Discover Lipice: Ivanja, fruit growing and pine-forested hills

Lipice can be discovered through several distinctive features: the recurring Ivanja celebration, twelve hamlets among pine-forested hills, a church in the valley and its well-known fruit growing. Together, they offer a glimpse of the town’s cultural and rural character.

Lipice among Ivanja and pine-forested hills

Lipice consists of twelve hamlets situated among pine-forested hills. Lipice is also known for fruit growing; its soil and climate are considered particularly suitable for growing fruit. The landscape and agriculture are therefore among the town’s defining features.

In the valley of Lipice, the Church of St John the Baptist is a landmark. It was built in 1878. The year of construction provides a specific historical reference point for the local architectural history.

Ivanja, the local celebration of St John, is considered Lipice’s most important feast day. It takes place twice a year, once in summer and once in winter. The exact dates may vary, so it is worth checking them before your trip. This makes it possible to factor the celebration into your plans as a seasonal event without assuming a specific date.

Općina Brinje: culture and routes in the wider destination

In the wider destination of Općina Brinje, the municipality of Brinje stretches between the slopes of Velika Kapela and Velebit. Brinje lies on the Jozefinska cesta, or Josephine Road, as well as on the modern Zagreb–Split motorway (A1).

Near the centre of Brinje, at the foot of Humac Hill, stands the Gothic Church of St Vid, dating from the 14th century. Today, it occasionally serves as a funerary chapel. The late Romanesque Chapel of St Fabian and St Sebastian also dates from the 14th century. It is a protected religious building and is listed as a cultural monument in the highest protection category.

Sokolac is a medieval noble castle in the centre of Brinje. The Frankopans, Counts of Krk, built it in the early 15th century. The surviving structures include the entrance tower and the two-storey castle chapel of the Holy Trinity. Since June 2007, the lower level of the chapel has housed the permanent exhibition “Plemićki grad Sokolac” about Sokolac and the role of the Frankopans in Croatian history.

A bronze statue of a miner, created by sculptor Kosta Angelini Radovani, also stands in the centre of Brinje. The stone bridge on the Jozefinska cesta is also located in the town centre. It was built in 1801 and features a sundial. These structures offer different perspectives: the castle and chapel tell the story of the medieval period, while the bridge and sundial add a later architectural landmark.

The Collection of Folk Heritage of the Municipality of Brinje is a permanent exhibition with more than 1,200 exhibits. Visits to Sokolac and the collection are possible by prior appointment at 053 700 407 or 099 283 4740. Confirm the contact details before your trip.

Routes and nature in the Općina Brinje destination

Brinjski prsten is an 18.5 km circular educational and hiking trail on the Brinje–Zarin–Siničić Cave–Brinje route. Its longer section follows the ridge of the Škamnica mountain range to the highest peak of the Brinje Basin, Zarin (828 m), and the Kozjak viewpoint. Its length and route provide a clear guide when choosing a hike.

Brinje’s tourist attractions include the two local cycling routes, Brinjski mineri 1 and 2. Check trail conditions and signage before setting out. The via ferratas in Staro Brinje are described as suitable for climbing in both winter and summer; check the conditions locally.

Lake Brodić is rich in fish and natural vegetation. Fish species found in the lake include carp, grass carp, pike and crayfish. There is also a recreation area by the lake, with a walking path, lighting and benches for relaxing outdoors. Check the current condition of these facilities before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Vodoteč, Jezerane, Brinje, Crni Kal

See the overview of the wider destination: Općina Brinje.