Krnjak: Hills and River Landscapes

One of Croatia’s most important roads passes through Krnjak; you can plan it as a stop along the way or deliberately choose it as a destination rather than simply passing through. The hamlets are scattered across hilly terrain cut through by the Korana Canyon, the Radonja, and the Budačka Rijeka and Trupinjak streams. Both its connection to the road and its scattered settlements and several waterways shape the destination. Those choosing to stay in Krnjak have two clear points of reference: its character as a place to pass through and its river and hill landscapes.

Rivers, the Canyon, and Fishing

The Korana Canyon cuts through the hilly area; the Radonja also runs through the Krnjak area. Budačka Rijeka and Trupinjak add smaller streams to the landscape. The Korana and its tributaries are known to anglers for fishing opportunities and abundant fish life. Those primarily interested in landforms can focus on the canyon; for anglers, the rivers are a distinct point of interest.

Jopićeva špilja-Bent and Its Underground World

Jopićeva špilja-Bent, also known as Jopićeva pećina, is a cave system nearly seven kilometres long. Its structure is defined by underground channels, chambers, and passages; it also features an underground river. The cave adds an underground natural environment to the river theme.

Natural Environment in Općina Krnjak

Within the wider destination of Općina Krnjak, the area around Jopićeva Pećina is designated as important for the conservation of species and habitat types. It is also important for the conservation of the stone crayfish (Autropotamobius torrentium). Jopićeva Pećina and its surroundings provide a habitat for populations of four bat species: the long-fingered bat (Myotis capaccinii), Geoffroy’s bat (Myotis emarginatus), the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), and the lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros). Jopićeva Pećina is a protected cave and is not open to the public. Therefore, do not plan to visit the cave interior.

Hiking Trail and Viewpoints

In the wider destination of Općina Krnjak, the historic Zmajsko-Frankopanska educational hiking trail starts in Vujaškovići. Opened on 21 December 2024, the 1.3-kilometre route leads to the Old Frankopan Town of Skrad on the Korana and offers views of the landscapes of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The starting point, destination, and length provide concrete details for planning; also check local trail conditions before setting out.

Historical and Religious Sites

Another cultural landmark in Općina Krnjak is the Bogorodice Trojeručice Monastery in Donji Budački. The monastery complex includes the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul and a chapel dedicated to Bogorodica Trojeručica. The church dates from 1700, while the monastery was founded in 2007. The two dates make it possible to distinguish the chronology: the church predates the founding of the monastery. In Perići (Krnjak), Kuća Mačešić was the headquarters of SKOJ for Karlovac. These sites complement the focus on nature and routes with religious architecture and historical context.

Discover more destinations: Gornji Budački.

Return to the main travel overview: Općina Krnjak.