Opg Novkovic

OPG Novković is a family farm at Slunj, close to the waterfalls of Rastoke, in the Kordun region of Croatia, in the Croatian countryside, offering guests a taste of country life and a chance to learn about traditional farming and food. The initials OPG stand for obiteljsko poljoprivredno gospodarstvo, which means family agricultural holding, the official term in Croatia for a small farm run by a household, and many such farms now welcome visitors as part of rural tourism.

The idea of the visit is to take part instead of simply looking. The farm is run by several generations of the same family, and it is dedicated to sustainable agriculture, humane treatment of animals and the preservation of local traditions. Guests are invited to join in hands-on activities that change with the season: gathering hay in the meadow, feeding the livestock, picking forest fruits such as blackberries and raspberries, and learning how food moves from field to table. Explanations emphasise the importance of good dairy products in health and nutrition, and the family is happy to share what they know. For children in particular, meeting the animals and doing simple tasks is a memorable experience.

The farm is organised into themed zones, each with its own name that hints at a different side of country life. One zone is called Life bustle, and another A Path Where Time is Measured with a Different Unit, titles that suggest a slower, more thoughtful rhythm than that of the city. Walking through them gives a sense of the farm’s activities and of the landscape of fields, orchards and woodland that surrounds it.

Engaging tours and food are a large part of the attraction. Guests can sample fresh dairy products, such as cheeses, cream and yoghurt made on the farm, and enjoy wine and cheese pairings and traditional meals prepared with ingredients grown or produced nearby. Dishes follow regional recipes, with simple, generous cooking based on seasonal produce, and eating at the farm is a chance to taste the flavours of Kordun and Lika. Many visitors say the educational and culinary experiences are what they remember best.

The location makes the farm a good base for exploring the area. The waterfalls and watermills of Rastoke are a short distance away, the Korana and Mrežnica rivers offer swimming, canoeing and cycling, and Plitvice Lakes National Park is within reach. An active-holiday operator in the area, Aktivni Odmor, organises outdoor activities.

While the farm is welcoming, details of opening hours, prices and available programmes are not widely published, so contact the farm directly to arrange a visit, especially in summer. The farm suits families, food lovers and anyone who wants an authentic rural experience. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you do not mind getting dirty.