There are places in the world where you feel like you can completely connect with nature and the roots of our being on this planet. One of such places is definitely the Lika region in Croatia, with the great fields, beautiful forests, rivers and lakes, where it seems like the time has stopped for a while and people still live quite a bit like in the old days, though enjoying the benefits of contemporary times but cherishing tradition and the gorgeous nature that they are so lucky to be surrounded by. Therefore, it is not strange that in Lika there are several national parks and nature parks, preserving the incredible richness and diversity of both flora and fauna that can be found here.
For our stay in Lika we chose the perfect accommodation in line with the nature surrounding us – Treehouse Lika is a great place when you want to discover this beautiful region. Surrounded by the forest, with the house entirely made of wood, it will give you the piece and quiet you need and deserve. The beautiful design, the big, gorgeous terrace in the middle of the trees and jacuzzi will also give you the comfort and luxury for your stay. Located close to Gospić, the main city of the region, Treehouse Lika is the perfect starting point to discover the area and only about an hour drive away from 5 Croatian national parks.
When mentioning Lika the first thing that comes to mind is Velebit – the largest mountain range in Croatia which is a natural barrier between Croatia’s mainland and the Adriatic Sea. Protected as a nature park, it includes also several smaller protected areas such as Northern Velebit National Park in the Lika region. With its rich biosphere and some endemic species as well, the gorgeous, proud mountain is also placed under UNESCO protection as a World Biosphere Reserve. Here you can enjoy a range of activities, with hiking of course being one of the most popular ones – you will be amazed not only by the nature surrounding you but also the most beautiful views.
One of the most beautiful areas of Lika is certainly the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Here you will be mesmerized by the beauty of 16 lakes interconnected with waterfalls and the surrounding woods that are home to the many wild animals. The park of the exceptional beauty is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, attracting each year nature lovers from all over the world.
With the bears being one of the symbols of the Lika region, still roaming the woods and coexisting with people, in a small village of Kuterevo, not far from Otočac town, you can find a young bears sanctuary for bears who lost their mothers too soon when they were little either through accidents or illegal hunting. Here you can learn a lot about these amazing animals and how to protect them. And, if you’d like contribute some more to the bears and their wellbeing, you can also work as a volunteer. Just keep in mind that the bears are hibernating in winter, so suggested seasons to visit are spring, summer and autumn!
When in Lika, be sure to taste some of the delicacies of the region and there are many – from potatoes prepared in all sorts of ways, cabbage and beans to game from the woods and fish from the clear waters of the region. Whatever your choice, it will definitely be a good one!
Discovering Lika is not just about nature. Did you know that in the small village Smiljan, one of the greatest minds in the world was born – Nikola Tesla. Here you can find a museum in the house where he was born dedicated to his life and work. From his very humble roots in Lika to Croatia’s capita Zagreb and then all the way to New York, Nikola Tesla left the world in debt, making numerous breakthroughs in the production, transmission and application of electric power. One of his greatest inventions is definitely the first alternating current (AC) motor and he also developed the AC generation and transmission technology and had around 300 patents for his inventions. Famous for his quote that only now gets full appreciation, “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.”, Tesla was never fully appreciated during his lifetime and some of his inventions were even claimed or stolen by others. But this didn’t discourage him or made him bitter, the genius creator was still humble stating: ‘I don’t care that they stole my idea. I care that they don’t have any of their own.’ Following his thinking, here you will feel connected with your spiritual roots. And just remember Tesla’s words: ‘The present is theirs; the future, for which I have really worked, is mine.’
