Municipality of Žakanje – Kupa River and Waterfalls

The Kupa River is the most significant natural attraction in the Municipality of Žakanje. Along its course through the municipality, there are twelve waterfalls; at the same time, the river forms the natural state border with Slovenia there. Old mills have been preserved at some of the waterfalls. Sračak is one of four recently restored waterfalls on the Kupa in Žakanje. Alongside their natural appeal, the mills give some waterfalls a cultural and historical dimension.

Wooded hills and high points

Wooded hills also shape the municipality. Oak and birch forests dominate at lower elevations, while chestnut, hornbeam and beech forests grow at higher elevations. At 447 metres above sea level, Jelen vrh is the municipality’s highest peak; Donji Bukovac is a viewpoint at 156 metres above sea level. The two points are clearly distinct: Jelen vrh is the highest peak, while Donji Bukovac is a named viewpoint.

Activities on the water and by bike

There are several options for activities on the Kupa. In Pravutina, there is a prepared bathing area by the river; the Kupa in the Municipality of Žakanje is suitable for canoeing. The stretch between Jurovski Brod and Bubnjarci is suitable for fishing for catfish, carp, pike, chub, barbel and roach. Swimming, canoeing and fishing offer different ways to enjoy a stay by the river.

Cycling also offers two distinct route profiles. Cycling Route 1 in Žakanje is 8 km long and rated difficult. Cycling Route 2 passes the Kapelica u Pobijenki before leaving the municipality. You can assess Route 1 by its length and difficulty level; for Route 2, the Kapelica is the cultural landmark.

Horse riding is possible in the wooded hills around Žakanje. Hunting grounds can be visited together with local hunting associations. The activities are connected to different settings: the hills for horse riding, and local associations for visits to the hunting grounds.

Church and historical names

The parish church in Žakanje was founded in 1789, and the present-day church was built in 1896. Šimunec Castle stood on a hill above Žakanje and was called Šimunvrh in the 17th century. The church offers two points of reference in time; the castle’s history is brought to life by its location and historical name, Šimunvrh.

The wider setting: Karlovac County

In the wider destination of Karlovac County, the rivers Kupa, Korana, Mrežnica and Dobra shape the landscape. The county offers more than 200 kilometres of waterways for rafting, kayaking and canoeing. This regional perspective complements the local water activities in Žakanje with the wider river landscape of the county.

When looking for a hotel in the Municipality of Žakanje, you can decide in advance what you want to focus on during your stay: nature along the Kupa, cycling, cultural history or activities in the wooded hills.

Discover more destinations: Žakanje, Reštovo, Kamanje, Jadrići, Municipality of Draganić, Municipality of Vojnić, Municipality of Slunj, Municipality of Barilovići.

For the wider travel overview: Karlovac County.