Plizio Visual Lab
Stari Laz
ℹ️Practical info — Stari Laz
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit in winter for a true snowy fairy tale; the Gorski Kotar region is famous for heavy snowfall.
- Buy local products at 'Kašetica' in nearby Stara Sušica, featuring authentic regional goods.
- Bring a jacket even in summer, as evenings at this altitude can get quite chilly.
- Explore the Leska educational trail in Risnjak National Park, excellent for a gentle nature walk.
🍽 Food
Try hearty game goulash in local taverns, often served with homemade gnocchi or bread dumplings.
This traditional 'squeaky' cheese is a regional specialty; best bought fresh from local farms.
The Kapela forests are rich in wild berries; enjoy a fresh strudel in one of the mountain cafes.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
A dark, mineral-rich forest honeydew honey, considered one of the finest natural products of Croatia.
Look for handmade wooden items, a craft tradition maintained for centuries in Gorski Kotar.
A fairy-tale castle at the forest edge, well-suited for a quiet walk and photos without crowds.
A peaceful trail along the crystal-clear river in Vrbovsko, about a 20-minute drive away.
Water temperature…
Stari Laz is situated on one of the highest passes in the Gorski Kotar region, located between Ravna Gora and Mrkopalj. The village has a long history linked to the 18th-century 'Karolina' road, which connected the Croatian interior with the Adriatic coast. Its elevation of over 800 meters ensures a true mountain climate, making it one of the snowiest places in the country and a favorite for cross-country skiing. The landscape is characterized by expansive mountain meadows and dense evergreen forests, providing a sanctuary for brown bears, wolves, and lynxes. Stari Laz serves as an excellent starting point for excursions to the Bijele and Samarske Stijene nature reserves, known for their memorable karst rock formations. The profound silence of the area attracts those seeking deep relaxation and communion with nature. Local traditions include the production of artisanal cheeses and forest berry liqueurs. The regional cuisine features hearty dishes like venison stew and traditional mountain pies. Stari Laz embodies the rugged beauty of the Croatian highlands, offering an authentic escape from the busy coastal tourist routes.
- Location: Croatia
- Nearby: Mrkopalj (5 km)
- Population: ~147
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 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 85 | 99 | 85 | 95 | 114 | 93 | 80 | 97 | 140 | 124 | 135 | 105 |
Geography
Facts
- Highest pass in Gorski Kotar
- On the historical Karolina road
- Known for heavy winter snow
- Center for cross-country skiing
- Near Bijele Stijene reserves
- Altitude above 800 meters
- Home to bears and wolves
- Traditional cheese making
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 Stari Laz (1)
Frequently asked questions
What makes Stari Laz special?
Are there winter sports possibilities?
What can you do there in summer?
How far is Ravna Gora?
Is there hunting tourism available?
Stari Laz: where is it located?
Stari Laz: when is the best time to visit?
Stari Laz: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
