Municipality of Tounj: Stone Bridge, River and Caves

The two-level stone bridge over the Tounjčica Gorge is 12 metres high and unique of its kind in Croatia. It gives the Municipality of Tounj a distinctive historical character; the river, caves and traditional cheesemaking round out the picture of the municipality. This offers a range of themes to consider when planning your trip—from architectural history and underground natural features to regional foods.

Architectural history and historical traces

The Tounjski Bridge tells the story of two construction phases: the first level was built in 1775, and the second was added in 1836. Four sculptures of Roman soldiers stand at the edge of the bridge; a memorial plaque to Emperor Joseph also adorns it. The dates mark two clearly distinct phases of construction and give the structure a specific historical context.

The historic Tounj complex lies on the Tounjčica River. Only a small part of the tower and the Baroque Chapel of St John of Nepomuk remain. The surviving structures are therefore a far cry from a fully preserved complex: the specific historical features include the remains of the tower and the chapel.

River, caves and underground features

The Tounjčica rises from a cave of the same name, which is 465 metres long. Špilja u kamenolomu Tounj is about 8.5 kilometres long. The Ogulin cave sponge lives in both of these caves and in other caves as well. It is endemic and the world’s only underground freshwater sponge. A spring cave, a much longer cave and a distinctive subterranean species thus represent different facets of the local natural environment.

Above ground, the Tounjčica also shapes the landscape: in the first part of its course, it flows through a very narrow gorge. The river landscape is also the setting for the Poučna staza Tounjčica walking trail, which leads through the narrow valley. The municipality has developed the path and its surroundings over the past decades.

Trails and a swimming spot on the Tounjčica

In a 2016 report, the municipality announced 1,500 metres of new trails and a promenade along the Tounjčica to the swimming spot, as well as by the old Frankopan Bridge. A developed swimming spot lies below the Kokot rock on the Tounjčica. Conditions can vary by season; take this into account when planning a swim.

A reconstructed, 20-metre-long wooden footbridge is part of the Tounjčica–Tounjske špilje–Tounjski most promenade project. A second route is planned to run through the area between the Tounjski Bridge and the spring cave, reaching the cave. If you include the trails in your plans, check in advance which sections are currently accessible.

Tounjski sir and other cheeses

Traditional Tounjski sir has been made for years on family farms in the Tounj area. It is a smoked cheese made from fresh cow’s milk. The OPG Paher family farm also makes škripavac, Skuta, whey and cheese with herbs, in addition to Tounjski sir. The local cheesemaking traditions thus offer another reason to visit, alongside the architecture and river landscape. If you plan to try these products, check their current availability locally.

Discover more destinations: Tounj, Municipality of Barilovići, Municipality of Draganić, Municipality of Netretić, Municipality of Rakovica, Municipality of Slunj, Municipality of Ozalj, Municipality of Lasinja.

For the broader travel overview: Karlovac County.