Some ten years ago, I finished a 2-month intense course and became an adventure guide for one of the largest adventure agencies in Croatia. I spent a whole summer in a kayak and worked as a kayak guide on the Zrmanja River and the Mrežnica River. Zrmanja was my base and I spent 2 months navigating down its rapids before I got transferred to Mrežnica and spent an additional 1 month on the Mrežnica. And this article will be all about this great activity called Mrežnica kayaking.
So, if you’re visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park or traveling between Zagreb and Split on the ‘old road’, consider stopping for a kayaking adventure on the Mrežnica River . The Mrežnica landscapes where this tour is being organized are simply amazing. We’re also going to put links to highest rated kayaking tours on Mrežnica in this article so you can explore further and eventually book this activity.
Let’s kayak down the Mrežnica River!
Where is the Mrežnica River? First things first, let’s talk a bit about Mrežnica and where this beautiful emerald river is located. It’s relatively close to Plitvice Lakes and as such it’s one of the most chosen activities for many people staying in this area.
Mrežnica is located in central Croatia and stretches for approximately 64 kilometers (40 miles) .
It flows near the towns of Karlovac and Slunj , and it’s easily accessible if you’re traveling from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes or further south.
The Mrežnica River has over 90 waterfalls, and it’s one of the most picturesque rivers in Croatia.
Proximity to Plitvice Lakes The great thing about the Mrežnica River is the fact that it’s located relatively close to Plitvice Lakes National Park . Plitvice Lakes and Mrežnica River make a great combination of sightseeing and a nice adventure tour. You probably already know that you can’t swim at Plitvice Lakes. But you can enjoy Mrežnica’s cool water as much as you like.
Mrežnica River is located about 30 minutes to 1 hour away from Plitvice Lakes National Park
Many visitors of the most famous national park in Croatia choose to combine it with a kayaking experience on the Mrežnica River .
Kayaking on the Mrežnica River is the perfect option for anyone who wants to enjoy both trekking and water-based activities in a single trip.
What to Expect from a Mrežnica Kayaking Tour During a bit more than one month I spent as a kayak guide on Mrežnica, I led this kayaking tour some 30 times. That means I paddled down this river more than 30 times. It was quite a different experience than kayaking on the Zrmanja River . Mrežnica has a lot more vegetation, and it’s a completely different experience that I loved.
Here’s what to expect out of the Mrežnica kayaking experience:
Duration: Kayaking tours typically last between 2 to 3 hours .Difficulty Level: Kayaking on Mrežnica is suitable for beginners . The river has a mix of calm sections and gentle rapids .Scenery: Expect to see lush vegetation, clear pools of calm water, barriers, and some stunning waterfalls .Activities: Apart from kayaking, you can also enjoy swimming, cliff jumping, and exploring hidden caves along the way.
Highest – Rated Mrežnica Kayaking Tours :
Why Kayak on the Mrežnica River? Mrežnica kayaking is the only such activity in this part of Croatia. That’s the main reason why you should consider booking this tour. Nowhere in Croatia will you find such a kayaking tour in such a lush environment. Proximity to Plitvice Lakes makes it even better, and you have the option to enrich your visit to this national park with even more beautiful nature.
Here are some other reasons why you might want to kayak on the Mrežnica:
Pristine Nature: The Mrežnica River is known for its clean, clear waters and unspoiled nature.Less Crowded: If you compare Mrežnica with some other popular rivers in Croatia, like the Cetina River and Zrmanja River, Mrežnica offers a more peaceful experience.Family-Friendly: The gentle rapids of this river make it suitable for families with children or absolute kayaking beginners.
Best Time to Visit Kayaking tours on Mrežnica are organized in the warmer part of the year and during the stable water level. There were a few days of rainfall during my season on Mrežnica, and we had to cancel the tour because the water level had risen significantly. Here’s what to expect out of each season:
Spring to Early Autumn (April to October): This time of the year is characterized by warm weather, perfect water levels, and beautiful lush scenery.Summer: The best time of the year for swimming in Mrežnica, together with other water activities.Autumn: The most colorful season with colors of nature adding to the overall ambiance.
Before You Venture Kayaking on Mrežnica River Are you ready to try one of the best kayaking experiences in Croatia ? There are only a few rivers in Croatia on which you can do such tours – Zrmanja, Cetina, and Mrežnica , with Mrežnica being the only one located in this part of Croatia. Kayaking is the perfect activity that has no impact on nature whatsoever, and through which you can experience the river from the best perspective. So if you’re visiting Plitvice Lakes and want to add an additional activity to your trip, Mrežnica kayaking is one of the best options.
Enjoy your Croatia experience!
