Plizio Visual Lab
Smiljan
ℹ️Practical info — Smiljan
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Keep in mind that the Nikola Tesla Memorial Center is closed to visitors on Mondays.
- Check the schedule for the Tesla coil demonstrations in the laboratory; they usually run every hour during summer.
- Buy a family ticket if you are visiting with children, as it has much better value than individual entries.
- Parking is free and conveniently located right at the entrance to the Memorial Center complex.
- Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the birth house, multimedia center, and outdoor exhibits.
🍽 Food
A simple mountain classic: potatoes baked with bacon, commonly served in taverns in nearby Gospić.
A traditional Lika dairy product, very refreshing as a side dish or breakfast on warm days.
Look for restaurants serving fresh trout from the nearby Gacka River, known for having some of the cleanest water in Europe.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
The memorial center shop sells interesting books and technical gadgets related to Tesla's inventions.
The traditional red and black embroidered headgear is a very authentic and symbolic regional souvenir.
Look for 'Šljivovica' (plum brandy) or herbal spirits sold by local families in Smiljan and Gospić.
A dedicated quiet area with wooden benches next to Tesla's birth house, good for reflection.
The sound of running water and the surrounding greenery near the turbine model make this a very peaceful spot.
Take a short walk on the local roads outside the museum gates to enjoy the tranquil pastoral landscape.
Water temperature…
Smiljan is situated on the Lika plateau, about 6 kilometers west of Gospić, and is inextricably linked to the name of Nikola Tesla. The Nikola Tesla Memorial Center, opened in 2006, encompasses the inventor's birthplace, the Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul, and a park featuring interactive exhibits. Visitors can view functional replicas of his most significant discoveries, including the famous Tesla coil housed in a dedicated testing station. The village surroundings are characterized by the typical karst landscape of Lika, featuring expansive pastures and forested hills. The memorial center was thoroughly renovated for the 150th anniversary of Tesla's birth and now attracts technology enthusiasts from around the globe. Beyond the museum, the village provides a glimpse into traditional rural life in central Croatia, far from the coastal tourist crowds. Access is typically via Gospić, which is directly connected to the A1 highway. The region is excellent for hiking and nature exploration at the foot of the Velebit mountain range. Culinary highlights of the area include Lika cheese and hearty meat dishes served in local guesthouses.
- Location: Croatia
- Top sights: Memorial Center "Nikola Tesla" · Bogdanić · Krčmar
- Nearby: Podoštra (4 km)
- Population: ~392
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 14 | 19 | 21 | 21 | 16 | 11 | 7 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 99 | 100 | 86 | 83 | 91 | 70 | 53 | 68 | 125 | 118 | 144 | 118 |
Geography
Facts
- Birthplace of Nikola Tesla
- 6 km west of Gospić
- Tesla Memorial Center (2006)
- Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul
- Tesla born July 10, 1856
- Lika region karst landscape
- Interactive invention replicas
- Over 40,000 annual visitors
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Smiljan (4)
Frequently asked questions
Why is Smiljan famous?
What can you see at the Tesla Memorial Center?
What are the museum's opening hours?
Is there parking for visitors?
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Smiljan: where is it located?
Smiljan: what is there to see?
Smiljan: when is the best time to visit?
Smiljan: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
