The historic town of Slunj serves up some of Croatia’s most rewarding outdoor experiences. Four key tours stand out: The action-packed Upper Canyon Kayak Tour (4 hours, 9 waterfalls, 5 km of rapids), the informative Rastoke walking tour (1.5 hours through an 18th-century watermill village), the scenic Mrežnica Canyon paddle, and a private excursion combining Rastoke village with the famous Plitvice Lakes.
I especially love the Upper Canyon tour for its perfect mix of thrills and natural beauty, while the Rastoke walk offers the best bang-for-your-buck introduction to local life. These are my recommended tours for experiencing the best of Slunj’s natural and cultural heritage.
Let’s explore the top tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
-
The Upper Canyon Kayak Tour offers a 4-hour adventure with a 2.5-hour guided journey through a scenic river featuring 9 waterfalls, including the 2nd largest Milković Waterfall.
-
The Rastoke Tour Guide provides a 1.5-hour guided tour showcasing 18th-century costumed soldiers, waterfalls, mills, legends, and traditions, with a 4.9/5 rating based on 10 reviews.
-
The Mrežnica Canyon Kayaking Tour is a 3-4 hour adventure for all skill levels, with activities like paddling through a gorge, swimming in emerald waters, and enjoying steep cliffs and lush vegetation.
-
The Plitvice Lakes Private Tour departs from Zagreb, includes a scenic stop at the 300-year-old village of Rastoke, and allows for exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage site’s 16 interconnected lakes and travertine pools.
-
All tours in Slunj and the surrounding area prioritize safety, provide necessary gear and briefings, and accommodate children (6 and up) with parent supervision, with reservations recommended to secure spots.
Mrežnica: Upper Canyon Kayak Tour
The Upper Canyon Kayak Tour on the Mrežnica River is a 4-hour adventure that takes visitors on a 2.5-hour guided journey through the stunning natural beauty of the Mrežnica River canyon.
Priced at $61.71 per person, the tour departs from the Terra Croatica Rafting Centar 2, transporting guests via van to the starting point on the Mrežnica River.
Along the way, you will experience 9 waterfalls within 1.2 km, including the impressive Milković Waterfall, the second-largest on the river.
The tour covers over 5 km, crossing 26 barriers and rapids, part of 93 tidal barriers along the 64 km river.
All necessary equipment and a professional guide with over 20 years of experience are included.
Read our full review: Mrežnica: Upper Canyon Kayak Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Rastoke Tour Guide
Exploring the charming village of Rastoke, a guided tour led by a local expert offers visitors an immersive experience showcasing the area’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Priced from Kč 177 per person, the 1.5-hour English-language tour allows you to discover Rastoke, recognized as the world’s best tourist village.
Featuring a costumed 18th-century Croat soldier, the tour focuses on the village’s waterfalls, mills, legends, and traditions.
With a 4.9/5 rating based on 10 reviews, the tour provides excellent value, and cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund.
Wheelchair accessible, the tour departs daily at 10:00 and 19:00, and reservations are recommended to secure your spot.
Read our full review: Rastoke Tour Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
From Slunj: Mrežnica Canyon Kayaking Tour
This 3-4 hour kayaking adventure along the Mrežnica River‘s stunning canyon offers an exhilamatic way to explore Slunj’s natural beauty.
For $51.42 per person, participants can paddle through the narrow gorge, swim in the emerald waters, and marvel at the steep white cliffs and lush vegetation.
The tour includes a safety briefing, guided kayaking, and breaks for swimming and scenic relaxation.
Children 6 and up can join with their parents. Gear like kayaks, life jackets, and helmets are provided, and meals are available upon request.
With a maximum group size of 16, this experience is suitable for beginners and experienced kayakers alike.
Read our full review: From Slunj: Mrežnica Canyon Kayaking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
From Zagreb to Split: Plitvice Lakes Private Tour
Departing from Zagreb, this private tour whisks travelers to the captivating Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its cascading turquoise waters and lush landscapes.
Along the way, the tour makes a picturesque stop in Rastoke, a charming 300-year-old village with its own series of waterfalls.
At the park, visitors can explore the scenic trails at their own pace, marveling at the mesmerizing sequence of 16 interconnected lakes and travertine pools.
The tour then continues to Split, with comfortable transportation provided throughout.
Travelers rave about the professionalism of the driver and the seamless organization of this immersive experience.
Read our full review: From Zagreb to Split: Plitvice Lakes Private Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Slunj offers an array of captivating tours for visitors. The Upper Canyon Kayak Tour on the Mrežnica River provides a thrilling experience, while the Rastoke Tour Guide offers a guided exploration of the historic Rastoke village. For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, the Mrežnica Canyon Kayaking Tour and the Plitvice Lakes Private Tour from Zagreb to Split are excellent options. These tours cater to a range of interests and offer a chance to take in the natural beauty of the region.