Saborsko

The municipality of Saborsko, with its settlements of Begovac, Blata, Lička Jesenica, Saborsko, and Kuselj, comprises the area of vast mountain forests, flower meadows, and the hidden valley of the Jesenica river. It is located on a section of the medieval trade route that used to connect the properties of the once famous Croatian noble Frankopan family and the old Modruš parish, the cradle of culture, religion, and literacy since the 10th century. Ancient forts, churches, and settlements were formed and destroyed in the whirlwinds of numerous battles fought in this area, which was once the border territory between great empires.

What should you visit? 

Natural heritage

Lake Blata

Saborsko boasts an incredible natural phenomenon – one of only thirty or so in the world! Lake Blata is an appearing/vanishing estavelle, where the presence of water depends on whether the season is dry or moist. Estavelle is a karst orifice which alternately serves as a source of water or as a sinkhole. 

Jesenica river

The Jesenica river is a true gem, but still insufficiently known by many. This tame karst subterranean river has two springs – Veliko Vrelo near Saborsko and Malo Vrelo beneath Mala Kapela. It is very clean and drinkable along its entire course, which is why it was classified a first-category watercourse with regard to water purity! This is a sweet spot for fishermen because Jesenica is teeming with brown trout. There is also a cave on Malo Vrelo, with the Face of Christ rock above it, resembling the face of Jesus Christ on the Shroud of Turin. 

Čorkova uvala rainforest

The most beautiful rainforest of the Dinaric Alps is located right here! Čorkova uvala is a truly untouched rainforest located in the northwestern part of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, at an altitude of 1000 metres, and its silent guards are trees of varying heights, girths, and ages. It was declared a special reserve of forest vegetation in 1965, and entry into the rainforest area is strictly forbidden to all except scientists who study its phenomena. However, you can walk along its edge, from Kuselj to the forestry lodge, and further towards Plitvice, admiring the landscape of Čorkova uvala which bears special significance. Wooded mountains, a subterranean river, and vast pastures are ideal habitats for numerous plant and animal species. 

Cultural heritage

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a valuable example of construction from the first half of the 18th century, when it was built on the ruins of the previous church, and due to its position, architectural design influenced by the architecture of littoral Croatia, and the historical continuity of uninterrupted church service, it represents an architectural, cultural, and historical monument. Culturally, it is a zero-category monument.

The stone bridge in Lička Jesenica was built in 1876 and is preserved in its original form. The exact data on the construction of the bridge are not known, only oral tradition reveals that it was built by excellent stonemasons from Dalmatia. The bridge is protected as an immovable cultural property. 

In addition to these cultural treasures, one must also mention Funtana, the first water supply system of Saborsko, built in 1883, Čorkovo vrilo in Čorkova uvala, and many other monuments waiting to be discovered by you!

Activities

Izvor Voda is a circular hiking trail that passes several historical features of Saborsko, mountain pastures, pine forests, and tours six smaller and larger fresh water springs. This is a chance to get to know the best of Saborsko in just a few hours. The entire circular route is 12.9 km long and not too challenging. It is possible to complete it in 3 hours, but it takes longer in reality because it is  pointless to just rush through it without sitting down and enjoying the scene. The starting point of the trail is at the Wounded Dove monument. 

Cycling enthusiasts will not be disappointed because the Cyclotourist Route 34 (Rakovica – Saborsko) passes through Saborsko, leaving visitors breathless along its 114 km! There are numerous hiking and cycling trails that pass along the edge of the National Park and the undiscovered part of the Plitvice Valleys following the river, springs, forests, and pastures. Do you still need a reason to visit this natural gem?

You can also find a variety of family farms in Saborsko; homemade cow cheese, honey from the pristine forests and flower pastures, or Lika potatoes of the highest quality – you cannot stay hungry in Saborsko, and with Lika plum brandy will quench your thirst too!

The Saborsko Women’s Action and the Etno šindra traditional shingle manufacturing shop take care of the preservation of intangible cultural heritage.