Nestled among a mountainous part of central Croatia lies the stunning village of Slunj, located along the North-South route to the Adriatic Sea between Karlovac and Plitvice Lakes National Park on the meeting of the rivers Korana and Slunjčica.

Home to over 4,200 people as of 2022, the village is small, hospitable and warm, suitable for all those who enjoy being amongst the beauties of nature in the fresh air, hearing stories of intriguing and rich history and trying specialities prepared through a fusion of modern and home cooking.

What makes the village particularly special is the river Slunjčica, which cascades through a number of waterfalls into the river Korana. There are 23 waterfalls in total, of which the most famous are Hrvoje, Vilina Kosa and Buk.

In order to harness the natural force of water, mills are built directly on waterfalls, whose heights stand at impressive four to five metres.

In October last year, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) named Slunj one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages, describing it as an exceptional rural tourism destination distinguished by its rich cultural and natural heritage, commitment to preserving community values, and dedication to innovation and sustainability across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

This prestigious title was awarded through a competitive selection process that saw the participation of nearly 260 destinations, with Slunj ranked among the top 54, according to Croatia Week.

The initiative highlights the role of tourism in enhancing the value of rural areas – defined as regions with low population densities and under 15,000 residents – alongside their landscapes, knowledge systems, biodiversity, cultural diversity, and local values, promoting tourism as a positive force for transformation, rural development, and community well-being.

To mark this significant global accolade, the Slunj Tourist Board held a press conference earlier this week in the village. Representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the City of Slunj, the Croatian Sports Museum, and the Slunj Tourist Board gathered to share the achievements and projects undertaken over the past year, focusing on socially responsible and sustainable initiatives within the community.

Slunj’s Rastoke village, an area of exceptional natural and cultural heritage, embodies a harmonious blend of traditional riverside life, local character, and a sense of belonging, where visitors can escape the urban bustle in a unique, welcoming mill village.

Key highlights include a walk through the pine Jelvik forest, which was planted at the end of the 19th century. Those who have walked through it cannot decide if it is more beautiful during the summer months when it offers shade from heat or during the winter months when it is clothed in snow.

One of the most imposing and beautiful structures is the fortress, the Old Town Slunj, known locally as “Gradina”, located on a rock elevation on a peninsula around which the Slunjčica bends. It is believed to have been built in the 14th century and stands as a testament to continuous war suffering but also as a place of resistance and defence against the Ottoman Empire.

As tourism drives economic growth in the village, one of the city’s main priorities is to develop balanced tourism. This includes reducing negative impacts through protection of natural and cultural areas, for example, in 2024 the Mrežnica River was designated a Natural Monument in the “Mrežnica–Tounjčica” category.

They are also maximising the use of natural and cultural resources by promoting innovative tourism offerings and skills development initiatives, such as the Outdoor Product Development project launched new wellbeing activities like forest bathing, meditative walking, gong baths, and yoga, enabling both residents and tourists to experience the destination’s beauty with all their senses.

“With our preserved natural and cultural heritage, the mill village of Rastoke, the Slunjčica River, the community’s commitment to heritage preservation, and our proximity to Plitvice Lakes National Park, Slunj ranks among the most successful destinations in continental Croatia,” said Mayor Mirjana Puškarić.

“The City of Slunj will continue investing in infrastructure and digital transition, making Slunj an attractive place for both residents and tourists. Looking ahead, we are excited about the upcoming tourism season and new challenges, aiming to build a sustainable future for tourism.”