In the Municipality of Josipdol, medieval ruins, archaeological sites and striking karst formations reveal different sides of the area. Discoveries range from Modruš and Viničica Hill to a stone bridge in Oštarije and the course of the Munjava. Here, cultural history and nature are not abstract subjects, but can be encountered in specific places and landscape features.
Traces of the Middle Ages and Antiquity
The ruins of Stari grad Modruš Castle are among Croatia’s most significant medieval archaeological sites. To the south lie the ruins of St. Nicholas Church and the Pauline monastery, on the old medieval road from Modruš. The ruins are protected as cultural heritage. Oštarije holds another stone trace of history: the Marmont Bridge was built over the now-dry riverbed of the Zagorska Mrežnica and is used by pedestrians and cyclists.
On Viničica Hill above Josipdol is a protected archaeological site. This large settlement complex was continuously inhabited during the Bronze and Iron Ages. Most researchers believe that the Japodian capital, Metulum, was located here. Viničica thus combines a long history of settlement with a historical attribution that remains under discussion. Finds from Rupećica spring cave include a Roman amphora, an elephant tooth and a rhinoceros tooth.
Sacred architecture adds to this picture: St. Joseph’s Church in the municipality was built in 1785 and retains original Baroque Classicist features. In the Middle Ages, the church in Oštarije was the largest religious building in the Diocese of Krbava. The Jozefina Road tells a different kind of story, connected to the founding history of Josipdol. According to tradition, Emperor Joseph II fell from his horse at the site of present-day Josipdol, prompting the construction of the road.
Karst landscapes and waterways
The central settlement area of Josipdol lies in the Potkapela Depression, on an extensive karst plateau. To the west rises Veljun, at 534 metres; to the east, Treskavac, at 527 metres; and to the north, Viničica, at 421 metres. The municipality also includes the Modruš–Veljun–Sabljaci landscape, designated as natural heritage and covering 4,923.03 hectares.
The Munjava Valley is a striking example of the karst landscape. It is designated as a natural resource and forms part of the headwaters of the Western Mrežnica. The eight-kilometre-long Munjava stream rises below Mount Kozalj near Modruš, flows north through the valley and disappears into small karst sinkholes near Carevo. The municipality also includes protected Natura 2000 sites. Rare and endemic cave species found there include the olm (Proteus anguinus).
Vidikovac Modruš offers views of the surrounding landscape. The infrastructure project there includes a shelter, benches and tables; completion of the project was reported on 3 March 2025. If you plan to visit the viewpoint, you can check the condition of the facilities beforehand.
Things to do and regional specialties
The area around Josipdol offers opportunities for hiking. Another way to explore the region is the Green Route along the Josipdol–Plaški–Saborsko stretch. It showcases the region’s natural attractions and traditional foods. The old Marmont Bridge in Oštarije serves both as a historic structure and as a route for pedestrians and cyclists.
There is also a notable landmark for travellers arriving by road: the A1 motorway runs through the municipality, connecting Zagreb via Karlovac and Bosiljevo with the Adriatic transport corridor and other destinations in Croatia. The Jozefina Road, meanwhile, is part of the town’s traditional founding story and links local lore with a historic transport route.
Lamb is one of the municipality’s gastronomic specialties. Local cuisine also includes Modruš potatoes cooked under the peka bell. These dishes offer another way to experience the region’s distinctive character, without the need for a set itinerary: cultural sites, karst landscapes and local cuisine provide different ways to explore the Municipality of Josipdol.
Discover more destinations: Josipdol, Municipality of Vojnić, Municipality of Barilovići, Municipality of Generalski Stol, Municipality of Cetingrad, Municipality of Draganić, Municipality of Tounj, Municipality of Ogulin.
For the main travel overview: Karlovac County.
