Delnice

Delnice, which sits on the road between Rijeka and Zagreb, is a breath of fresh mountain air, especially in summer after leaving the crowded hot seaside. It makes a good base for exploring the mountains of the Gorski kotar region that sit above Kvarner Bay. The region is covered with well-marked hiking and biking trails and mountain huts that offer refreshment and respite from the elements. In winter, Delnice is often blanketed in several feet of snow while cities along the sea are wet and gray. There is a full-size hockey rink, groomed cross-country ski trails, and popular sled-riding spots that make this a weekend winter escape for locals. It's also a convenient stopover if you’re taking the slow route back to Zagreb on your way back to the airport. Take a day or two to swap the brilliant blue of the sea for a few nights in the peaceful and wild green forests and rivers of the Gorski kotar.