WATCH: Autumn beauty of Rastoke waterfalls 

Rastoke in autumn (Photo: Goran Šafarek) 

Slunj is located in the mountainous part of Central Croatia between Karlovac and Plitvice Lakes National Park, on the meeting of the rivers Korana and Slunjčica.

One popular destination in the town for tourists in Rastoke. Rastoke is known for its well-preserved mills and the picturesque little waterfalls and flowing cascades along the Slunjčica river. 

The watermills erected at Rastoke largely contributed to the economic development of Slunj as the center of the region of Kordun. Rastoke was first mentioned as a destination in 1860 in a travel report, described as the “amazingly beautiful, greenish Slunjčica river that has created many beauties along its quite short flow.”

In medieval times, the region around Slunj was known as no man’s land, an uncertain border region between Europe and the Ottoman Empire. 

The mills of Rastoke have an interesting history also. They were innovative at a certain period of time in history as mills were powered for the first time by water and not driven by the strength of humans or animals. At its peak, Rastoke had 22 mills.

Apart from milling, the people of Rastoke have also been known for their weaving of flax and hemp. The plants were grown by local people, soaked in the water of the Korana and then used for weaving. This was one of the main occupations of women, particularly during the cold winter months. The traditional costume of Slunj and Rastoke consists of these materials.

Croatian scientist, photographer, and filmmaker Goran Šafarek, who has been protecting and promoting Croatian rivers for over 10 years, has just released a new video showcasing the beauty of Rastoke in autumn. 

You can check out the video below.