In the gorgeous mountains of Gorski Kotar, there exists a small, picture-postcard village called “Crni Lug.” My grandparents left this village after the turn of the last century in order to find a better life in America. And now I, the grandchild of these Croatian immigrants, have, for the past 40 years, returned many times to my ancestral home in order to renew my spirit and to regain a sense of well-being.

My ancestral home, my “drugi dom,” is surrounded by dense and lush forests, protected wildlife, pristine mountains and sparkling streams. Returning here provides me with a sense of well-being, as it does for many others who have built “vikends” (vacation homes) in Crni Lug, which serves as the entrance to one of Croatia’s most glorious national parks, ‘RISNJAK.’

So, if you are traveling in Croatia and seek to relax and reflect in a quiet, very picturesque setting with generous and hospitable people standing at the ready to help, consider CRNI LUG as your refuge!

If you decide to seize upon this opportunity, there are a couple of places I would like to recommend you stay. The first is an authentic mountain holiday house that has all amenities and where parking is available. From the backyard, there are stunning views of the forest and the mountains.  This rental has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and sleeps up to 6 persons. To find out more about this vacation home, go to: https://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g6680520-d10192454-Holiday_House_in_the_Mountains_of_NP_Risnjak-Crni_Lug_Primorje_Gorski_Kotar_County.html

The second authentic village home is one I just became aware of this past June, and it is run by a wonderful couple who moved from busy London to escape to Crni Lug. This couple has fallen in love with the nature, wildlife, and peace found in the Gorski Kotar mountains. Here, too, there are stunning views of the forest and mountains and a bedroom that sleeps 2. To find out more about this vacation rental, go to: https://www.homestay.com/croatia/crni-lug/115280-homestay-in-crni-lug-crni-lug

In both cases, and for both places, there exist hiking, walking, cycling, and fishing opportunities. Both locations offer all amenities, such as gardens, laundry facilities, and free Internet access. The Risnjak Hotel in Crni Lug provides amazing, inspired meals that use only the freshest local ingredients. And, don’t forget to taste the fabulous blueberry aperitif that is bottled using local berries!

The airports of Zagreb, Pula, and Ljubljana are only a 2-hour drive away, and the county seat of DELNICE is only a 20-minute drive. The stunning Adriatic Coast is only a 40 minute drive, and one of my favorite panoramas in all of Croatia is the drive down from Crni Lug to the Adriatic Coast. When that vista opens up…it is simply awe-inspiring!