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Green Whirlpool

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—°5
Green Whirlpool (Croatia)

Weather…

Zeleni vir (Green Whirlpool) is a striking natural phenomenon near Skrad in Gorski Kotar, consisting of a 70-meter-high cliff over which the Curak stream cascades. At the base of this cliff lies a spacious cave containing an emerald-green pond, which gives the location its name. The water collects in a small pool before flowing further down the valley. A technical highlight in the immediate vicinity is the Munjara hydroelectric plant, built in 1921, making it one of the oldest in Croatia. The plant utilizes the water's drop to generate electricity and still operates today as a technical monument. The surroundings are characterized by untouched mixed forests and a rich biodiversity of amphibians and aquatic plants. Hiking trails connect Zeleni vir with the neighboring Vražji prolaz canyon, together forming a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. The cave's geological structure and the constant water temperature make the site an important object of research for hydrologists.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-104914182020141050
Rain mm85998595114938097140124135105

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Green Whirlpool is a natural waterfall on a river, freely accessible at any time. The area is public, but access to the waterfall is via a path.
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Typical hours
As a free natural attraction, there are no opening hours. Best visited in daylight to see the emerald green color of the water.
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Photography
Photography is of course allowed and highly recommended. Use a polarizing filter to reduce water reflections and enhance the green color.
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Time needed
A short visit to the waterfall takes about 20-30 minutes. If you also explore the surrounding nature and nearby cave, plan for one to two hours.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with nearby Krka National Park or the Skradinski buk waterfalls. The city of Šibenik is also worth a trip.
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Getting there
The waterfall is near the town of Skradin, about 15 km from Šibenik. By car, take road D56, then a hiking trail.
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Insider tip
Visit the waterfall after heavy rains when the water is especially voluminous. Wear waterproof shoes as the path can be wet and slippery.

Geography

Coordinates
45.42400, 14.90400

Facts

  • Height of the waterfall: 70 meters
  • Construction year of Munjara power plant: 1921
  • Location: Skrad, Gorski Kotar
  • Name of the stream: Curak
  • Color of the lake: Emerald green
  • Elevation: 345 meters above sea level

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Devil's PassageDevil's Passage<1 km · SEExplore →
📍Kupjak4 km · SWExplore →
📍Brod na Kupi6 km · NWExplore →
📍Dedin6 km · SWExplore →
📍Brod Moravice7 km · NEExplore →
📍Stari Laz7 km · SExplore →
📍Moravice8 km · EExplore →
DelniceDelnice8 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Green Whirlpool (5)

Vidikovac Perić

Viewpoint overlooking the surrounding forests and rock formations.

Kavranova Stijena

Rocky outcrop offering a wide panorama of the landscape.

Devil's passage hiking trail

Hiking trail through rocky terrain and dense forest, known for narrow passages.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-18:00

Skradski vrh

Mountain peak in Croatia, part of the Green Whirlpool hiking area.

Vidikovac

Scenic overlook along the hiking trails, good for a rest stop.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Zeleni vir?
It is a 70-meter high cliff from which a waterfall plunges into an emerald green cave.
Is there a power plant there?
Yes, the 'Munjara' power plant from 1921 is one of the oldest in Croatia and is still operational.
How is the access to the waterfall?
From the excursion house in Skrad, a steep but well-maintained path leads down to the waterfall.
Can you swim in the cave?
No, the water is very cold and serves nature conservation; swimming is not permitted.
When does the waterfall have the most water?
In spring after the snow melts or after heavy rains in autumn.
Green Whirlpool: where is it located?
Green Whirlpool is located in Croatia.
Green Whirlpool: what is there to see?
Highlights include Vidikovac Perić, Kavranova Stijena, Devil's passage hiking trail.
Green Whirlpool: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Green Whirlpool: why is it worth visiting?
Zeleni vir (Green Whirlpool) is a striking natural phenomenon near Skrad in Gorski Kotar, consisting of a 70-meter-high cliff over which the Curak stream cascades.
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