Majerovo Vrilo

Majerovo Vrilo is the spring from which the Gacka River rises, in the village of Sinac, about twelve kilometres from the town of Otočac in the Lika region of Croatia. A vrilo is a karst spring, a place where underground water comes to the surface, and here it wells up through a series of pools, clear and cold, to form the beginning of one of the country's most celebrated rivers. The setting is calm and green, with water meadows, willows and old wooden houses, and it is a favourite picnic and walking destination for visitors to Lika.

The Gacka is unusual among Croatian rivers. It flows through a broad, flat valley rather than a gorge, and it is fed by many springs, which keep the water cool and clean throughout the year. The river is known for its trout, which attract anglers from all over Europe, and for its crayfish and other water life, and its banks are home to birds and otters. The Croatian Centre for Indigenous Water Fish and Crayfish Species, in the same area, works to protect native species, and the Museum of Gacka in Otočac tells the story of the valley. The river eventually vanishes into underground channels, as is typical in karst country, and reappears elsewhere.

The spring also has a human story. Along the water stand several old mills, built to use the strong, steady flow of the river, and some date from the early 20th century. For generations, farmers brought wheat and maize here to be ground into flour, and the mills were the centre of village life. After a period of neglect, a number of them have been restored, and today visitors can see how the machinery works, watch milling in action at certain times and buy flour, bread and local products. The wooden mill buildings, with their waterwheels and channels, make a charming picture beside the water.

Facilities are simple but welcome: a small shop, an ice cream stall, restaurants and guesthouses in the nearby villages, and paths that follow the water. Parking is available, though visitors are asked to use the larger car park a short walk away, which helps to keep the spring quiet. The area is free to visit and open throughout the year. Nearby, the Crkva Sv. Ivana Krstitelja is a local church worth a short visit.

The spring suits families, photographers, anglers and anyone who enjoys quiet water and rural heritage. Spring and early summer, when the meadows are green and the water is at its fullest, are especially lovely.