River
Mrežnica River
A clear karst river between Zagreb and Plitvice, kayaked over a chain of small travertine waterfalls, with natural pools to swim in between drops.
Founder, from Ruma, Serbia
The Mrežnica is a karst river in Karlovac County, on the road between Zagreb and Plitvice, and it is shaped by the same thing that makes Plitvice famous: travertine. Minerals in the water slowly build natural barriers across the riverbed, and every barrier turns into a small waterfall. Along the upper canyon there is one after another, separated by calm green pools.
That makes it one of the most playful kayaking rivers in the Balkans. Guided trips run on the upper canyon between Primišlje and Tržič, about 4 kilometres of river that takes around three hours to paddle. You float the calm stretches in a stable two-person sit-on-top kayak, then line up and drop over a small cascade with the guide showing the line first. Anything too big is carried around. In summer the pools between drops are warm enough to swim in, which makes the trip half paddle, half swim.
No experience is needed. Helmets, life jackets, neoprene shoes and a waterproof barrel for your things are included, along with wetsuits and rain jackets on cooler days. Children from six can join with a parent, so it works well for families. The season runs from April to October, with July and August the warmest months for swimming.
The Mrežnica pairs naturally with Plitvice, which is under an hour away: walk the lakes one day, get in the water the next. The watermill village of Rastoke in Slunj is close by too, and Zagreb is about an hour and a half by car.
When to go
April to October. July and August are the warmest, best for swimming between drops. Spring brings more water over the waterfalls, and wetsuits are provided on cooler days.
Getting there
Trips meet at Primišlje, about 15 minutes from Slunj and roughly an hour and a half from Zagreb by car. Plitvice is under an hour away. You need your own transport to the meeting point, though some operators arrange transfers on request.
Plan your visit
What it costs, how long to allow, and where to base yourself.
Kayak trips from €55
Half day, about 4 hours
Slunj
Zagreb, 1.5 hrs
Trips you can book here
Guided tours run by local operators. Open a trip to see the price, what’s included and how the day runs.
Where to stay for the Mrežnica River: Slunj and Rastoke
Base in Slunj: trips meet at Primišlje about 15 minutes away, and the watermill village of Rastoke is part of town. Guest House Nena Rastoke puts you among the waterfalls, Hotel Mirjana & Rastoke adds a restaurant and free bikes just outside Slunj, and family guesthouses keep costs low. Plitvice Lakes is under an hour away, so one base covers both.
Guest House Nena Rastoke
Guesthouse
Price Range:
Mid-range
Wake up among Rastoke's watermills and waterfalls, with falls views from the guest house. Primišlje is a short drive away.
In Rastoke, Slunj
Guest House Buk Rastoke
Guesthouse
Price Range:
Budget
Simple rooms a short walk from Rastoke, some with river view balconies, plus a terrace and free parking.
600 m from Slunj centre
Hotel Mirjana & Rastoke
Hotel
Price Range:
Mid-range
Full service hotel outside Slunj with a restaurant, free bike hire and parking. Good for families pairing the river with Plitvice.
4 km from Slunj
Who it's for
Best for: Families with kids from six, first-time kayakers, and anyone visiting Plitvice who wants a day in the water instead of beside it.
Skip it if: You want real whitewater or a big rafting day. The Mrežnica is playful, not wild. Head to the Tara or the Vrbas in spring for that.
Nearby places
Easy to combine on the same trip.
Mrežnica River questions
How much does Mrežnica kayaking cost?
The guided canyon trip we link to starts from around €55 per person, including the kayak, helmet, life jacket, neoprene shoes, a waterproof barrel, local transfers to the river and the natural monument fee.
Is it rafting or kayaking?
Kayaking. The Mrežnica is too small and too stepped for big rafts, so trips use stable two-person sit-on-top kayaks that can drop over the small waterfalls.
Do I need kayaking experience?
No. A safety briefing comes first, the guide shows the line over each waterfall, and you can carry around any drop you are not comfortable with. You should be comfortable in water.
Can kids do it?
Yes, from age six with a parent in the same kayak. It is one of the most family-friendly river trips in Croatia.
Can I swim in the Mrežnica?
Yes. The natural pools between the waterfalls are warm enough to swim in summer, and stops to cool off are part of the trip. Bring swimwear.
How big are the waterfalls?
Mostly small, a metre or two, which is what makes the river suitable for beginners. Bigger drops are carried around rather than paddled.
Can I combine it with Plitvice?
Yes, easily. Plitvice is under an hour away, so walk the lakes one day and kayak the next. Stop at the watermill village of Rastoke in Slunj on the way.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes. Neoprene shoes and a waterproof barrel are provided. Leave food and large bags behind, since they are not allowed on the river.
Ready to paddle the waterfalls?
A guided kayak trip through the upper Mrežnica canyon, over small travertine waterfalls, with all gear included.
