reach key spots such as Plitvice and Karlovac by bus, so it’s perfectly possible to visit Lika without driving. However, having a car makes a big difference if you want to see quieter valleys, mountain viewpoints and villages that buses don’t reach or only serve once or twice a day. A good compromise is to use buses between bigger hubs like Zagreb, Plitvice and the coast, and rent a car for a couple of days to explore side roads and trails.
What is winter like in Lika? Are roads safe?
Winter in Lika is colder and snowier than on the coast, and that’s part of the appeal, forests, rivers and even parts of Plitvice can look magical under snow and ice. Main roads and the A1 motorway are generally well maintained, but high winds and heavy snowfall can cause delays or short-term closures, especially over mountain sections. If you’re driving, you’ll need winter tires and, on some routes, snow chains, and you should always check weather and road reports before setting off.
Can I visit Lika and Karlovac as a day trip from Zagreb?
Yes, you can visit parts of the region as a day trip from Zagreb. Popular options include a full-day visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park or a shorter outing to Karlovac and the waterfall village of Rastoke. However, distances and park opening hours mean these days can be quite long, especially in winter, so my recommendation is to stay at least one night in or near the region and use our best day trips from Zagreb page to combine ideas.
Is the Lika region family-friendly?
Lika is very family-friendly if your children enjoy being outdoors. Boardwalks and paths around Plitvice, easy river walks, caves and the Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre all work well for curious kids, as long as you keep an eye on steep drops and follow safety signs. Long drives and fewer big-city facilities mean you may need to plan breaks and snacks more carefully than on the coast, but in return you get space, fresh air and plenty of simple adventures.
The inland region of Lika-Karlovac has Croatia’s highest concentration of national and natural parks, a mixture of low-lying landscapes and forested hills and mountains.