Recreation and leisure

The region of Ozalj seems as though it was created for the pleasures of a prolonged, gradual discovery of its beauties. Mountain climbing, hiking, exploring, taking direct pleasures in nature-all of these are particularly attractive in the early autumn, the season of mushrooms. Boleti are the most frequent, but there are also other species such as chanterelles and the rare but delicious milky orange agric. Vodenica Hill looms majestically over meadows, vineyards, orchards and forests, and provides extraordinary hiking opportunities and magnificent, unhampered views. For perfect relaxation, Ozalj and its environs offer the freshness of rivers, the warmth of the sun and swimming in the Dobra and Kupa Rivers or in Sljuncara lakes. The best known swimming areas are those at Grdun on the Dobra and in Ozalj itself, just opposite the castle there is also canoe rentals at the Ozalj swimming area. For sporting people, it will be a real challenge to row from Ozalj, either downstream or upstream, and to discover from up close the charms of Kupa and its banks. Both the rapid and still waters of the same river offer both an adventurous and romantic experience. Apart from the natural opportunities for active leisure and recreation, there are also several sporting grounds. The most attractive are modernly equipped indoor and outdoor tennis courts.

Fishing

With their magnificent scenery, crystal-clear rapids and waterfalls and abundance of fish, the waterways of the Ozalj region promise splendid relaxation topped off with a good catch. The Kupa River flows by Ozalj, cutting through a deep valley. In this portion, the river is inhabited by chub, carp, barbell, catfish and pike. Downstream from the dam of the Ozalj power plant, the Kupa becomes a flatland river abounding with bream, silver bream, crucian carp, burbot, pike-perch and perch. In the mountain streams beneath Vivodina one can also catch delicious brown trout. Sport fisherman hold contests on the ponds of Sljuncara.

Hunting

The spacious hunting grounds of Ozalj are perfect for breeding larger game. Wild pigs, fallow deer and rabbits live in the hilly areas, while in the lowlands there are also pheasants. The Kupa region is particularly attractive for duck hunting, and in the marshlands snipe can also be found. There is also fox and fur-bearing martens. Sometimes larger deer wander in from neighboring hunting areas. Here hunting has a long and very successful tradition. For those who are more prone to hunt with their cameras, they will discover a true wealth and diversity of songbirds. Bird-watching today is becoming increasingly popular throughout the world. The heavens above Ozalj are encircled by the rulers of the skies-hawks and buzzards-which is a reliable sign that the natural resources of this region are pristine and preserved.

Bike map

Ozalj - Vivodina - Ozalj
One drives from one village to another situated on the tops of the hills of the Natural Park Žumberak, with attractive panoramic views, especially when one come to Lović Prekriški. The crossing of the bridge over the Kupa offers the view to the "Munjara".

Žakanje - Netretić - Žakanje
In the first part of the track, driving along the Kupa through the villages, you will ascend to the canyon of the Kupa, and then pass the woody areas and descend to Netretić. The second part of the track passes through the gentle hills via Ozalj in the direction of Kamanje.

More on Bike map.

Outings

Ozalj - Kamanje - Vrlovka - Ribnik
The Vrlovka cavern is located in Kamanje, in the neighbouring municipality of Zakanje. With its elegant stone ornamentation and glistening subterranean lakes, this cavern is a pearl among the natural treasures of this region. The old fortified castle of Ribnik is a very interesting and exceptionally valuable architectural monument. It is, in fact, a very rare example of a medieval lowland fortress with a moat. Long ago, when they used to block the bed of a creek, a fish-pond was created, and the fortress itself became an island.

Ozalj - Podbrežje - Krašić - Žumberak
The gentle Krasic-Pribic area, a picturesque wine-producing region, is known by its valuable sacral architectural monuments. The oldest and most valuable of these is the Church of Saint Sixtus in Pribic while a memorial hall in honor of Archbishop Alojzije Stepinac was built by the Holy Trinity Church in Krasic one can experience the call of the wild and the freshness of a healthy mountain climate in Zumberak. This entire mountainous region is dominated by the highest peak in north western Croatia, Sveta Gera (1178m). All around there are thick forests, sheer cliffs, sunny pastures and wild mountain creeks… It is as though this area was created for an escape from the urban "asphalt jungle!".