For adventurers and everyone who feels like one

For adventurers and everyone who feels like one

Here are the excerpts I selected for you from my Guide to Knin and its surroundings for adventurers and photographers.

It is my small love letter to the Knin region. Through my photographs, I have tried to capture scenes that we often overlook as we pass by, while my recommendations will take you to places you might never have discovered, unless a flat tire or simple curiosity happened to lead you there.

Some locations are easy to find, while others require you to wander a little off the beaten path. And that's exactly where the magic lies.

Proposed trip

  1. Where does the name Keglevich Vodka come from?

    In the book, I delve deeper into the region's historical traces and fascinating stories. One example is the Keglević Tower in Mokro Polje. It is particularly interesting because the Keglević noble family originated here—the very family after whom Keglevich Vodka was named.

    Hidden deep within the wild and rugged canyon of the Zrmanja River, the Keglević Fortress stands as a reminder of the turbulent feudal past and the power once held by the Keglević family. For centuries, its walls withstood the passage of time, but today they are only a shadow of the stronghold that once guarded the vital route between the Zrmanja River and Mokro Polje.

  2. Došnica – a true little natural wonder

    Nestled near Knin is a small waterfall - a true hidden gem that's easy to find. There are no snakes to worry about, but the rocky terrain can be slippery, so take care not to injure yourself. After all, that's part of the adventure.

    The Došnica River is a remarkable little phenomenon, as it is believed to be the only river in Croatia whose source lies within an active military complex. Its spring is located inside the army barracks in Golubić and is accessible only to the Croatian Armed Forces and those with special permission. From there, however, the river flows freely toward one of the region's natural treasures: its picturesque waterfall.

    One of the site's most striking features is the series of flat stone slabs that look as though they have been carefully arranged by hand. A pleasant and easy walking trail leads to the waterfall, making it an enjoyable destination for visitors. If you appreciate natural beauty, this waterfall is sure to leave a lasting impression.

    If you're planning a visit to the Došnica Waterfall, spring and autumn are the best seasons to go, when the water level is at its highest and the falls are at their most spectacular.

  3. The Milky way and the Burnum amphitheatre

    One of my favourite places is thew Burnum Amphitheatre. During the summer, it hosts the Burnumske Ide festival, which is well worth visiting. It's especially magical in the evening, when you can relax beneath the night sky and watch the Milky Way.

    Because of light pollution in our cities, the Milky Way has become a rare sight. Many children see it for the very first time here, gazing up in amazement and asking what it is. Yet it's something entirely natural—something people once enjoyed almost every night.

    Burnum is one of those special places where you can still experience the Milky Way in all its splendour. Believe me, it is even more breathtaking in person than any photograph can capture.

  4. The Colourful Lakes, the Martian, and an Abandoned Brickworks

    Not far from Knin lie the Colourful Lakes (Šarena Jezera). Their name comes from the way they change colour depending on the weather and the light. They are at their most beautiful after rain and the bura wind, when the sky clears and the sun begins to set. At that moment, the landscape becomes truly extraordinary.

     

    The region is also home to many other fascinating places. There's the Martian (Marsovac) rock formation near Otrić, breathtaking viewpoints, unusual rock formations, old waterfalls, and the spectacular Roški Slap. These places may already be well known and need little introduction, but they're certainly worth mentioning. If you haven't visited them yet, you'll be glad you did.

    Then there's the spring of the Cetina River, which has become one of Croatia's most popular natural attractions in recent years, thanks in part to viral social media posts. No, you probably won't see a whale leaping out of the water as some Instagram videos might have you believe—but everything you will see is more than worth the trip.

    Tulove grede Mico Samardzija copywrite

    Another destination I highly recommend is Tulove Grede. They aren't exactly next door to Knin, but they're close enough to include in a day trip. Their dramatic limestone peaks are especially impressive after dark, when the night sky adds another layer of magic to the landscape.

    And if you're drawn to abandoned places and industrial heritage, head to Strmica to explore its old brickworks. It's a fascinating reminder of a bygone era and offers a glimpse into everyday life in the former Yugoslavia.

Knin, the royal town nestled among seven rivers and surrounded by nine mountains, holds centuries of history. It is an oasis for those who, in the spirit of Tom Sawyer and his friend Huckleberry Finn, seek out hidden treasures.

Whether you are drawn to the peaks of Dinara, the five waterfalls of the Krčić River, or the play of light and shadow that sunset casts over Knin Fortress—a stronghold that has been besieged for centuries but never truly conquered—you will have an outstanding guide in our dear Mićo Samardžija, a man whose camera has captured some of the finest images of Knin's rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage. Through his lens and his words, every trail becomes an invitation to explore.

- From the foreword to Guide to Knin and its surroundings for adventurers and photographers

What you'll see on this route