Duga Resa

Duga Resa, a town that grew around its cotton industry, was known even to the ancient Romans, who recognized a good place to settle. It’s located on a calm stretch of the Mrežnica River, whose flowing strands of aquatic plants, called “resa,” are thought to have given the town its name. Even today, its greatest asset is the Mrežnica—a clear, karst river framed by lush greenery, with travertine barriers and waterfalls that offer a natural massage in the summer.

A walk along the river is always healing, and the reflection of the Upper Mill on the water mirrors the wisdom of Duga Resa’s early builders. Boats tucked under willow trees, surrounded by lilies and swans, and the gentle sway of water plants wrap the town in an atmosphere of calm and peace. The park has become a haven for walkers, while old buildings stand as reminders of the past, making unknowing visitors feel as though time has paused. But look closely! You’ll hear the joyful play of children, the hurried steps of business people with places to be, and the grumbling of a fisherman whose clever catch has slipped away with the bait. Hikers gather on the riverbank, ready to climb Vinica—a 321-meter hill where a hearty meal awaits at the top. In Šoto Gallery, artists convene creatively, while table tennis and volleyball players train in the nearby hall.

Yes, this is a town for athletes and artists, for hikers and fishers, a place for active relaxation. The river’s tranquil flow might lull you into a peaceful state, only for you to find yourself next on the wine route or paddling in a kayak. In the summer, you’ll love the natural jacuzzis at the swimming spots in Galović Selo or Mrežnički Brig; in autumn, you might cycle along the scenic travertine cascades of the Mrežnica and Dobra. When winter snow falls, is there anything lovelier than the sight of a frozen waterfall while enjoying the warmth and flavors of a riverside restaurant?

The ancient Romans knew that a river is a source of life, so let the wisdom of the ages guide you as you savor the charms of Duga Resa. If you know where to look, you may uncover something hidden. Perhaps there’s a Roman coin still nestled within a Mrežnica shell—or simply the quiet wisdom of nature, offering you a break from the fast pace of life.