If you have found a vacation rental in Karlovac and are looking for a wonderful daytrip destination that combines a bit of a stretch of the legs, incredible views of the amazingly lush Croatian landscape in this part of the country, a stunning ruin of a historic architectural gem in an impressive setting, fascinating local legend and much more besides then you should head towards Ružica Grad. This medieval castle fortress is one of the largest in Croatia and is entangled in tales of fairies and noblemen but is also one of the most picture-perfect places in the country and a must-see for those in search of hidden gems that are far from mass tourism.
The actual origins of the building are not properly known but, per local legend, the area in which the castle is located used to be the meeting place of fairies and where magic potions were made. That is, until a nobleman decided to build a fortified city right on top of their meeting place. The fairies were very upset and used their magic to fight back, ruining whatever the workers had built during the day overnight.
The actual origins of the building are not properly known but, per local legend, the area in which the castle is located used to be the meeting place of fairies and where magic potions were made. That is, until a nobleman decided to build a fortified city right on top of their meeting place. The fairies were very upset and used their magic to fight back, ruining whatever the workers had built during the day overnight.
In response, the nobleman set up a net around the site and caught the most beautiful fairy, Ružica, when her hair became entangled in the net, and the horrible nobleman built her into the foundations of his city. The fairies cursed the city and when the trumpets sounded to announce the completion of the construction, a stone slid away from the fortress and killed the nobleman. His family line died that day but Ružica’s name lives on and the fortress is named for her.
The fortress is set in the Papuk Nature Park in Slavonia, a lush area that is the most geologically diverse part of Croatia, full of fossils, towering peaks, rolling hills, hiking trails, endless forests, red deer, roe deer, wild boars, foxes, martens, rare orchids and lots of other blooms, grasslands, butterflies, mountain creeks, and the freshest of air. It lies just a short, but challenging walk, from Orahovica Lake. Take the forest walk, trek the 45 minute, and then you will be greeted with the most magnificent view over the valley and explore the fascinating ruins – you’ll often find you have them to yourself!
So, if you’re exploring Croatia, pencil this fairytale ruin into your trip but be sure not to annoy any fairies along the way!
The fortress is set in the Papuk Nature Park in Slavonia, a lush area that is the most geologically diverse part of Croatia, full of fossils, towering peaks, rolling hills, hiking trails, endless forests, red deer, roe deer, wild boars, foxes, martens, rare orchids and lots of other blooms, grasslands, butterflies, mountain creeks, and the freshest of air. It lies just a short, but challenging walk, from Orahovica Lake. Take the forest walk, trek the 45 minute, and then you will be greeted with the most magnificent view over the valley and explore the fascinating ruins – you’ll often find you have them to yourself!
So, if you’re exploring Croatia, pencil this fairytale ruin into your trip but be sure not to annoy any fairies along the way!
Photo credits:
Picture 3: Ervin Kaizer / CC BY-SA 4.0
Picture 3: Ervin Kaizer / CC BY-SA 4.0