Donji Okrug in the Kupa Valley and Risnjak National Park

Donji Okrug is one of the settlements in Risnjak National Park and is located within the administrative area of the City of Delnice. At the same time, it lies in the Kupa Valley, the only inhabited area of the national park. When choosing a hotel for your trip, you could start by considering whether you are most interested in hiking trails, observing nature or the region’s cultural heritage.

Donji Okrug and the Kupa Valley

Its location in the Kupa Valley shapes how the village fits within the national park. Donji Okrug is one of the Kupa Valley settlements whose traditional architecture and ethnographic heritage are considered worth preserving. Nature and cultural traditions therefore come together in the region. The source of the Kupa and the surrounding area also have a special protection status: they have been protected since 1963.

For those interested in the landscape, the Risnjak massif is another prominent landmark. At 1,528 metres, it offers views of the Kvarner Gulf, Istria and the Julian Alps. The national park recommends wildlife watching from May to November. The wild animals listed include bears, wolves, deer, foxes, wild boar and numerous bird species.

Hiking Trails and Tours in the National Park

The national park has fourteen hiking trails, most of which are considered moderately difficult. Visitors must follow a clear rule: they may only go on marked areas and trails designated for visits, including hiking and educational trails. The Leska educational trail can be explored independently or with a professional guide.

One specific route description covers the trail from Razloge to the source of the Kupa: it descends steeply to the river’s source. There are 23 information boards along the 4.2-kilometre trail. These details supplement the general overview of the hiking trails with a specific distance and a description of the steep descent. The park also has marked cycling routes ranging from 4.2 to 40 kilometres. The cycling routes on offer therefore include both shorter and considerably longer distances.

The Roman Road is also among the routes described in the national park. It runs from Platak towards Lazac and is considered the shortest route from Gerovo towards Platak and Rijeka. The information about its direction and regional connections gives this historic route a different focus from the hiking trails, whose descriptions mainly refer to distance, guidance or terrain.

Culture and Regional Architecture

In Gorski Kotar, traditional stone and timber houses, steep roofs and decorated gables characterize the region’s architecture. Those interested in the history of buildings and everyday life can explore this heritage at Goranska kuća znanja. The centre is housed in an old village school and preserves the history and memories of Razloge.

Topics covered at Goranska kuća znanja include shingle-making in Gorski Kotar, rural architecture, crafts, weaving, pastures and beekeeping. The range spans everything from buildings and craft techniques to the use of the landscape. In Donji Okrug itself, its connection to cultural heritage is part of its status among the Kupa Valley settlements whose traditional architecture and ethnographic heritage are considered worth preserving.

Visitor Centres and Group Programmes

Near the source of the Kupa is Rodna kuća rijeke Kupe, a visitor centre that showcases the river’s biological diversity. Goranska kuća znanja, by contrast, focuses on the history and culture of Razloge. If you would like to visit either centre, check the current visiting arrangements in advance, as operations may change.

The national park’s additional information centre entrances are located in Kupari and Razloge. Both have information points and parking; check the parking arrangements again before you arrive. For groups, Šumska pedagogija is a guided programme lasting two to four hours. It is aimed at schoolchildren, people with special needs and adults. If this format could suit your trip, confirm the group arrangements before booking.

Discover more destinations: Podgora Turkovska, Golik, Gašparci, Turke, Kuželj, Čedanj, Brod Na Kupi, Zamost Brodski.

For the broader travel overview: Općina Delnice.