Rakovica can be explored through a variety of experiences: cycling routes with clearly differing lengths and character, nearby caves, and history in the town and surrounding area. For planning, it is worth considering these themes separately. You can then decide whether cycling, caves and nature, or a historical interest should be the focus of your stay.
Cycling: Circular Routes and Longer Trails
The wider destination of Općina Rakovica has an organized and marked network of cycling routes. The routes vary both in length and in whether they are described as circular routes or connecting routes.
Route 31 is a 7.94-kilometre circular route through Rakovica, Oštarski Stanovi and Rakovičko Selište. Route 32 is a 12-kilometre circular route between Rakovica, Grabovac Drežnički and Stara Kršlja. Both are designated circular routes, so their lengths give you a clear indication of the scale of each ride.
At 39.6 kilometres with 231 metres of elevation gain, Route 33 is considerably longer and is rated difficult. It runs mainly along secondary roads and paths through quiet, sparsely populated places; only short sections follow the state road. Route 34, by contrast, is a 15.6-kilometre connecting route from Rakovica toward Biljevina in Saborsko. It follows mostly natural, unpolluted and cleared forest paths. Alongside the circular routes, you can therefore choose a longer route rated difficult or a route designed to connect places.
Caves and Hiking Trails Nearby
Speleon is located near Rakovica. It is open to visitors year-round; visits are accompanied by an expert guide and last 45 minutes to one hour. Visitor arrangements can change, so check them before your trip. Speleon also presents fossils of Ice Age animals found in the Upper Barać Cave. In the wider destination of Općina Rakovica, Speleon’s permanent exhibition presents the region’s natural and cultural heritage through four themes: speleology, geology, archaeology and palaeontology.
The history of visits to the Barać Caves dates back to 1892; the Upper Barać Cave is 495 metres long. At the Barać Caves excursion site, hiking trails complement a visit to the caves. Trail use is free, while guided walks are available for a fee. Check the current visitor arrangements before setting out.
The difference in length between the two named trails is notable: Vučja staza is 1.2 kilometres long, while Medvjeđa staza is 7.5 kilometres long. Along Medvjeđa staza are viewpoints, forest springs, streams and caves. The specific trail lengths and landscape features give you a basis for choosing between a short walk and a longer hike.
History in Rakovica and the Nearby Area
The Church of Saint Helena stands in Rakovica. Local historical tradition links it to a vow made after a battle with the Turks. After being destroyed in the war in late 1991, the church was rebuilt and fully restored by 2001. The feast of Saint Helena is celebrated in Rakovica every year on 18 August as a traditional local gathering. After Mass, the celebration continues in the square in Rakovica; its annual date gives this cultural theme a specific time reference.
Nearby is also Stari grad Drežnik, a preserved historic fortification associated with the Frankopan estates. Its round defensive tower is considered an example of 15th- and 16th-century military architecture; the site offers visitors the experience of an early Renaissance castle. In the wider destination of Općina Rakovica, Stari grad Drežnik is registered as a medieval fortress and cultural property. The local church history of Rakovica and the fortification architecture of nearby Drežnik thus complement each other, although they are not the same place.
Guided Horse Riding as Another Option
Nearby, Ranch Equus igni offers guided rides along the edge of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Multi-day excursions and trekking tours are intended for experienced riders. Horse riding and longer tours are therefore different options; note the stated experience requirement for the latter.
Discover more destinations: Broćanac, Grabovac, Korana, Selište Drežničko, Korita, Irinovac, Drage, Oštarski Stanovi.
Back to the wider travel overview: Općina Rakovica.
