Stop in Lika

What do the Irish and the people of Lika have in common? Potatoes! In the far south of the Lika field, in Sv. Rok near Lovinac, there is the only organized production of the famous potato. At the Singing Farm, the nanny goat Kata reads to the goats, the postman from Lovinac travels the world by bicycle, and from Canada, Josip Pavičić, a producer of parts for spacecraft, regularly returns to his native region…

In the third-largest municipality in Croatia, there are only two inhabitants per square kilometer. There aren’t many people, but there are also no unemployed. In the industrial zone, they produce electricity, pellets, and process wood and tobacco. From the longest runway in Croatia, at the Josip Jović barracks, a flight to space nearly took off. The project to build a space center in Udbina failed, but that doesn’t make it any less fascinating…

In this travel series about the curiosities of the Lika region and its people, we take you to the seat of Lika-Senj County! Many tourists pass through Lika, regularly admiring the view from their cars. Yet few actually stop in Lika. That’s why we reveal stories that will entertain you and perhaps even inspire you to experience the charms of Lika for yourself. This time, we introduce you to Gospić!

On the border between the Ottoman Empire and Europe, wars did not spare him. Every conqueror left a piece of their culture here. Nature had the greatest influence, the Lika River shaped the lives of the people of Perušić, and Samograd Cave is one of the most beautiful caves of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. In Perušić, there is also the only blacksmith in this part of Lika, and his forge serves as a gathering place for the community from Studenačka Street…

Before the highway was built, the Lika main road was sacred. When the green Plješivica opened up, you knew what was coming drivers’ favorite, Korenica. There, you had to stop, whether you wanted to or not. Anyone who didn’t wait in line for the Macola restroom or leg-of-lamb goulash hadn’t really studied in Zagreb. From those days, we also remember the songs on the radio, newly composed or traditional, and we knew them by heart, whether we wanted to or not…

Otočac is the center of the Gacka Valley, which stretches between Velebit to the south and Mala Kapela to the north. The Gacka is the cleanest river in Europe, and trout there grow seven times faster, making fishing a real attraction. Women from Otočac are excellent bowlers, the best Lika lamb is eaten in nearby Čovići, Otočac is home to the world’s “lady of cordiality,” and the most beautiful Lika songs are performed by KUU Gacka from Ličko Lešće.

A mountain that some describe as harsh karst, while others admire it, especially for its mysterious underground world accessible to only a few explorers, the speleologists. On Velebit, there is one of the deepest speleological sites, the 1,500-meter-deep Lukina Cave. Although not a fan of dark and deep caves, the series’ author ventured into the speleological camp…

We are exploring the youngest national park in Croatia. It was precisely the diversity of karst formations, wildlife, and landscapes that led to the designation of Northern Velebit as a national park. Find out whether Zavižan is more beautiful in white or green, meet Snižnica, follow the Premužić Trail to Rossijeva Hut, and then on to Alan…

Apart from mountaineers, adventurers, hunters, and passing travelers, few stop in Lika. Krasno, Northern Velebit, Speleod(r)ama, Otočac, Korenica, Perušić, Gospić, Lovinac, and Udbina – in nine episodes, dive into the enchanting Lika through the eyes of the series’ author! Discover stories that will entertain you and motivate you to stop in Lika and experience its charms for yourself!