September the 4th, 2025 – The highest town in Croatia can be found in gorgeous Gorski Kotar, where people have lived with and at the mercy of nature for centuries.
As Putni kofer/Antonio Ivcevic writes, from the endless plains of Slavonia, to the green hills of Zagorje, to the dramatic mountain ranges and the picturesque Adriatic coast, Croatia is truly a country of incredible diversity.
This diversity of landscapes has shaped the lifestyle, culture and customs of the people who live there, while also creating places with a special character and stories worth finding out about. Among all these landscapes, there is one place that stands out for its unique geographical uniqueness.
This is, of course, Delnice, which is known as the highest town in Croatia. It has a population of around 5,000, it’s located along the historically important road which connected Karlovac and Rijeka, and in addition to always being the centre of the wood industry and forestry, Delnice has also become a tourist area for all those who want fresh air and an active break at any time of the year.
Located in the very heart of Gorski Kotar, at an altitude of 700 to 900 metres, the highest town in Croatia is both breathtaking and captivating at first sight. Located on a vast plateau, surrounded by rich, dense forests and mountain peaks, gives Delnice a special character and makes it truly unique among Croatian cities.
For centuries, Delnice has been the very heart of this mountain paradise, a place where people gather, trade and exchange experiences, while at the same time remaining connected to the nature that surrounds them. The climate here is distinctly mountainous. The winters are long and cold, with snow lingering for months, while summers are fresh and pleasant, a far cry from the insufferable heat of Dalmatia. All this makes Delnice one of the coldest, but also most pleasant inhabited areas in Croatia.
Such a climate has also shaped the way of life of the inhabitants for centuries. The highest town in Croatia still cherishes the local tradition of forestry and woodworking, with a strong connection with nature visible at every step, from the architecture to local customs. A walk through the city will reveal typical Gorski Kotar-style houses with characteristic roofs, and the forests and mountains that surround the city provide countless opportunities for outdoor activities.
Delnice is a place that changes with the seasons, with each season offering something special. During the winter, the city transforms into a real snowy, winter wonderland. Abundant snow, low temperatures and clean mountain air create the absolutely ideal conditions for skiing, sledding, skating and other winter fun. The snow cover in Delnice often stays for months, which is why the town is a well-known and popular winter destination.
When the snow melts and the mountains finally turn green, Delnice reveals its other side. The intolerable summer heat that oppresses the lowlands and coastline here is almost unimaginable. The Gorski Kotar climate provides a refreshing escape and the perfect refuge for anyone looking for a break from the heat.
In the vicinity of Delnice there are park-forests such as Japlenški vrh, plenty of hiking trails, viewpoints and rivers. Just a few kilometres away are the national parks and protected areas of beautiful Gorski Kotar, which is often described as the “green lungs of Croatia”. It is this combination of cultural heritage and untouched nature that makes Delnice an ideal destination for lovers of active holidays.
In addition to being the highest town in all of Croatia, Delnice is also a place with a very special character and warmth. It has a spirit which has been shaped by centuries of life in harsh but beautiful natural conditions. Here, nature is inextricably linked to the local people. The forests surrounding the town have always been a source of life, inspiration and tradition. The way of life in Delnice always been in harmony with nature, which is still felt today, in the way of building, local gastronomy and customs that have been passed down from generation to generation.
