Karlovac
Karlovac is a city in the northwest Croatia, 45 km southwest of Zagreb with a population of approximately 60,000.
Understand edit
The town is located at the junction of 4 rivers is stunning. Almost everyone knows Karlovac as the city on four rivers. In fact, only three flow through the very city and the fourth, the river Dobra, is a bit on the outskirts - Dobra. Of course, natives will talk about the fifth river – the one made of beer.
The town plan is unique as the historic town center is in the shape of a 6-point star and was constructed in the 16th century as a fortification against the invading Turks double of the back cush pink centre pocket.
Tourist information edit
- Tourist Office, Petra Zrinskog 3, ☏ +385 47 615 115. M-F 0:00-15:00; Sa 9:00-01:00.
Get in edit
By bus edit
Buses to/ from Zagreb (50 minutes) about every half hour from a bewildering number of operators. The bus station is on the western side of the town centre.
By train edit
The main 1 Karlovac railway station is to the north of the town but rather more convenient is 2 Karlovac Center railway stationwhich is across the road from the bus station. About every 1-2 hours with 1 hour journey time.
Train times & prices from here
By car edit
A trip by car on the A1/A6 takes only about 20 minutes from Jadranski Bridge.
Get around edit
The best way to get around is by bicycle.
See edit
There are a few museums and a fortress on Dubovac hill with great views of the town.
- 1 Dubovac Castle (Stari Grad Dubovac), Zagrad-Gaj 5 (North West of city. South of River Kupa). a fort from the 15th century, situated on one of the nearest hills. Occasional exhibitions. Great view of the city. In summer some performances can be seen up there.
- 2 Karlovac City Museum, Strossmayerov trg 7. Closed due to renovation, check website for reopening..
- 3 Vjekoslav Karas Gallery, Ljudevita Šestića 3. Art gallery
- Rivers & beaches: Korana, Mrežnica, Kupa, Dobra. In summer river banks are turning into shy beaches and are great for whole day activities.
- Aquatika, Ulica Branka Čavlovića Čavleka 1a. Only Croatian freshwater aquarium, very popular with both locals and tourists.
- 4 Museum of the Homeland War (Muzej Domovinskog rata), Turanj 2 (Nearly 4km south of bus/railway stations.). Modern museum focusing on breakup of Yugoslavia, creation of a free and independent Republic of Croatia, with special emphasis on the Homeland War from 1991 to 1995. Exhibition of military vehicles outside.
- 5 Nikola Tesla Experience Center, Rakovac 6, ☏ +385 47 674 746. High tech museum devoted to the famous scientist & inventor who went to the school adjacent to the museum.
Do edit
- Mountain Biking. Mountain biking is recommended. Lots of preserved trails all around the city and enthusiastic bikers who'll gladly guide you.
- Swimming / Rafting / Kayaking. Great swimming in summer months in Karlovac rivers Korana and near by Mrežnica with rafting and kayaking.
Festivals edit
- Karlovacki Dani Piva. end of August. Annual beer festival. The most crowded place at that time of summer, with various folks around. You can grab a beer and pretzel and see if there's a music which suits you.
- Karlovac Piano Festival, karlovacpianofestival@gmail.com. Karlovac Piano Festival is typically held in mid-summer. It consists of piano lessons and master classes with renowned piano pedagogues, concerts and International Piano Competition.
Buy edit
There are not many shopping options, but there are many grocery stores.
Eat edit
- Bistro king, Rakovac ul. 8 (next door to the Nikola Tesla experience). Restaurant with outside courtyard. Vegetarian options.
Drink edit
Karlovac is the home of Croatia's most famous brewery, Karlovačko, which is a must try.
Sleep edit
Budget edit
As in the case with most of Croatia, rooms are available in private houses.
Mid-range edit
- Hotel Carlstadt. US$72-80.
- Hotel Restaurant Zganjer, Jelaši 41, ☏ +385 47 751 200.
Splurge edit
- Hotel Europa, Banija 161, ☏ +385 47 609 666. US$128-136.
- Hotel Korana Srakovcic. Directly on a lake. US$147-175.
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