Trip to the Kupa River Source in the Risnjak National Park area
Trip to the Kupa River Source in the Risnjak National Park area
As you already spent your vacation in Doluš in the house overlooking the Kupa river, it could be challenging for you to familiarize even with the source of this beautiful river.
The Kupa river source is found deep below a pale turquoise lake, hidden by the lush coniferous forest of the Risnjak National Park. This small, extraordinary beautiful lake is a secrete spot from where the Kupa river begins its journey.
The Kupa river source can be reached from the Kupa river valley. It is longer pedestrian access from the north. There is also another, shorter hiking trail from the village of Razloge by which it can be accessed as well. This one is a bit more physically demanding but getting the Kupa river source this way is definitely worth it! If you are physically fit, you can do this trip the same day when visiting Leska nature trail.
Your Doluš accommodation is about one hour drive (40km) away from Razloge. When visiting the Kupa river source from Doluš, in Delnice you’ll have to turn right towards Rijeka. After passing the city of Delnice, in few kilometres you will turn on right, towards Crni Lug. In Crni lug you will note the road directions pointing the Čabar and Gerovo direction. On your way towards Čabar you will pass Malo Selo and few kilometres after that you turn on right to the side road towards Razloge. This side road is paved, but narrow, windy and quite damaged. So you will drive slowly through the forest to the village of Razloge. The village is situated on the beautiful plateau. Traditionally this particular location was a place where travellers used to take pause and rest their horses on their journey from Rijeka to Čabar. Word “razloge” in Croatian language means “to unload the cargo”.
From Razloge (554 m) there is about 30 minutes more by feet downhill to the Kupa river source (313 m). Interesting windy hiking trail will lead you through the forest to the river source. The trail is steep and narrow, but well maintained and equipped with stairs and handrails. However, solid footwear is required. When you reach the Kupa river source there is another walking trail that runs through the forest, following the Kupa and even crossing the river over the wooden bridge.
Kupa river source is an exceptional, magical corner of the Earth. It is so hidden that it is very possible that this site was not much changed for centuries.