Rastoke is one of those rare, real places that truly feels like a fairytale. On the confluence of 2 rivers with rapids and 23 waterfalls, it leaves a lot for the imagination. You may even find a fairy or two. This “Little Plitvice” is more than just a stopover. I was very inspired by it and love sharing tips. So, read on and discover the highlights from a Rastoke Croatia walking tour.
About Rastoke
Rastoke is a waterfall village located within the town of Slunj in the central karst region of Croatia. The town is famous for its 23 waterfalls and the 22 paddle wheel mills that operated here from the 19th to early 20th centuries. Every mill operated with 2-3 millstones for grinding maize, oat, barley, millet and rye. The town became protected as a national monument in 1969. Legend say that fairies live in Rastoke and are most active at night.
Rastoke sits on the confluence of the Korana and Slunjcica Rivers. The Korana River connects Rastoke to Plitvice National Park. Furthermore, Rastoke is nicknamed “the small lakes of Plitvice.” The mills are still very historic and picturesque. However, they are private with families, so you can just observe from outside.
The waterfall village is a nice place for accommodations while seeing Plitvice N.P., just 30 km away. In the karst region, the rivers are made with tufa, a type of limestone. They contain a solution with a sedimentation of calcium carbonate from flowing through the limestone. This forms barriers and lakes.
Getting to Slunj-Rastoke
Slunj-Rastoke is accessible by road D429 that connects central Croatia tufa region with the Adriatic coast. It’s about a 1-hour drive south from Zagreb and 1-hour drive north from Zadar. Flix bus connects these cities to Slunj-Rastoke, Plitvice N.P. and nearby towns 2 times/day.
Rastoke Croatia Walking Tour
Waterfall and Millers’ Village Highlights
After driving by Rastoke on the way to my hostel in Kornica, I was inspired to explore the waterfall village. So, after my day at the world-renowned Plitvice NP, I got a ride to Rastoke. I spent a half-day exploring its fairytale realms of waterfalls, forests and mills.
I walked the blue loop trail on the above map, starting from Slunj. First, I got an overview, looking down at the village, waterfalls and rivers. I saw the 15th century Slunj Fortress crowning a peninsula in the Slunjcica River. Unfortunately, I didn’t hike to it, but if I went back, I would take one of these Slunj Fortress Trails.
Then, I made my way down to the riverside village. I started off at a the Vodena Ovca Café, an old mill on top of a waterfall. In my opinion, this waterfall is the most beautiful one in Rastoke. The seating is outside, overlooking this waterfall. It is the perfect place to stop for lunch or a drink.
Then, I headed across the bridge and followed the Korana River. From above, I walked and observed the waterfalls, rapids and village. (Slap means waterfall in Croatian) Three popular waterfalls are close together: Buk (meaning noise) Slap, Hrvoje and Vilina kosa (meaning fairy hair).
After that, I paid 5 Euros to go down and walk along the banks of the river and loop back to where I started. This was very worth it, giving me a chance to take in the refreshing falls, wooden bridges and gardens.
Don’t miss the Fairy Garden so you can tap into the magical fairytale folklore!
Picturesque Bridges
With all this water, you can expect some picturesque bridges. Two modern concrete bridges were built by Croatia’s best bridge builder, Krunoslav Tonkovic. One bridge is over the higher Slunjcica River and the other, the Korana. The 19th century bridge over the Korana in Rastoke is adjacent to the Vodena Ovca Café and waterfall.
Mocan’s Bridge is a picturesque wooden one. Evidently, it’s nicknamed ‘Bridal Bridge,’ because it’s a popular site for wedding photos. The St Ivan Nepomuk Bridge with its martyr icon pedestal dates back to early 19th century.
Things I missed because not enough time!
Rastoke Cave
Jelvik Forest
Napoleon Warehouse
Slunj Fortress
Rastoke Accommodations while Visiting Plitvice N.P.
When I first drove past Rastoke on my way to my accommodation in Korenica, I knew I made a mistake. Wishing I would have booked a stay her, I at least planned a half-day here to see it. After spending time in Rastoke, I am more convinced that this would be the perfect accommodation while visiting Plitvice N.P., just 30 km away. I notice family-run guesthouses near the waterfalls and river.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is just 30 km away!
Check out my article/video on Plitvice NP:
How to Plan for Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia’s Wonderful Waterfalls
Enjoy Slunj-Rastoke!
Any amount of time here is good. Although, I must say a half-day wasn’t enough for me. If I could have spent a whole day, it would be more complete. It takes a half day to recalibrate to the fairytale experience here. Even better, if I could do it over again, I would have stayed here in a guesthouse.
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