Kuterevo: Bear Refuge, Culture and Routes

For a trip to Kuterevo, the Bear Refuge, local culture and various routes offer different points of interest. When planning, consider whether to time your trip around the Refuge or a cultural event; route information varies in terms of length, course and starting point.

Visiting the Bear Refuge

The Kuterevo Bear Refuge can be visited in spring, summer and autumn. The project began in 2002 with the mission of taking in orphaned bear cubs. Visitor education is part of the program and aims to introduce visitors to wildlife and bears. A visit therefore focuses both on conservation and on sharing knowledge about wildlife.

In spring and autumn, check in at the Volunteers’ Station. There, long-time volunteers provide an introduction and guided information. The station was established in 2004 as a place for cultural exchange and education about sustainable living. Seasonal visiting arrangements may change, so check the Refuge’s latest information in advance.

Culture and Traditions in Kuterevo

Kuterevo’s religious heritage includes the parish church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The cultural association KUD “Dangubice” Kuterevo was founded in 2011 to preserve local traditions, customs, singing, dancing and the village dialect. Its name comes from the traditional tamburica played in Kuterevo.

The association organizes an annual concert in Kuterevo; the exact date may vary. If the concert is important to your travel dates, check the date in advance. In 2024, Karmenica in Kuterevo was celebrated on July 16 as the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with a traditional procession. The specific program may vary.

Kuterevo preserves rural architecture and domestic traditions, including the making of wooden objects such as the Dangubica, barrels and chairs. The cultural theme thus ranges from association life and music to handmade everyday objects.

Routes and Nature

The 52-kilometer Hajduk’s Valley Trail runs through the area where Kuterevo, Krasno and Kosinj meet and passes the Bear Refuge in Kuterevo. The Ursa Major Trail is dedicated to the European brown bear and points toward Kuterevo and the Refuge. The Ursa Major cycling route is 34.7 kilometers long and starts at the dam by the Vivoški Bridge. When comparing routes with similar names, note the difference between the trail dedicated to the brown bear and the cycling route with its stated starting point.

The presence of bears, lynxes and wolves is an indication of well-preserved nature and biodiversity. This broadens the Refuge’s focus on bears to a wider connection with nature.

Getting There

A route description published in 2018 names the A1 Zagreb–Split motorway and the Otočac exit for the drive to Kuterevo. Signage and road conditions may change, so check the latest information before setting out.

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

Return to the overview of the wider area: Općina Otočac.