Roswell near Fužine is a village that stands out from all others in Croatia. It is evidence that the fastest way to the American Wild West doesn’t lead across the Atlantic but through the Gorski Kotar forests and along Lake Bajer.
In this “wilderness,” a genuine town has sprouted, not in the familiar Gorski Kotar style, but in the prairie style. Key buildings line the dusty main street. The essential Saloon, where one can enjoy whiskey and dance to live piano music. The Sheriff’s office plastered with wanted posters for dangerous outlaws. Stables with horses ready for riding. The train station. A bank, laundry, and a water tower. A chapel and a cemetery, for those who were “too slow” on the trigger. And everything else that settlers from the early 19th century would need.
Roswell near Fužine – a town from a movie
Indeed, everything in this town is “just like in the movies.” The reason is that Roswell near Fužine was built as a movie set. It was created in 2015 for the filming of the Winnetou series. The popular “western” novels on which the series was based marked many childhoods in Croatia and Europe. Their author, Karl May, had never been to the Wild West, but he described it in detail in his works. Therefore, he would undoubtedly be pleased with Roswell. Surrounded by forests and mountain peaks, this town truly looks like an authentic cowboy settlement. And that impression is enhanced by the “residents,” Gorski Kotar “cowboys” who take care of the atmosphere for Roswell visitors.
What do cowboys eat?
Mountain peaks and untamed nature aren’t the only connections between Gorski Kotar and the Wild West. Like cowboys, the people of Gorski Kotar rely on potatoes and game as their key ingredients. Hunters and trappers who used “Winchesters” to bring down bears and deer would do quite well in Gorski Kotar’s forests. This culinary tradition has been excellently continued by the Bitoraj restaurant, known precisely for its game specialties and dishes. Therefore, ending a trip through the Wild West with a superbly prepared game goulash or a bear, deer, or wild boar steak at the Bitoraj restaurant is the perfect choice.
