Get to know Otočac and the river Gacka

Its whole course goes through the town of Otocac and Gacka is probably one of the most beautiful underground river on Croatian territory. Its sources, sinks, and hydrologic properties, and especially the constant purity (water quality of the first category on the move Vrila – Otočac) and bioecological values are classified among the most important phenomena of our karst hydrology. With its beauty stand out the sources of this river, which are ascendant type in a shape of small lakes, which gives them a specific landscape and tourist significance.

Gacka has a powerful source – Tonković vrilo. Knjapovac, Begovac Malinišće are the tributaries upstream. Downstream are the strongest streams: Sinačka pučina  and Kostelka. Unexpectedly quiet her flows come out below the mountain of Velebit. Gentle stream meanders through the valley Gacka, from its spring in the southeast to the underground in the northwest. Since its historical flow which is 32 kilometers long, Gacka remained only eleven kilometers from Sinac until Vivoze. Further is the river bounded with channels and taken through the tunnel in Gusić field in the artificial lake. By the tunnel Gacka collapses on the turbine in St. Juraj and finds its sea. Until recently Gacka was freely flowing with its southern branch of the lamplight,  in Upper Švičko lake, then flowing through the mill wheel and waterfall plunges into the Lower Lake Švičko.

 There was one of the three undergrounds and in Gusić field have been its other undergrounds. By last forces of the river is flowing through Kompolje overhead and leaving the upperground in Hrvatsko Polje. Gacka is extremely rich in flora and fauna. The vegetation is lush due to the favorable water temperature, chemical composition of pleasant, silty bottom, and moderate flow underwater vegetation grows throughout the year, but more intense in warmer periods. More than 25 plant species of moss, algae and woody plants are famous for this area.

The area of town Otočac also offers a range of opportunities for an active, healthy and quiet rest in nature, the clean mountain air, with walks, fishing and hunting on indigenous brown trout. Particular satisfaction provides  nature ‘of European beauties’ of Gacka, which captures the hearts of all who visit this river.

Naturalness of this beautiful landscape, the special qualities of the environment, the position at the foot of the Velebit – Biosphere Reserves, and the Adriatic Sea (Senj) and the Plitvice Lakes National Park offer many opportunities to organize trips from Otocac, where guests are offered accommodation and possibility of eating in the hotel ‘Park’, and in private houses.

From gourmet specialty of Gacka cuisine, known for their mild flavor dominate lamb, cabbage, potatoes and dairy products, old and still very popular and delicious dish called  ‘Lamb below pekva’.

Despite the disadvantages (war and the devastation of buildings, lack of accommodation facilities, the poor condition of roads) and constraints (low degree of development of the overall economy, lack of capacity)and because of its advantages (preserved nature, the beautiful water areas) and features (favorable traffic location that favors the development of transit tourism), this is one of the most promising tourist-oriented destinations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

http://www.tz-otocac.hr/