Located in central Croatia, this city is known for its Renaissance and Baroque buildings, including the 16th-century Church of the Holy Trinity. It's surrounded by four rivers and has several historic parks.
Karlovac, a city in central Croatia, is known for its unique Renaissance layout and the four rivers that flow through it. You can walk the geometric streets of the old town, see the city from atop Dubovac Castle, or swim at Foginovo beach on the Korana River. Each summer, Karlovac hosts Croatia's largest beer festival, celebrating its long-standing brewing tradition.
The Star-Shaped Old Town of Karlovac
Karlovac's old town center follows a Renaissance design in the shape of a six-pointed star. The grid of streets within this star intersects at right angles, creating 24 equal-sized blocks. This layout dates back to 1579 when the city was founded as a defensive fortress. While the original walls no longer stand, green spaces and promenades now occupy the former moats. You can walk along these areas to see the outline of the old fortifications.
Rivers and Recreation in Karlovac
The Kupa, Korana, Dobra, and Mrežnica rivers converge in Karlovac. These waterways offer various activities. You can kayak or raft on the rapids, fish in calmer stretches, or relax on the riverbanks. Foginovo beach on the Korana is active in summer, with diving boards, water sports facilities, and a riverside café.
Dubovac Castle and Aquatika
Dubovac Castle sits on a hill overlooking the city. This medieval fortress, one of the best-preserved in Croatia, now houses a small museum and restaurant. For a more modern experience, visit Aquatika, Croatia's first freshwater aquarium. Its exhibits show the flora and fauna of the region's rivers and lakes. The Museum of the Homeland War provides insight into Croatia's recent history, displaying military equipment and personal stories from the 1990s conflict.
Parks and Gardens of Karlovac
Karlovac has many parks and green spaces. Vrbanić Gardens, designed in 1895 along the Korana River, is a protected monument of garden architecture. The adjacent Arboretum contains over 1,000 plant species. These green spaces offer a calm retreat from the city center, where you can take a leisurely walk or have a picnic.
Beer Culture in Karlovac
Karlovac produces the Karlovačko beer brand. The brewery offers tours where you can see the brewing process and taste different varieties. In late August, the Karlovac Beer Festival takes place in the city. As one of the largest events of its kind in Croatia, the festival includes live music, food stalls, and a wide selection of beers.
Transportation to and within Karlovac
Karlovac is about 55 km southwest of Zagreb. Regular buses and trains connect the two cities, with the journey taking around an hour. If you're driving, you can take the A1 highway. Within Karlovac, most points of interest are in the compact city center, making them easy to reach on foot. For trips to the outskirts or nearby natural areas, you can use local buses or taxis.
