In the northern part of Karlovac county, there is a small town of Ozalj, almost from fairytale, laying on emerald river, bounded by impressive nature and landscapes. It is a perfect example of a hidden gem of Excover area.
However, tourism in Ozalj is slowly growing, even in this time of limited movement, all thanks to families and tourists who are eager to explore new places. But, what really hides in Ozalj?! The answer to that can offer Gordana Lipšinić, mayor of the City of Ozalj, who presented all the perks of this small town in the latest Excover interview.
Mighty rivers, noble families, famous artist and centuries old buildings
- Ozalj has a lot to offer. First I would say that it has a beautiful and mighty river Kupa in the very centre, which attracts many visitors and delights the locals, while on the southern border there’s the river Dobra. Another important topic is the Old town of Ozalj, and the fact that it's here for centuries, standing strong from old times of noble families Zrinski and Frankopan. In all of that, Slava Raškaj, our princess of watercolour, should definitely be mentioned, because she was born and painted here, so her artwork is now a big reason for art lovers to come to Ozalj – says mayor Lipšinić, noting that those attractions, including the nearby Pauline monastery of Svetica from 17th century are the proof that quality tourist content really exists in Ozalj.
Advantages and opportunities for tourism development
Besides that, this small town is the host of largest gastronomic event in Karlovac county – Strudel Fest, that binds together good food and good wines, which can also be consumed on the nearby wine roads in small villages of Vrhovac and Vivodina.
- How fast we will increase our offer, depends on how much we will get from tourism. Luckily, we have finally convinced our locals in what kind of area they live, what kind of advantages and opportunities they have, and that’s a good starting point. Because we have potentials for tourism development and we can build it together with collaboration between the local government and all stakeholders in the tourist story of Ozalj – emphasised Gordana Lipšinić, concluding that clear evidence of growing tourism lays in increased number and quality of accommodation facilities in Ozalj.
