Kuterevo - A Village Where Bears Find a New Beginning
Near the town of Otočac lies the village of Kuterevo, nestled in an idyllic Velebit valley whose most famous residents are bears. It is home to the Bear Sanctuary, where orphaned bear cubs find a safe refuge and the chance to grow into strong and healthy animals.
The sanctuary is also dedicated to nature conservation and habitat protection, promoting sustainable living principles while preserving the traditions of the local mountain community. A special emphasis is placed on educating visitors, bringing them closer to wildlife and raising awareness about the importance of protecting bears as a charismatic species.
In 2005, a volunteer station was established to support the sanctuary’s work and contribute to the development of the local community. In recent years, the sanctuary has welcomed a large number of volunteers and visitors. On average, around 15 organized volunteer groups and more than 50 individual volunteers stay there annually, while the number of visitors exceeds 20,000 per year.
Volunteers in Kuterevo live simply in a small eco-community of diverse individuals, gaining experience in traditional rural life and coexistence with nature. Some stay for just a few days, others for several years, but all leave their mark on the village and its story of caring for bear cubs.
If you would like to become part of this volunteer story or support them with your visit, all information can be found on their official website.
The center of Kuterevo is dominated by the Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, whose bell tower rises above the entire settlement. The present-day village took shape in the second half of the 17th century when sixteen families settled here from the Moravice area, after the previous settlement had been abandoned during Ottoman conquests.
Kuterevo Dangubica - A Musical Tradition That Still Lives
In addition to the bear sanctuary, Kuterevo is known for the tradition of making the Kuterevo dangubica a special type of tamburica. This instrument is still crafted today, most often from maple wood, and local artisans and associations continue to preserve and pass on this craft and musical heritage to younger generations.
Krasno - The Heart of Mountain Life on Northern Velebit
Krasno is a mountain settlement located at 714 meters above sea level within Northern Velebit National Park, and it is the largest settlement on the mountain. The road to Krasno branches off from the Adriatic Highway near Sveti Juraj and leads into the interior of the Velebit massif.
Due to its location, Krasno has been an important center of life on Velebit for centuries and is now known as one of the most significant Marian pilgrimage sites in Croatia. The village consists of 14 separate hamlets, each with its own name, usually derived from the surnames of the families living there Vukelići, Glavaši, Anići, Devčići, and others.
Forestry - The Foundation of Krasno’s Development and Identity
Krasno is home to the oldest forestry office in Croatia, established in 1765. Alongside it, two private sawmills operate in the settlement, continuing the long tradition of wood processing in the area.
With the opening of the Interpretation Center in 2005 the only one of its kind in Croatia and a facility known as the Forestry House, the Krasno Forestry Office expanded its activities to include tourism alongside forestry.
The center was opened to mark 240 years of forestry operations, and its exhibition features around 300 items showcasing the history of forest management and cultivation. Visitors can explore old tools and transport equipment, forestry maps, photographs, archival documents, professional literature, and trophies of wildlife native to the area. A virtual tour is also available for those who want a preview of the interior.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Krasno and a Centuries-Old Legend
Near the village lies the Shrine of Our Lady of Krasno. The current church dates back to the 18th century and was built on the foundations of an older medieval structure. A particularly valuable artistic feature is the wooden coffered ceiling from 1740, decorated with painted scenes from the lives of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and saints, accompanied by Latin inscriptions.
The shrine is linked to a famous legend from 1219. According to tradition, shepherds found a miraculous flower in the forest, within which an image of the Virgin Mary appeared. When they brought the flower to Krasno, it disappeared, only to be found again at the same spot in the forest. In memory of this event, locals built a chapel and altar there.
Each year, the shrine attracts around 100,000 pilgrims from Croatia and abroad. The most significant pilgrimage takes place on the Feast of the Assumption on August 15, when many believers traditionally walk to the shrine.
House of Velebit - A Gateway to Nature and Mountain Life
Today, Krasno is also an important destination for visitors to Northern Velebit National Park. The village is home to the visitor center “House of Velebit.”
This modern information and interpretation center is dedicated to Velebit Mountain and offers visitors insight into the natural environment and traditional way of life in the region.
The exhibition is spread across four floors, using multimedia and educational content to present the rich natural and cultural heritage of Velebit. Throughout the year, visitors can explore thematic exhibitions that depict mountain life, natural features, and local traditions.
The center also provides information about the most locations to visit in the Velebit Nature Park, Krasno, and the surrounding area, as well as ticket sales and authentic souvenirs connected to the region.
The surrounding area offers numerous mountain huts and restored shepherds’ dwellings, allowing visitors to experience Velebit’s nature and traditional mountain life firsthand.
Experience Lika - Accommodation and Authentic Mountain Living
Alongside many attractive tourist destinations, explore a selection of holiday homes in this region via the Destination Green Croatia platform and book your stay in just a few clicks your perfect Lika getaway is only moments away.
One such place is Pansion Mountain Apartments, located in the picturesque village of Kuterevo. Guests can choose from three rooms and one studio apartment with a kitchenette, all decorated in an authentic style that blends nature, tradition, and sustainability. Newly renovated rooms featuring furniture made from recycled wood add special value to the accommodation.
The property also includes a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating for 40 guests each. Services include bed and breakfast, half board, and full board options. The cuisine is based on traditional dishes and locally sourced ingredients.
In addition to accommodation and gastronomy, guests can experience mountain life through various workshops and activities. The surrounding area offers numerous natural and cultural attractions, as well as opportunities for active and exploration of Lika and Velebit.