The Municipality of Netretić is best explored through its cycling routes, rivers and historic buildings. The routes offer different points of reference: sometimes a numbered route, sometimes a sequence of named places or villages along the Kupa. There is also the Dobra Valley, an old river bridge and churches where different periods of construction can be seen. This lets you plan your discoveries around landscapes, activity or cultural history.
Cycling routes with different points of reference
Route 4, “Uz tok rijeke Mrežnice,” is 18 kilometres long and passes through Netretić on its recommended route. It offers views of the mountains, hills and valleys around Ribnik and Netretić. Route 8, “Karlovac–Pokuplje–Karlovac,” is described instead as a sequence of places: it runs from Netretić via Vinski Vrh to Novigrad na Dobri. Another cycling loop, Žakanje–Netretić–Žakanje, reaches Netretić after passing through villages along the Kupa and offers views towards Slovenia.
The information highlights different features: Route 4 focuses on distance and landscape views, Route 8 lists the sequence of places, and the loop via Žakanje includes villages along the Kupa and views towards Slovenia. You can use the features that matter to your tour as a guide. Check current route conditions before setting off.
The Dobra and Kupa shape the landscape
The Dobra flows through the Municipality of Netretić. At Stari grad Novigrad na Dobri, a viewing point has been set up on a fully completed tower, with views across the Dobra Valley. The Kupa has a different character in the municipality: stretches of calm water give way to rapids, and the river winds between fields and high, rocky banks.
Swimming is also among the activities associated with the Dobra. Swimming spots are listed below the bridge at Novigrad na Dobri and at small bathing areas along the river’s gentle banks. Alongside the different river landscapes, these riverside areas are also worth considering when exploring activities on the water.
A castle, a bridge and churches tell the story of different periods
The ruins of Stari grad Novigrad na Dobri Castle date back to the Frankopans, who built the castle and owned it until 1671. Most na Dobri in Novigrad na Dobri is one of Croatia’s oldest river bridges. It is 122 metres long and has ten openings—a specific architectural dimension that adds to the picture of the structure.
The Church of the Assumption of Mary in Novigrad na Dobri also brings together several periods. It is one of the oldest churches in this part of Croatia and developed from a Gothic chapel built in the 15th century; the church was given a Baroque style in the 17th century. Well-preserved wall paintings were uncovered in the parish church beneath several layers of paint. On the richly painted vault, they depict dozens of angels playing medieval instruments.
In Srednje Prilišće, the parish church of St Mary Magdalene was built before the parish was established in 1876 and was consecrated in 1868. Other protected cultural monuments are classified as individual immovable cultural properties: the Church of St Leonard in Donje Prilišće, the Church of St Catherine with the parish house in Kunići Ribnički, the rural cultural-historical complex of Donji Mrzljaki in Mrzljaki, and the Church of St Anthony in Rosopajnik. This group also includes the Church of St George in Vukova Gorica, the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Chapel of St Joseph with the parish house in Završje Netretićko, and the Strahovnjak farm complex in Vinski Vrh. These examples range from churches to a rural ensemble and a farm complex.
Karst landscape and orientation
The Municipality of Netretić lies in the Karlovac part of the Dinaric Karst. Numerous sinkholes, grassland and stands of birch, oak, beech, hornbeam and chestnut trees shape the area. These landscape features complement the river environments of the Dobra and Kupa with karst formations, open spaces and a variety of woodland. The historic Karolina Road also passes through the municipality, providing another route for exploring the region.
Discover more places within the municipality: Netretić, Dubravci, Vukova Gorica and Mračin.
Discover more destinations: Municipality of Vojnić, Municipality of Slunj, Municipality of Josipdol and Municipality of Lasinja.
Go to the main travel overview: Karlovac County.
