Municipality of Josipdol – Cultural History and Karst Landscape

The Municipality of Josipdol is shaped by medieval cultural sites, archaeological traces and karst landscapes. Josipdol lies in the Potkapelska Depression, within the municipality’s central settlement area, on an extensive karst plateau. Veljun (534 m) borders the settlement to the west, Treskavac (527 m) to the east and Viničica (421 m) to the north. These hills give the landscape a clear sense of direction and frame the municipality’s historic sites.

Cultural History in Modruš and Oštarije

South of the castle ruins are the ruins of the Church of St. Nicholas and the Pauline Monastery, beside the old medieval road from Modruš; they are protected as cultural heritage. The old Tržan-grad in present-day Modruš is also part of the municipality’s history. The ruins are regarded as the site with the most significant and illustrious history in the area of today’s Municipality of Josipdol.

The Church of St. Joseph was built in the Municipality of Josipdol in 1785. It retains original features of Baroque Classicism. The area’s earlier settlement history is reflected in the protected archaeological site of Viničica: it is a large settlement complex that was continuously inhabited during the Bronze and Iron Ages. Most researchers believe that the Japodian capital Metulum was located there. Remains of a Roman amphora, as well as an elephant tooth and a rhinoceros tooth, were also found in Rupećica Spring Cave.

Oštarije also offers tangible architectural evidence of local history. The stone Marmont Bridge was built over the now-dry riverbed of the Zagorska Mrežnica. The old bridge is used by pedestrians and cyclists; it is advisable to check the current conditions before setting out. In the Middle Ages, the church in Oštarije was the largest religious building in the Diocese of Krbava.

Karst, Waterways and Views

The Modruš–Veljun–Sabljaci landscape is designated as natural heritage, lies within the municipality and covers 4,923.03 ha. The municipality also includes protected Natura 2000 sites and is characterized by karst terrain. The Munjava River valley, designated as a natural resource, forms part of the headwaters of the Western Mrežnica. The 8 km-long stream rises below Mount Kozalj near Modruš, flows north through the Munjava Valley and disappears into small sinkholes at Carevo.

The Natura 2000 site includes rare and endemic cave species, including the olm (Proteus anguinus). On 3 March 2025, the municipality reported that an infrastructure project at the Vidikovac Modruš viewpoint had been completed. The site has a shelter, benches and tables, and views of the surrounding landscape. Check the current condition of the facilities before visiting.

Trails and Places to Visit

There are opportunities for hiking in the area around Josipdol. The Green Road follows the Josipdol–Plaški–Saborsko route and showcases the region’s natural attractions and traditional foods. If you would like to visit a farm in particular, it is best to check in advance whether visits are possible. This lets you plan your route around a specific interest without assuming that individual stops have fixed opening hours.

Rupećica Spring Cave is mentioned as a place where you can look for olms. Find out in advance about access to the cave and any guided tours. Lake Šmit is also mentioned as a place for swimming; check current water and facility information before swimming. These two destinations offer different kinds of nature experiences, but conditions at each location should be taken into account when planning your visit.

Regional Cuisine and Getting There

Local cuisine in Josipdol includes Modruš potatoes cooked under the peka. Lamb is also one of the municipality’s gastronomic specialties. The Green Road showcases the region’s natural attractions and traditional foods.

The A1 motorway runs through the Municipality of Josipdol. It connects Zagreb via Karlovac and Bosiljevo to the Adriatic transport corridor and other destinations in Croatia. Check current traffic conditions when planning your journey. Intercity bus services run along state roads DC 23 and DC 24. According to the municipal development strategy, local public transport within the municipality is relatively well served by bus routes and stops. Check current routes and timetables before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Josipdol, Municipality of Tounj, Municipality of Žakanje, Municipality of Ribnik, Municipality of Slunj, Municipality of Karlovac, Municipality of Lasinja, Municipality of Cetingrad.

For the broader travel overview: Karlovac County.