Exploring the Origins of the Gacka River at Mjerovo Vrilo

06.04.2024
Healthy holiday, News

In the beautiful region of Lika, there’s a special spot where nature and human history come together perfectly – Majerovo Vrilo. Here, at the source of the Gacka River, memories of ancient trades still linger. Visitors can witness the traditional milling process at Majer’s Spring and even purchase freshly made bread straight from the mill.

Just a two-hour drive from the capital, this valley holds many natural wonders, including the Gacka hot spring. In the past, there were around 60 such springs in the area, and now local families are restoring them to their former glory.

The Gacka River is celebrated as one of Croatia’s most picturesque rivers, with landscapes straight out of a fairy tale, especially in spring and summer. Majer’s spring stands out among its various sources, surrounded by lush meadows and old mills. Visitors can stroll along well-kept paths, admiring the serene scenery and abundant water teeming with ducks and swans. In the nearby village, you can find houses renowned for serving the best pizza in Croatia and beyond. While parking is available near the mills, it’s recommended to use the large parking lot located 200 meters before, to maintain the area’s tranquility.

Nature, Hospitality, and Local Delights at Majerovo Vrilo

This place, near Otočac, is all about hospitality, feeling right at home in nature, and enjoying tasty local food. The journey there feels special because the area is mostly untouched, making the ride even more exciting.

Restaurants in this area mostly serve food grown locally, which is why the quality is so good. It’s no wonder they’ve earned recognition on TripAdvisor, getting the Travellers’ Choice award. Besides Majerovo, this place is also known for hot springs like Tonković and Klanac. Here, you can see ancient jobs still being done in nature that have been well taken care of by the locals, keeping them from losing their charm. These areas are big draws for tourists from inland regions, and the number of people staying overnight and visiting keeps going up, especially among visitors from other countries.

Majerovo Vrilo sits about 12 to 14 kilometers away from the city, depending on the path you choose, in the southeast direction. This spot marks the beginning of the Gacka River, which is the third longest sinkhole river globally. Majer’s Spring, located in Sinac, is among the three largest sources in the Gacka River’s source area and boasts stunning scenery.

Visitors can arrange a visit to the mill in advance, which we highly recommend. Here, you can purchase homemade flour produced traditionally, along with other homemade goods. Bread made from flour ground in a water mill has a distinct, richer flavor. This experience might inspire you to try your hand at baking bread, especially using homemade flour from Majer’s Vrilo – there’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh homemade bread in the kitchen!

Gacka River

The Gacka River is among Croatia’s most stunning rivers. Its surroundings often feel straight out of a fairy tale, especially at Majer’s spring – a truly magical and beautiful spot. The untouched nature and peaceful way of life here can recharge your batteries. Gacka Valley is a vast area bordered by the Velebit mountains on one side and Kapela on the other. The river Gacka flows through this field, starting at one end and disappearing at the other. It’s the third longest sinkhole river globally. Originally 32 kilometers long, it’s now 11 kilometers due to the construction of the Senj Hydroelectric Power Plant in the 1960s. Most of the water is diverted into the artificial Gusić Lake near Otočac. Despite its shorter length, the river’s flow remains calm and meandering, with exceptionally clean and oxygen-rich water.

The river is teeming with aquatic plants so abundant that locals, known as Gačani, harvest and feed them to their cattle. Initially, only four types of fish inhabited the Gacka, possibly introduced during the time of the Frankopans. However, over time, more species were introduced, disrupting the river’s natural balance and reducing water purity. Nevertheless, Gacka is famous among anglers worldwide for its fast-growing brown trout. The trout thrives here about five times faster than in other karst rivers.

Recognizing its ecological significance, the Gacka River’s springs have been designated as a natural monument, with the Gacko and Dabarsko polje as significant landscapes. In 2006, the Croatian Center for Indigenous Species of Karst Fish and Crabs was established in Otočac. It focuses on breeding trout and river crayfish for release into the Gacka River, conducting scientific research, and promoting tourism in the region.

Majerovo Vrilo and Gacka Valley: A Place Where You Can…

At Vrila Gacke, you can stroll around the lakes by the springs, visit the Info Center at Majerova Vrila to see how flour is made, and grab some freshly ground homemade flour. You can also taste freshly caught Gacka trout.

Along the Gacka River, you can walk or bike (but stick to the road due to potential mines!), snap photos of nature and birds, and even try your hand at fishing (just make sure to get a permit from designated places).

In Otočac, you can explore the Gacka Museum, which houses archaeological, historical, and ethnographic collections from the Japod era. You can also visit the 17th-century Church of the Holy Trinity. Also, check out the ongoing archaeological excavations at the old fort on Fortica Hill.

In Ličko Lešće, you can visit the Center for Indigenous Fish and Crustaceans of Karst Waters, where you can learn more about the area and take guided tours. There’s also a scenic path from the Center to the archaeological site of Pećina. It is the source of Gacka’s tributary Kostelka, and a viewpoint.

Important: Be cautious as parts of this region are still mined (Croatian War of Independence)! The Sinac-Otočac route, part of the northeastern outskirts of Otočac, and the wider area of Drenova Klanac were mined. Not all mined areas are marked, so stick to roads and well-used paths. You can find a map of mined areas on the Croatian Center for Demining’s website.

Explore With Us!

Majerovo Vrilo and the Gacka offer a plethora of activities for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike. Explore the pristine beauty of the Vrila Gacke Springs, delve into the rich cultural heritage of Otočac and Ličko Lešće. There’s something here for everyone.

Ready to explore the enchanting landscapes and cultural treasures of the Gacka Valley? Start planning your adventure now and make unforgettable memories amidst the beauty of this Croatian gem!

Your CTC Team