Donji Okrug lies in the Kupa Valley, the only inhabited area of Risnjak National Park. The village is one of the settlements within the park and is located in the administrative area of the City of Delnice. The village center of Donji Okrug should be distinguished from the attractions of Risnjak National Park as a whole: hiking trails, visitor facilities and nature-related features refer to the park.

Getting your bearings in Risnjak National Park

In the national park, you may only walk on designated areas and paths intended for visitors. These include hiking and educational trails. The park also has information center entrances in Kupari and Razloge. Both locations have information points and parking; check current parking availability before your visit.

The park has fourteen hiking trails, most of which are classified as moderate. You can explore the Leska educational trail on your own or with a professional guide. A trail from Razloge to the source of the Kupa descends steeply to the river. The route to the source is marked by 23 information boards along 4.2 kilometers. These specific trail features complement the general overview of the trail network: the steep descent in particular is important to consider when planning your own visit.

Cycling is also possible in the park: marked routes range from 4.2 to 40 kilometers. This range includes routes of very different lengths. The park recommends visiting from May to November for wildlife watching. Listed wildlife includes bears, wolves, deer, foxes and wild boars, as well as numerous bird species. These are opportunities to observe wildlife, not a guarantee of sightings.

The source of the Kupa and the landscape

The source of the Kupa and its surroundings have been protected since 1963. The Rodna kuća rijeke Kupe visitor center is located near the source and presents the river’s biodiversity. Since opening arrangements may change, check them before your visit. The source area thus combines a connection with nature and a specific educational offering.

The Risnjak massif, at 1,528 meters, offers views towards Kvarner Bay, Istria and the Julian Alps. Another distinctive route through the park is the Roman Road: it leads from Platak towards Lazac and is considered the shortest route from Gerovo towards Platak and Rijeka. The view from the massif and the Roman Road’s described regional connection are different aspects of the park—one a scenic viewpoint, the other a route with wider regional relevance.

Culture and architecture in the Kupa Valley

Donji Okrug is one of the settlements in the Kupa Valley whose traditional architecture and ethnographic heritage are considered worth preserving. Traditional Gorski Kotar architecture includes houses made of stone and wood, steep roofs and decorated gables. These features characterize the traditional architecture of Gorski Kotar.

In Razloge, the Goranska kuća znanja is housed in an old village school. It preserves the history and memories of Razloge. Its topics include shingle making in Gorski Kotar, rural architecture, crafts, weaving, pastoralism and beekeeping. The cultural program thus covers everything from architectural styles and crafts to activities associated with rural life.

Guided activities and practical rules

Šumska pedagogija is a guided group program for schoolchildren, people with specific support needs and adults. It lasts two to four hours. Check the arrangements for groups before booking. Recreational fishing in the national park is limited to fly fishing with an artificial fly and a single hook without a barb or with a pinched-down barb.

Discover more destinations: Kuželj, Zamost Brodski, Brod Na Kupi, Golik, Guče Selo, Podgora Turkovska, Čedanj, Crni Lug

For the higher-level travel overview: Općina Delnice.