Municipality of Brinje

If you are looking for a hotel in the Municipality of Brinje, you can tailor your travel plans to your interests: medieval architecture, collections, or trails through the landscape. The Municipality of Brinje stretches between the slopes of Velika Kapela and Velebit. Brinje lies on the Jozefinska cesta, the Josephine Road, and on the present-day Zagreb–Split motorway, the A1. These road connections help you find your bearings; the municipality’s sights and activities offer different focal points for your stay.

Sokolac Castle and architectural history

Sokolac is a medieval noble castle in the centre of Brinje. The Frankopans, Counts of Krk, built it in the early 15th century. The castle’s entrance tower and the two-storey chapel of the Holy Trinity have survived. Since June 2007, the permanent exhibition “Plemićki grad Sokolac” has been housed in the chapel’s lower level. It provides information about Sokolac and the role of the Frankopans in Croatian history. Sokolac can be visited by prior arrangement at 053 700 407 or 099 283 4740. Confirm the contact details before your trip.

The collection of folk heritage of the Municipality of Brinje is also a permanent exhibition; it comprises more than 1,200 exhibits. A prior appointment at 053 700 407 or 099 283 4740 is also required to visit it. Confirm the contact details before your trip if you would like to include both exhibitions in your plans.

Near the centre of Brinje, at the foot of Humac hill, stands the Church of Saint Vid. This Gothic sacred building dates from the 14th century and is now occasionally used as a burial chapel. The Chapel of Saint Fabian and Saint Sebastian also dates from the 14th century: it is a protected late Romanesque sacred building and is designated a cultural monument in the highest protection category. There is also a stone bridge on the Jozefinska cesta in the centre of Brinje. Built in 1801, it features a sundial. A bronze statue of a miner, a work by sculptor Kosta Angelini Radovani, also stands in the centre.

Another example of the built heritage is the surviving Vretenaš mill. Its stone mill wheels can still be turned. The castle, sacred buildings, bridge, statue, and mill reveal different aspects of Brinje’s history and cultural heritage.

Hiking, climbing, and destinations in the landscape

The Brinjski prsten is an 18.5 km circular educational and hiking trail on the Brinje–Zarin–Siničić Cave–Brinje route. The longer section runs along the ridge of the Škamnica mountain range to Zarin, the highest peak in the Brinje Basin at 828 m, and to the Kozjak viewpoint. This makes the Brinjski prsten a distinct option to include in your hiking plans.

Near Jezerane, between two Kapelas, lies Rokina bezdana. This karst pit is 100–110 m deep; its 22 × 12 m entrance leads to underground water channels. Entry is permitted only under the supervision of a speleologist. Check the current conditions before visiting. In Staro Brinje, the via ferratas are considered suitable for climbing in both winter and summer; check the seasonal conditions locally.

Brodić Lake and cycling routes

Brodić Lake is rich in fish and natural vegetation. Fish species include carp, grass carp, pike, and crayfish. The lake has a picnic area with a walking path, lighting, and benches for relaxation and outdoor recreation. Check the condition of the facilities before your visit.

Brinje’s tourist offer includes the local cycling routes Brinjski mineri 1 and 2. Check the route and signage locally. This gives you several different interests to choose from when planning: architectural history and exhibitions in Brinje, the Brinjski prsten route, via ferratas, cycling routes, and the lakeside area.

Discover more destinations

Brinje, Crni Kal, Jezerane, Lipice, Vodoteč

Discover more destinations: Municipality of Plitvička Jezera, Municipality of Lovinac, Municipality of Senj

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