Sinac: The Gacka River Springs and Local Culture

The Gacka River springs and cultural history give Sinac several distinct points of interest for a trip. Vrela Gacke is protected as a natural monument. The three springs lie next to Sinac, on the southeastern edge of the Gacko Field.

Springs and Landscape

The Gacka River springs lie in Sinac below Godača and Venac. Gospin oltar is also located on Godača Hill above Sinac. Among the springs, Majerovo vrilo is a visitor highlight. There, you can watch flour being milled and buy freshly milled flour. Majerovo vrilo is therefore more than just a scenic spot: traditional milling is also part of the visitor experience.

Cultural History and Traditions

The Church of St. Elias in Sinac was completed in 1750 in the Neoclassical style and is registered as protected cultural property under number Z-3951. The Štimac watermill at the Klanac spring tells a different part of the story of local construction: the site is more than 300 years old, while the current building dates from the late 19th century. This distinguishes the age of the site from the more recent date of the present mill building.

The Štimac complex includes a watermill, a water-powered fulling mill and a košić for washing or fulling wool textiles. The Štimac family’s fulling mill is one of the very few in Croatia preserved in its original form and in continuous operation. It is advisable to check current visiting arrangements in advance.

Language and customs are also part of the town’s cultural history. KUD Lipa Sinac traces its origins to a tamburitza orchestra founded in 1923 and works to preserve Sinac’s musical and oral heritage. Residents still speak Sinčeranska čakavica and maintain the traditional custom of gacko prelo.

Trails and Directions

Barkanova staza passes through Sinac, by Majerovo vrilo and along the Gacka River. As a cycling route, it is 42.6 kilometres long and rated moderate. The Godača Trail is 8 kilometres long, also rated moderate, and takes approximately three hours. Its starting point is near a hunting lodge about one kilometre from Majerovo vrilo. The details offer different points of reference: the length of a cycling route is the main consideration for Barkanova staza, while the shorter Godača Trail also has an approximate time estimate. Check trail conditions before setting out; signage along Barkanova staza may also change.

To reach Sinac from the A1, take exit 10 for Otočac. From there, follow the route towards Vrhovine, Korenica and Plitvice, with a turn-off for Sinac.

Sinac as a Place to Stay

If you are looking for a hotel in Sinac, you can first consider what you want your trip to focus on: the springs and flour milling, architectural and cultural history, or one of the routes of different lengths. This will help you choose your destination based on the activities you want to set aside time for.

Discover more destinations: Prozor, Kuterevo, Donji Kosinj, Otočac, Vrhovine, Licko Lesce

Return to the main travel overview: Općina Otočac.