Geographical characteristics

Geographical characteristics

Gorski kotar is situated in the west part of Croatia. From the north, its border starts at the source of Čabranka river and continues down the Čabranka and Kupa river courses to Zdihovo Bosiljevsko. This line also represents the historical state-political border between Croatia and Slovenia. From the northwest, starting at the Čabranka source and through Prezid, Čabarska Polica, the Obruč west slopes and towards Klana, the border is of historical, geographical and ethnic character.
Ever since the 4th century, there was a Roman defensive barrier (limes) in these parts, featuring towers and fortresses, in order to prevent the raids of the Japod illiric tribe. This barrier represents the division line between the Croatian highland zone and the Slovenian mountain range.
To the southwest, the Gorski kotar border runs over the Obruč slopes over Grobničko polje, through Kamenjak, Hum, Draževski vrh, and then over Vinodol valley, Pleteno, Luka Krmpotska, Alan and Krivi Put, always at the altitude of 700 meters above sea-level.
The border is clearly marked by the transition from the desert-like coastal areas into the mountain woodlands.
Towards the east, the border passes by the Ogulinsko-plašćanska vallley. It begins at Severin na Kupi and continues to Krpelj, going round Ogulinsko polje to Ogulinski Hreljin, and over the Klek slopes and Modruško zagorje to Modruš.
The southeast border is a transitional area. It encompasses the areas between Rudolf's and Jozefin's roads, and these parts are referred to as Drežnica or Kapela regions. The main characteristic of this area is karst covered in tall woodlands.