Karlovac

Karlovac is a city in the northwest Croatia, 45 km southwest of Zagreb with a population of approximately 60,000.

Understand

The town is located at the junction of 4 rivers is stunning. Almost everyone knows Karlovac as the city on four rivers. In fact, only three flow through the very city and the fourth, the river Dobra, is a bit on the outskirts - Dobra. Of course, natives will talk about the fifth river – the one made of beer.

The town plan is unique as the historic town center is in the shape of a 6-point star and was constructed in the 16th century as a fortification against the invading Turks double of the back cush pink centre pocket.

Tourist information

• Tourist Office, Petra Zrinskog 3, ☏ +385 47 615 115. M-F 0:00-15:00; Sa 9:00-01:00. (updated Jul 2023)

Get in

By bus

Buses to/ from Zagreb (50 minutes) about every half hour from a bewildering number of operators. The bus station is on the western side of the town centre.

By train

The main 1 Karlovac railway station is to the north of the town but rather more convenient is 2 Karlovac Center railway stationwhich is across the road from the bus station. About every 1-2 hours with 1 hour journey time.

Train times & prices from here

By car

A trip by car on the A1/A6 takes only about 20 minutes from Jadranski Bridge.

Get around

The best way to get around is by bicycle.

See

Dubovac Castle

There are a few museums and a fortress on Dubovac hill with great views of the town.

• 1 Dubovac Castle (Stari Grad Dubovac), Zagrad-Gaj 5 (North West of city. South of River Kupa). a fort from the 15th century, situated on one of the nearest hills. Occasional exhibitions. Great view of the city. In summer some performances can be seen up there. (updated Nov 2023)
• 2 Karlovac City Museum, Strossmayerov trg 7. Closed due to renovation, check website for reopening.. (updated Nov 2023)
• 3 Vjekoslav Karas Gallery, Ljudevita Šestića 3. Art gallery (updated Nov 2023)
• Rivers & beaches: Korana, Mrežnica, Kupa, Dobra. In summer river banks are turning into shy beaches and are great for whole day activities.
• Aquatika, Ulica Branka Čavlovića Čavleka 1a. Only Croatian freshwater aquarium, very popular with both locals and tourists. (updated Oct 2023)
• 4 Museum of the Homeland War (Muzej Domovinskog rata), Turanj 2 (Nearly 4km south of bus/railway stations.). Modern museum focusing on breakup of Yugoslavia, creation of a free and independent Republic of Croatia, with special emphasis on the Homeland War from 1991 to 1995. Exhibition of military vehicles outside. (updated Oct 2023)
• 5 Nikola Tesla Experience Center, Rakovac 6, ☏ +385 47 674 746. High tech museum devoted to the famous scientist & inventor who went to the school adjacent to the museum. (updated Oct 2023)

Do

• Mountain Biking. Mountain biking is recommended. Lots of preserved trails all around the city and enthusiastic bikers who'll gladly guide you. 
• Swimming / Rafting / Kayaking. Great swimming in summer months in Karlovac rivers Korana and near by Mrežnica with rafting and kayaking. 

Festivals

• Karlovacki Dani Piva. end of August. Annual beer festival. The most crowded place at that time of summer, with various folks around. You can grab a beer and pretzel and see if there's a music which suits you. 
• Karlovac Piano Festival, karlovacpianofestival@gmail.com. Karlovac Piano Festival is typically held in mid-summer. It consists of piano lessons and master classes with renowned piano pedagogues, concerts and International Piano Competition. 

Buy

There are not many shopping options, but there are many grocery stores.

Eat

• Bistro king, Rakovac ul. 8 (next door to the Nikola Tesla experience). Restaurant with outside courtyard. Vegetarian options. (updated Nov 2023)

Drink

Karlovačko beer

Karlovac is the home of Croatia's most famous brewery, Karlovačko, which is a must try.

Sleep

Budget

As in the case with most of Croatia, rooms are available in private houses.

Mid-range

• Hotel Carlstadt. US$72-80. 
• Hotel Restaurant Zganjer, Jelaši 41, ☏ +385 47 751 200. 

Splurge

• Hotel Europa, Banija 161, ☏ +385 47 609 666. US$128-136. 
• Hotel Korana Srakovcic. Directly on a lake. US$147-175.