Fužine can boast a long tourist tradition. As far back as 1874, the first organized visitors arrived in this Gorski Kotar town. They came on special trains for day trips from Sušak, Rijeka, Bakar, and other coastal settlements. Since then, and up to the present day, this town beneath Bitoraj has been among the most sought-after excursion destinations in Croatia. From a long list of attractions, we have selected five things you must experience in Fužine.
Lake Bajer
Rare are the photos or postcards of Fužine without Lake Bajer. It’s hard to believe that it didn’t even exist until the middle of the last century. Lake Bajer is one of the three Fužine reservoir lakes. The goal was to “tame” the large amounts of water that fall in Fužine each year. But along the way, one of the greatest attractions of this Gorski Kotar town was created.
Every weekend, Lake Bajer is visited by hundreds of day-trippers who walk or cycle along the well-maintained paths around the lake, relax in cafes by the lake’s edge, or sail in boats. Exercise trails have also been set up around the lake, making it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Vrelo Cave
When the summer heat becomes unbearable, the fresh air of Gorski Kotar offers immense relief. However, it’s even more pleasant to spend half an hour “underground” instead of under the sun. That’s why Vrelo Cave is one of the five things you really must experience in Fužine. It stands out with its richness of cave decorations. Vrelo’s stalagmites and stalactites conquer with their unique shapes, a result of special conditions within the cave.
Vrelo Cave was accidentally discovered in 1950 when stone was being extracted for the construction of the dam and road around Lake Bajer. It is estimated to be between 3.5 and 4 million years old. The total length of all channels is about 300 meters, but about 180 meters have been arranged for visitors. It’s easily accessible and suitable for families with young children.
Blueberry Strudel
The Blueberry Strudel “Bitoraj” is among the most recognizable flavors of Gorski Kotar. The Bitoraj restaurant prepares it according to the original recipe. The “secret” isn’t in the recipe but in the ingredients. This strudel is made from wild blueberries, and the recipe also uses breadcrumbs from three types of bread produced only at the Bitoraj restaurant.
The Kauzlarić family has improved and perfected this traditional Gorski Kotar specialty. Their dessert has been adorned with numerous awards, including the Sunflower of Rural Tourism. Bitoraj’s blueberry strudel should be tasted hot, right out of the oven.
Roswell
A real Wild West experience is one of the attractions you can experience in Fužine. About ten kilometers outside the town center, a cowboy town called Roswell “sprouted.” It was built in 2015 for the filming of the Winnetou series.
Fans of Karl May’s novels won’t meet the fearless Indian in Fužine. But they can get to know life in the American West. Have a whiskey in the saloon and dance to piano music. Taste cowboy chili from the cauldron. Ride a horse. You can even end up behind bars in the sheriff’s office… Roswell is best experienced during the big celebration, Western Days, which have been held since 2018.
St. Anthony of Padua Church
St. Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of Fužine. The residents thanked him for his protection with a beautiful and large church. In fact, the Church of St. Anthony of Padua is the largest religious building in Gorski Kotar.
Construction began in 1808 on the site where there used to be a chapel and the first Fužine cemetery, lasting a full 25 years. Besides its size, this church impresses with its interior. Special attention is drawn to the painting “The Last Supper” located behind the altar, as well as the frescoes painted by the famous Croatian artist Antonini at the beginning of the 20th century.
