Rastoke: a magical road trip stop between Zagreb and Plitvice

Are you wondering where to stop on your road trip from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The quaint town of Rastoke is definitely worth a few hours of your time when driving through Croatia. Stumbling upon Rastoke (within the larger town of Slunj) via Google Maps on my drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park was a very happy discovery.

The small town looks like something out of a fairytale, complete with backyards with wooden fences and waterfalls running through them. It is a peaceful way to spend the evening after a day of driving.

The Slunjcica River flows into the Korana River here, creating many small cascading waterfalls around the village. Rastoke is sometimes referred to as “the small lakes of Plitvice” because it is connected to to Plitvice via the Korana River.

What to see & do in Rastoke, Croatia

Rastoke is the perfect pitstop on a drive through Croatia. If you are going to Plitvice and Zagreb, this unique village is right along the road you drive anyway.

Walk the trail through town

There’s an easy trail that takes you through town and down along the river with views of waterfalls and quaint local homes. You’ll see parking pull offs on the main road and the trail is an easy loop. There is an information board in the public parking lot where we parked and we took the red trail around the town: link for location.

View of the river and a small patch of grass surrounded by water and connected with a small wooden bridge in the backyard of a local's house in Rastoke, Croatia

Eat at Restoran Petro

This quaint restaurant sits over the river, giving a great ambience for a delicious meal. The tables are outside or under a wooden cover making use of the ambience of the quaint surroundings.

View of diners sitting on wooden platforms over a river at Petro restaurant in Rastoke, Croatia

People eating in a quaint setting with wooden tables and straw sun umbrellas at Petro Restaurant in Rastoke, Croatia.

FAQs: Rastoke, Croatia

Since Rastoke is overshadowed by many popular sites in Croatia (like Plitvice Lakes) you might have some questions to help you plan your stop there. I hope I answer them below :).

Where can I park in Rastoke?

There are several small lots and pull outs right off the main road as your drive through town. I advise you to have change for parking. Credit cards were not accepted in the public parking areas. This public parking lot had tourist info boards and maps so it’s a great place to start your time in Rastoke.

How long should I spend in Rastoke?

Budget about two to three hours for this stop. Take your time enjoying this road trip stop and after dinner keep driving about another hour to stay closer to Plitvice for the night. Then you can wake up early and go straight to the park first thing.

Is Rastoke the same town as Slunj?

Rastoke is a village that is a part of the larger town of Slunj.

Why is Rastoke known as a watermill town?

The two rivers that flow together here, the Slunjcica River and the Korana River, made it an ideal location for watermills. The first mill was erected in the 17th century and, at one point, there were 22 functioning water powered mechanical mills in Rastoke.

Trees, a wooden bridge, and a small waterfall along a pathway in Rastoke, Croatia

TL;DR: Rastoke is the ultimate Croatian road trip stop

This little town is a hidden gem in Croatia that is not to be missed! If you are driving yourself between Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes National Park, you must stop in Rastoke to admire the beautiful waterfalls in the historical village. My best advice is to go now before this magical little town gets too popular!

Heading to Plitvice Lakes National Park after this road trip stop? Check out this post for tips on visiting Plitvice Lakes.

Planning on passing through Zagreb? Check out this post for 7 things to see in Upper Town Zagreb.