The rich historical area of Plitvice will captivate you with its hidden cultural, historical and underground treasures. Explore unique cave systems, visit city museums and discover educational centres across Lika. Experience the very best that Plitvice has to offer.
Although Plitvice is best known for its breathtaking main attraction, Plitvice Lakes National Park, the region has so much more to offer. Lika is a land of hidden cultural and natural wonders, and now is the perfect time to explore them.
Did you know that Croatia is home to the only cave park in Europe? Or that you can explore fossil remains dating back to the Ice Age? Discover the rich historical area of Plitvice and let Lika captivate you once again.
Plitvice is an exceptionally rich natural and historical region. To explore every corner of it, you first need the perfect base for your adventure. Lyra Hotel Plitvice is an excellent starting point in the heart of Croatia. Alongside its beautiful setting and comfort, the hotel offers excellent transport connections, wherever your journey may take you.
What will your exploration of the rich historical area of Plitvice look like? Begin your day with a premium breakfast at Restaurant Vega, located within the hotel. Then set off to discover the region’s fascinating locations, and in the evening return to unwind surrounded by peaceful nature and all the comforts Lyra Hotel Plitvice provides.
Enjoy a refined dinner paired with a fine glass of wine, relax with a cocktail, complete a workout session in the gym or simply rest in a spacious and comfortable bed. The choice is yours.
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When we think of Lika, mountains, rivers and dense forests often come to mind. Yet beneath the surface lies an equally fascinating and lesser-known world: an underground realm of caves, pathways and secrets thousands of years old. Lika is home to unique speleological phenomena that delight nature lovers, history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Grabovača Cave Park located about one hour from Lyra Hotel Plitvice, is one of the region’s most remarkable attractions and the only cave park in Europe. Within just 1.5 square kilometres, there are eight caves and one pit, representing nearly a quarter of all protected speleological sites in Croatia.
The most famous cave in the park is Samograd, stretching through several impressive chambers. Its entrance resembles the grand portals of world-renowned cathedrals.
Samograd is the only cave open to visitors, and we recommend checking the official website for current visiting conditions.
Beyond Grabovača, Lika hides more underground wonders. On the northeastern slopes of Mount Crnopac, within Velebit Nature Park, lies the Cerovac Caves complex, about one hour and fifteen minutes from Lyra Hotel Plitvice. It is the largest cave system in Croatia, with more than seven kilometres of explored passages.
The complex includes the Upper, Middle and Lower Caves. Recognised as a geomorphological natural monument, it stands as one of Croatia’s most significant speleological sites.
Another remarkable site near Plitvice is Barać Caves, located just twenty minutes from Lyra Hotel Plitvice. These caves highlight the important archaeological and paleontological dimension of Lika’s underground heritage. Remains of cave bears and cave lions, along with archaeological artefacts such as bronze bracelets from the 7th century BC, have been discovered here.
With expert guidance, visitors can explore chambers adorned with stalactites, stalagmites and extraordinary formations shaped by water over millions of years.
Your next underground exploration can continue right away at Speleon – the Underground Heritage Centre, located near the Barać Caves. This unique visitor centre covers approximately 1,200 square metres, with 850 square metres dedicated to a permanent exhibition that connects four key themes: speleology, geology, archaeology and paleontology.
Travel thousands of years back to the Ice Age, explore fossil remains and hyper-realistic replicas, and immerse yourself in a true archaeological adventure. Speleon is open to all ages, making it an excellent family excursion destination.
Continuing your exploration, about one hour and thirty minutes from Lyra Hotel Plitvice, you will find Velebit House in Krasno. This visitor and interpretation centre introduces you to the diverse wildlife, geology and natural richness of the region.
Spread across four thoughtfully designed floors, the exhibition spaces present the natural and cultural values of Northern Velebit through interactive displays. Learn more about its climate, habitats and species, as well as the geological processes that shaped Lika’s remarkable karst landscape.
Senj, Gospić and Otočac are your next destinations for exploring Lika’s cultural heritage through its city museums.
Senj City Museum, located about one hour and forty minutes from Lyra Hotel Plitvice, is housed in the impressive Vukasović Palace dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Its collections include archaeological and underwater archaeological exhibits, Glagolitic script and early printing, maritime heritage, ethnographic collections and natural history displays from Velebit.
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In the heart of Lika, the Lika Museum in Gospić, about one hour from Lyra Hotel Plitvice, preserves the region’s identity through archaeological, cultural-historical and ethnographic collections. A particularly unique feature is the permanent ethnographic exhibition set within a traditional wooden Lika house.
Nearby, the Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre in Smiljan is dedicated to Croatia’s most famous inventor. Tesla’s birthplace has been transformed into a museum presenting his life, early development and remarkable contributions to science and technology.
The Gacka Museum in Otočac (about a 1-hour drive from Lyra Hotel Plitvice) is the perfect finale to this museum journey. Located in the heart of the town, it presents the development of life and culture along the Gacka River valley, from prehistoric times to the modern era, through archaeological finds, ethnographic artefacts, and historical documents.
This magnificent medieval fortress (around a 15-minute drive from Lyra Hotel Plitvice) brings you back towards Plitvice. The Old Town of Drežnik dates back to the 12th century and defended the region for hundreds of years against Ottoman invasions. Although the interior of the tower is not yet open to visitors, you can admire the impressive stone walls and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The Old Town of Drežnik is not just a historical landmark but a place where the spirit of past centuries can truly be felt. Local events such as The Legend of the Plitvice Valleys bring medieval stories, knights, and traditional customs back to life within the fortress walls, offering visitors a unique glimpse into everyday life of bygone times.
Beyond Drežnik, the Plitvice area hides many other cultural and architectural gems. The picturesque village of Rastoke (about a 40-minute drive from Lyra Hotel Plitvice), known for its preserved watermills cascading over the Slunjčica River, is officially protected as a cultural heritage site thanks to its authentic architecture and historical significance. The Gacka Watermills (around a 1-hour drive from Lyra Hotel Plitvice) are another remarkable example of traditional riverside construction and historic craftsmanship.
Are you ready to explore the rich historical heritage of the Plitvice region? Secure your stay at Lyra Hotel Plitvice and let your unforgettable experience begin.
Make your next teambuilding event in Plitvice a winter experience: discover the richness of the Lika region, enjoy outdoor activities and explore the stunning beauty of Plitvice Lakes. With professional support and excellent facilities at Lyra Hotel Plitvice, organise your next corporate gathering with ease.
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The rich historical area of Plitvice will captivate you with its hidden cultural, historical and underground treasures. Explore unique cave systems, visit city museums and discover educational centres across Lika. Experience the very best that Plitvice has to offer.
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As part of the Lyra Christmas Beat Advent event, Lyra doubled the collected donations and secured more than €3,600 for Slapić Kindergarten. The charity initiative was carried out with the support of guests and the local community, and the funds will be used to purchase new educational materials.
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