Brod Na Kupi: Castle, Rivers and Hiking Trails

Brod Na Kupi brings together historic sites and a landscape shaped by the Kupa and Kupica rivers. Kaštel Zrinskih is in the centre of town beside the Kupa, and also serves as a starting point for the hike to Vilinski Gaj and Kupica. This gives you several options when planning your stay: history and exhibitions, riverside trails, or activities in the surrounding area.

The Castle and Historic Sites

Kaštel Zrinskih dates back to 1651. It houses the permanent exhibition “Divljina s pogledom na more” and the “Putovima Frankopana” Interpretation Centre. The castle is also checkpoint KT 34 on the hiking trail network. History and practical guidance for hikers thus come together in one building.

Brod Na Kupi was first mentioned in 1481, under the name Brod pri Kupi. The name is associated with a ferry on the Kupa that was used to transport goods and passengers. Another historic site is the Baroque parish church of St. Mary Magdalene, which dates to 1670. The dates refer to different things: the first mention of the town, the castle and the church.

Discover Nature and Cultural Heritage

The permanent exhibition “Divljina s pogledom na more” presents the natural heritage of Gorski Kotar across a range of landscapes: from the Kupa Valley and the karst terrain beneath it to forests, high mountains, the sky and clouds. Its themes span everything from the underground to higher-altitude landscapes.

Immersive features include mosses and lichens, a karst sinkhole, a mine, simulated mountain weather and an artificial climbing wall. Encounters with live birds and snakes are also part of the exhibition. Nature enthusiasts can explore different aspects of Gorski Kotar all under one roof.

At the Prirodoslovni muzej Rijeka site in Brod Na Kupi, guided group visits and educational workshops are available by prior arrangement. If you are planning a group visit or workshop, arrange the details before you arrive.

Walking Along the Kupa

The Brod na Kupi–Vilinski Gaj–Kupica hiking trail starts beside the castle and follows the Kupa downstream. The route reaches Vilinski Gaj, where the Kupa and Kupica meet. A stone bridge and a suspension bridge then lead back to Brod Na Kupi. The stated difficulty level is 1/5.

As an optional addition, visit the Bear Educational Trail in the grounds of Fran Krsto Frankopan Primary School. This adds another named stop to the route, without making it part of the main trail.

Riverside Scenery and Other Activities

The landscape around Brod Na Kupi includes rocks and gorges along the Kupa and Kupica. Rafting on the Kupa is also among the activities associated with the town. Check the providers and conditions before making plans.

The MTB Stage E4 offers a different perspective on the region: it follows the upper Kupa through the protected Kupa Valley. Due to its rich biodiversity and more than 100 species of day-flying butterflies, the valley is also called Butterfly Valley. The hiking trail and MTB route are different ways to explore the riverside landscape and its surroundings.

When looking for hotels in Brod Na Kupi, you can first consider whether the castle and exhibition, the hiking route or the riverside landscape will shape your stay. This helps you tailor your options to your travel plans, then check the details of each offer.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Guče Selo, Delnice, Čedanj, Gusti Laz, Zamost Brodski, Golik, Crni Lug, Kuželj.

For the broader travel overview: Općina Delnice.