Stara Sušica

Stara Sušica’s history is closely tied to its position in Gorski Kotar, a region long known as the 'green lungs' of Croatia. The village developed as a centre for forestry, agriculture and trade, and its residents have lived in step with the surrounding woods for generations. The most recognisable landmark is Stara Sušica Castle, originally built in the 19th century on the site of an older fortress. The castle’s neo-Gothic architecture, turrets and parkland give the building the atmosphere of a storybook, and it now hosts summer camps, workshops and cultural events for children and adults alike. Visitors can walk around the grounds and photograph the exterior, and when events are held it is possible to see more. The park around it has old trees, gravel paths and benches, and children usually enjoy running between the turrets and the lawns.

The village is surrounded by forests, meadows and streams, offering many opportunities for outdoor activities. Well-marked hiking and cycling trails run through the woods and lead to viewpoints, picnic areas and the nearby peak of Javorova Kosa. The area is rich in biodiversity, with a chance to spot deer, foxes and many species of birds, especially in the early morning. The Large Carnivores Visitor Center in Stara Sušica provides educational exhibits about the region’s bears, wolves and lynx, and it is a favorite stop for families and wildlife enthusiasts, and it gives a real sense of how Croatia’s forests still hold large predators. Seeing the animals themselves is rare and requires luck and patience, but the center explains how to behave in their habitat and what signs to look for.

Stara Sušica is also a base for exploring the wider Gorski Kotar region. Day trips can be made to Kamačnik Canyon, Vražji Prolaz and Zeleni Vir, three of the best-known natural sites in the region, as well as to the ski resorts of Mrkopalj and Čelimbaša. The village’s peaceful atmosphere and clear night skies make it a good spot for stargazing and photography. Community events and festivals celebrate local traditions, music and seasonal harvests, offering visitors a chance to experience mountain hospitality.

Mountain food in Gorski Kotar is simple and filling. Menus often feature game, trout, forest mushrooms, potatoes and berries, and local honey and herbal brandies are common. Many guesthouses prepare meals for guests on request, so it is worth asking ahead when staying in a small village. Evenings are cool even in summer, and a wood stove or a blanket on the terrace is often welcome.

Getting to Stara Sušica is straightforward. The village is accessible by road from Ravna Gora, Delnice and Rijeka, with highways leading into Gorski Kotar. Public transport options are limited, so having a car is recommended for flexibility in exploring the region. Accommodation ranges from rustic lodges and guesthouses to private apartments, many with views of the surrounding forests and castle.

The best time to visit Stara Sušica is from May to September, when the weather is mild, the forests are lush and the trails are good for hiking and cycling. Autumn brings fog and colored leaves, and winter is the time for snow sports and enjoying the quiet mountain landscape, though roads can be icy and it is important to carry chains. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation or a fairytale escape, Stara Sušica is a calm stop in the mountains of Croatia.