Almost 30km north of Plitvic near the village of Slunj in the Karlovac County is a small dreamy mill settlement called Rastoke, which will enchant you with its fairytale atmosphere.
The emerald-green shimmering Slunjcica, a beautiful and short karst river rich in trout, grayling and crabs, flows there over numerous small waterfalls, lakes and cascades into the Korana river. At the mouth, the same natural phenomenon can be observed as at the Plitvice Lakes - an imposing sinter barrier, which arose due to the high calcium content of the water and is formed by the aquatic mosses. The holes in the sedimentary rock are home to otters, who have found their way back to Rastoke after a long absence. Many plants thrive in this fertile environment, e.g. B. mushrooms or burdocks. Native tree species such as alder, willow or linden create a beautiful play of shadows. The settlers of this region understood how to use the advantages of nature without destroying it. Rastoke is proof that man can live in harmony with nature. The numerous small mills, some of which date back to the 17th century, and the charming 19th-century houses built in the traditional style blend in perfectly with the surroundings and create a harmonious overall picture. You can stroll through the town on footbridges and admire the charming buildings in the natural surroundings. The foundation usually consists of stone in which the sinter has been deposited and thus created natural insulation. The picturesque wooden walls and the roofs, which are not only made of red brick but also of wooden shingles, add significantly to the beauty of the place. Other people also recognized this, which is why Rastoke was placed under the protection of the State Authority for the Protection of Cultural and Historical Heritage in 1962. This small but lovely peaceful place will enchant you with its charm. Rastoke is ideal for a day trip. After an eventful day, you can enjoy the idyll with a delicious grilled trout or a bite of the well-known Rastok bread, which is made from a special mixture of different grains.
There is also something for the little guests to discover. There are many legends about Rastoke. The fairy-tale setting is a perfect setting for the nocturnal activities of little fairies, who love to gather around the Vilina kosa (fairy hair) waterfall.
Legend has it that these shy creatures once liked to steal horses for their nocturnal excursions. In the morning, the residents found exhausted horses whose manes were adorned with small braids. Today, unfortunately, there are no more horses in Rastoke, but that shouldn't stop you from visiting this magical place. It doesn't take much imagination to hear the fairies giggling in the lapping of the water.