City of Gospić - Educational trails
Five educational trails have been arranged in the city of Gospić: Veliki Žitnik-Dunjevac, Ćukinov put-Budački most, Derale-Lika River, Medak-Vrebac, and an educational trail on Krčmar hill in Smiljan. Educational trails are an important part of tourist infrastructure because they encourage the locals and tourists to use forest areas for recreation and outdoor activities and enjoy their stay by being in touch with nature.
Gospić - Croatia/ Lika-Senj county
Tourist experience: The trails are ideal for all those who want to do outdoor activities and spend time in nature. Each educational trail takes nature lovers through the different green areas of the City of Gospić.
Spoken languages: English, Croatian
Experience duration: A few hours
Opening: Always available
Less than 20 min by walk from the nearest accommodation, car parking or bus station
Accessibility: Not for people with mobility problems
Tourist contact: Tourist Board Gospić
Natural heritage: Naturalistic itineraries, Mountains, Hills, Medical herbs, Flora, Fauna, Hiking trails
Hidden tangible patrimony: Landscapes, Water streams, Pathways
Form filler: Tamara Božić Smojver
City of Gospić - Village Bilaj
This picturesque village on the Lika River is placed only a few kilometres from Gospić. It has rich history filled with wars and battles, the most famous of them being the Battle of Bilaj, that happened in 1809 between the Napoleon's and Austro-Hungarian army. On the hill Gradina, there are the remains of a Turkish tower, since Bilaj was one of the most important settlements in the area during the Ottoman Empire. Every year on 29th Aug, a holy mass is held in a cave/chapel of St. Stephen, next to St. Jacob's church, as a remembrance of the attack on Bilaj during the Croatian War of Independence.
Bilaj - Croatia/ Lika-Senj County
Tourist experience: In the summer months, the visitors can go swimming, having a picnic, fishing, or strolling next to the stunning Lika River. For those interested in historic and cultural itineraries, Bilaj has many tales to offer, the most famous one being about the Battle of Bilaj, when Šime Starčević spoke to General Marmont in fluent French, telling him not to enter the church with his horse. The visitors can also learn more about the Croatian War of Independence from the locals and visit St. Stephen's cave, where they used to find shelter and hid during the war. The cave was named after the local priest Stjepan Zeba, who played an important role in providing support to the villagers during the war.
Spoken languages: English, Croatian
Experience duration: From a few hours to one day
Opening: Always available
Less than 20 min by walk from the nearest accommodation, car parking or bus station
Accessibility: Accessible to everyone
Tourist contact: Tourist Board Gospić
Cultural material heritage: Historical centre, Religious building
Cultural immaterial heritage: Historical itinerary, Local traditions or legend, Legendary or historical persona or character
Natural heritage: Naturalistic itineraries, Hills, Medical herbs, Rivers, Flora, Fauna, cycling trails, Hiking trails
Hidden tangible patrimony: Landscapes, Water streams, Pathways
Hidden intangible patrimony: Local customs, Community tales, Knowledge related to agriculture and wild herbs, Family tales
Experiences: Showing around, Cycling through nature, Cycling, hiking, trekking, adventure motor, jeep safari, rafting, walking, exploring, Swimming, sunbathing, gastronomy, Road trip, Fishing, Swimming, Walking, Picnic, Sport activities, Sport fishing, Introduction with historical and cultural heritage of Lika area
Form filler: Anita Ladišić
The Lika River
The Lika is a subterranean river that is also the longest river in the region called Lika. Its spring is next to Mountain Velebit at around 600 m above sea level. Stretching along the karst area of the Lika Valley, it is one of Gospić’s three rivers, it continues flowing down the territory of the Municipality of Perušić, entering the artificial Lake Kruščica and disappearing human eyes in many abysses in Lipovo Polje.
Kaluđerovac Gospić, Perušić - Croatia/ Lika-Senj County
Tourist experience: Many who visit the Lika River describe it as magical and spectacular. They are most impressed with its stunning canyon, and surrounding landscape and wilderness, as well as many tales connected with this living witness of the turbulent history of this area. The visitors can go swimming, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, fishing etc., or just walking around the riverbank.
Spoken languages: English, Croatian
Experience duration: 1 day
Opening: Always available
Less than 20 min by walk from the nearest accommodation, car parking or bus station
Accessibility: Limited accessibility for people with mobility problems
Tourist contact: Perušić Tourist Board
Cultural immaterial heritage: Local traditions or legend
Natural heritage: Naturalistic itineraries, Lakes, Rivers, Flora, Fauna
Hidden tangible patrimony: Landscapes, Water streams
Form filler: Anita Ladišić