Zrmanja River is situated on the south of Croatia – it emerges in the place called Zrmanja in Lika, at the foot of the mountain Postak. It flows into rough Velebit karst with its 69 kilometers long stream. The river is penetrating towards the Adriatic Sea for thousands of years. The river has crystal clear water which is meandering through two hundred meters deep canyon. It has created numerous travertine waterfalls. “Veliki Buk”, 11 meters high waterfall, stands out because of its incredible beauty. The canyon is very picturesque, reminding visitors about the wild canyons of the West. That area motivated the producers to choose Zrmanja for shooting the Winnetou movie. The main tributaries are Krnjeza, Krupa and the rivers in Lika, Ricica and Otuca. Water is also obtained from series of caves which complement its flow. The Krupa waterfalls are among the most beautiful waterfalls in Croatia. They are hidden under the hills of Velebit. River Krnjeza is less than 1 kilometer long and has an amazing canyon which is about 300 meters tall. Zrmanja has a rich flora and fauna diversity. Besides the tiny organisms, like endemic snails or amphipods, proteus anguinus is also present there. The birds are nesting eggs on the shores. Zrmanja provides the best rafting experience in this part of Europe. During the entire year, it is suitable for rafting, thanks to the proximity of the sea. When the strong wind called Bura starts blowing, you can’t go rafting. Also, if you like adrenaline, try rafting after the heavy rain. You can feel a strong influence of the sea in the summer during the low water levels under waterfalls. There is salty water underneath the thin layer of fresh water, although mouth of the river is 17 kilometers away. Water levels are changing dependent of high tide and ebb tide. Zrmanja is abundant with water in the spring. The river is suitable for swimming and diving. Because of its purity it is drinkable. The river impresses with its landscapes and it is an ideal place to go for a canoe safari. In the summer, it is recommended to use small boats like a canoe or kayak to explore the most beautiful canyon in Croatia. Also, it is recommended to go for a hiking trip to explore the river area. You can walk for hours along the river. A view on the Velebit Mountain provides an unforgettable experience, so if you have the opportunity to visit the ‘land of Winnetou’, don’t hesitate to do it. Mario works at Croatian vacation agency AdriaticOnline as a writer. He mostly writes about Vacation in Croatia, its population, guests and beautiful nature.
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