Natural monuments around Općina Saborsko showcase a landscape characterized by preserved forests, meadows, rivers, and springs. The region offers a variety of natural features for outdoor activities, including unique geological formations and abundant water sources. Visitors can explore these natural wonders through hiking and other outdoor pursuits. The area provides opportunities to connect with the untouched beauty of the region.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
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Water springs in several places on a small grassy area. Of particular note is the spring called "oko", where water constantly gushes out of a black crack, and next to it there is a small bridge. It is nice to sit here, quench your thirst and watch the water meditatively gushing out of that "eye". After this place, a very steep climb begins further towards Saborsko, so this is an ideal place to rest before the difficult climb.
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After the log bridge over the stream that runs from the Vrilca spring, which is two hundred meters above and which we will get to later, go right for about twenty meters to Mandin Vrilca, a very weak spring of drinking water that springs between two rocks, but which also never runs dry.
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Like Veliko vrelo, Malo vrelo (Kebino vrelo) springs from beneath the Mala Kapela massif. Here, there is a fenced area around the spring, but the water spills out in the surrounding area so that you can refresh yourself and enjoy the clarity of the water. There is also a small dam nearby that you can walk on.
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Above the gravel road that runs around the Malo Vrelo spring and the pumping station building, a steep climb of about fifty meters leads to a cave that fills with water during heavy rains, and above it is a rock that irresistibly resembles the face of Jesus, whose imprint is on the Shroud of Turin. This rock is also visible with the gravel road. Before reaching the Malo Vrelo spring and the "Face of Jesus", the path is very steep and narrow. Be careful!
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Descending the narrow path towards this powerful spring, you can hear the noise of a mass of water emerging from under a large cluster of massive rocks, some completely covered with moss. Here you can rest and enjoy the sight and sound of the mass of water emerging from under the Mala Kapela massif. Later, this river sinks again and emerges as the Slunjčica River, which runs along the main road and flows into the Korana River in Slunj. You have to be careful where you sit, because half-centimeter-sized ticks started jumping on me, and we cleaned our dog all day later, and we only stayed for a few minutes. It might be safer to sit on the rocks where the water emerges. About three hundred meters further on, there is a place where you can rest by the river. Someone has arranged stones for a barbecue at that spot.
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Općina Saborsko offers several distinctive natural monuments. You can explore the intriguing Jesus Face Rock, a unique rock formation resembling a face, or the serene Vrilce Spring, known for its continuously gushing 'oko' (eye) spring. Another powerful site is the Veliko Vrelo (Great Spring) of Lička Jesenica, where a mass of water emerges from under the Mala Kapela massif.
Yes, beyond the Vrilce Spring and Veliko Vrelo, you can also find the Mandino Vrilce Spring, a weaker but ever-flowing drinking water source between rocks, and the Malo Vrelo Spring (Kebino Vrelo), which also emerges from beneath the Mala Kapela massif and features a small dam.
The region is characterized by impressive karst geology. You'll encounter unique rock formations like the Jesus Face Rock, as well as numerous powerful springs such as Veliko Vrelo and Malo Vrelo, where water emerges directly from the Mala Kapela massif.
Općina Saborsko is celebrated for its preserved original forests, lush meadows, and an abundance of rivers, streams, and springs. The landscape offers a tranquil environment with centuries-old trees, vibrant mountain flora, and the soothing sounds of flowing water.
The area around Općina Saborsko is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous opportunities for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking. For detailed routes, explore the Hiking around Općina Saborsko guide, Road Cycling Routes around Općina Saborsko guide, or MTB Trails around Općina Saborsko guide.
Yes, the nearby Hiking around Općina Saborsko guide includes trails ranging from easy, like the 4 km 'Plitvice Lakes National Park – Milanovački Waterfall loop', to moderate and difficult options, such as the 16 km 'Milanovački Waterfall – Veliki Prstavak Waterfall loop'.
Yes, Općina Saborsko's strategic location provides convenient access to the world-renowned Plitvice Lakes National Park. While not directly within Saborsko, its proximity makes it an easily accessible and highly recommended natural wonder to explore during your visit.
Many of the natural monuments offer a chance for families to connect with nature. The Malo Vrelo Spring (Kebino Vrelo), for instance, is noted as family-friendly, with a fenced area and a small dam to walk on. However, some paths, like those leading to Jesus Face Rock, can be steep and narrow, requiring caution.
The region's natural beauty can be enjoyed throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to autumn, when the forests are lush and the springs are active. These seasons offer pleasant weather for hiking and exploring. Winter can also be beautiful, but some paths might be more challenging due to snow or ice.
When visiting, especially sites like Jesus Face Rock, be aware that paths can be very steep and narrow. At Veliko Vrelo, it's advisable to sit on rocks near the water to avoid ticks, which can be present in grassy areas. Always wear appropriate footwear and stay hydrated.
Several springs in the area provide fresh water. The Vrilce Spring is an ideal spot to quench your thirst, and the Mandino Vrilce Spring is also a weak but reliable source of drinking water.
Yes, the Vrilce Spring offers a tranquil spot with a small bridge, perfect for sitting and refreshing yourself. Near Veliko Vrelo, about three hundred meters further along the river, there's a spot with arranged stones suitable for a barbecue, offering a pleasant resting area.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Općina Saborsko: