Stara Sušica combines protected architectural heritage with a visitor attraction that offers something different: Dvorac Stara Sušica is part of a historic complex that includes the Chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua; the Centar Velike Zvijeri is dedicated to bears, wolves and lynxes. There is also a hiking trail that starts in the village. This means you can treat culture, wildlife and outdoor activity as distinct focal points of your stay.
Stara Sušica Castle and the Chapel
The castle is part of a protected historic complex that also includes the chapel and the surrounding grounds. It is located at an altitude of around 800 metres, in centuries-old forest with diverse flora and fauna. Today, Dvorac Stara Sušica serves as the educational and cultural centre of Dom mladih. The castle complex thus brings together protected architectural heritage and a contemporary educational and cultural role.
The Chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua dates back to 1874. The replacement chapel is open to visitors; the Feast of Saint Anthony is celebrated there on 13 June. Along with the year it was built, those interested in the chapel can also note an annual feast day. Dvorac Stara Sušica is also listed as KT 38 on the Planinarskim putovima Frankopana hiking trail network.
Wildlife Knowledge at the Centar Velike Zvijeri
The Centar Velike Zvijeri is located in Stara Sušica on the old Karolinska Road, next to the castle and chapel. Its multimedia exhibition spans two floors and shares information about bears, wolves and lynxes. The Centar Stara Sušica welcomes and educates visitors, with a focus on the heritage of large carnivores in Gorski kotar. Together, these offerings give nature its own place alongside the history of the castle complex.
Walking from Stara Sušica
The Frankopan Trail starts at a landscaped pond promenade in a coniferous forest. From there, it follows the historic Karolina Road, forest paths and meadows. After about 2 km, the trail reaches the first houses in Vrh. The route can then be continued towards Javorova Kosa, with its viewpoint, mountain hut and the Božji studenac spring as destinations. This lets you plan your walk around a specific endpoint: Vrh, or further towards Javorova Kosa. A local healing legend about eyesight is associated with Božji studenac; it should be understood as a legend, not as a medical claim.
In the wider destination of Općina Ravna Gora
The wider destination of Općina Ravna Gora has marked walking, hiking and cycling trails. The Plodovi gorja educational trail uses information panels to teach visitors about the vegetation of Gorski kotar, including trees, shrubs, mushrooms, medicinal plants and berries. It is considered short and is suitable for the whole family because of its gentle incline. At 1,367 m, Višnjevica is the highest peak in Općina Ravna Gora. For your trip, you can therefore weigh up the local focus on the castle, chapel and wildlife exhibition against other nature experiences in the wider destination.
Discover more destinations: Ravna Gora, Kupjak, Stari Laz, Zalesina.
Return to the wider travel overview: Općina Ravna Gora.
