The river is one of the most beautiful and cleanest rivers in Croatia, located in the heart of the Dalmatian karst. With its spectacular canyon, crystal-clear waters, and rich history….

Natural beauty

The river’s course begins at its source, located beneath Poštak in the southern part of Lika, and stretches 69 km through picturesque landscapes before flowing into the Novigrad Sea. This river is known for its emerald color and numerous waterfalls, one of the most famous being Jankovića Buk.

Jankovica buk

It is one of the most famous waterfalls in the upper course of the river. This waterfall is not only a natural beauty but also a historically significant site, where mills once harnessed the river’s power to process grain. Today, it is a popular excursion spot, and nearby, you can still find the remains of old mills.

The richness of plant and animal life

This river is home to various species of fish, birds, and rare plants. Its waters are inhabited by trout and eels, while the riverbanks are home to otters, turtles, and numerous bird species, including eagle owls and white-tailed eagles.

The historical significance of the river

Throughout history, this river has played a significant role in the lives of the local population. Illyrians, Romans, and Ottomans passed through this area, and remnants of ancient fortresses and villages have been discovered in its canyon. It served as an important trade route and a vital source of life for many generations.

🏹 The Canyon and Winnetou – The Cinematic History of the Canyon

The canyon became famous beyond Croatia thanks to the legendary Winnetou film trilogy.

🔹 In the 1960s, the canyon was chosen as one of the key filming locations for the Winnetou movies, based on the famous novels by Karl May.
🔹 In the films, the river “played” the role of the Rio Pecos, while the canyon transformed into the legendary Wild West.
🔹 Iconic scenes were filmed here, featuring Winnetou and Old Shatterhand riding through the canyon, making its visual identity unforgettable for fans of the series.
🔹 Today, Winnetou enthusiasts from all over the world visit this location to see where the legendary movie scenes were shot.

📌 Fun fact: In some parts of the canyon, you can still find remnants of the film sets and locations where epic scenes were filmed.e.