Zeleni Vir

Zeleni Vir is a karst spring and waterfall in Gorski Kotar, right next to the small town of Skrad and bordering the Vražji Prolaz canyon. It's one of the best-known natural landmarks in this part of Croatia — protected since 1962 for its exceptional beauty and geological value.

What will you see at Zeleni Vir?

The centerpiece is a small pool with a striking green color, which gives the site its name (literally "green whirlpool"). The water emerges from a cave at the base of a roughly 70-meter cliff, flanked on both sides by dense forest. Above the spring, a narrow waterfall drops into the pool below. The spring's flow rate reaches around 400 liters per second, most impressive in spring after snowmelt from the higher parts of Gorski Kotar.

A few hundred meters away lies Vražji Prolaz (Devil's Passage) — one of the most striking canyons in the region, roughly 800 meters long and narrowing to as little as 2 meters in places. It was carved by the Jasle stream over thousands of years. The trail runs partly along ledges cut into the rock and partly over wooden footbridges and stairs suspended above the water.

Nearby stands Munjara, the first hydroelectric power plant in this part of the region, built in 1921 — a leftover from the area's early industrial history.

How do you get to Zeleni Vir?

The starting point is the small town of Skrad, reachable by train or car. From Skrad's railway station, it's about a 40-minute walk to the Zeleni Vir waterfall itself. If you also want to see Vražji Prolaz, plan for a route of around 1.5 hours in total. Visitors in good shape can take a longer loop via the railway station, while the shorter and easier option is the so-called Ložac trail.

Because parts of the canyon are narrow and damp, walking through Vražji Prolaz requires a protective helmet — available for rent on site at the entrance.

When should you visit?

The site operates seasonally, mainly on weekends (Saturday and Sunday), typically from 10:00 to 18:00, with last entry before closing. The best time to visit is late spring through summer, when water levels in the spring and stream are high and the canyon trail is dry and safe. It's worth checking current opening hours before you go, since Vražji Prolaz is sometimes closed temporarily after heavy rain or during winter.

How much does it cost to visit?

The entrance fee is modest — a few euros per adult, with free entry for children under 7. Ticket revenue goes toward maintaining the trails and protecting the site.

Frequently asked questions

Are Zeleni Vir and Vražji Prolaz the same place? They're two neighboring sites within the same protected area — Zeleni Vir is the spring and waterfall, while Vražji Prolaz is the canyon right next to it. Most visitors see both on the same trip.

Is the trail suitable for children? The walk to the Zeleni Vir waterfall itself is easy and family-friendly. Passing through the narrow Vražji Prolaz canyon is more demanding and requires care and a protective helmet.

Do I need to book in advance? It's not required, but given the weekend-only hours and limited trail capacity, it's worth arriving early in the morning, especially in summer.

Can you drive right up to the site? Yes, there's a parking area next to the entrance, though many visitors choose to walk from Skrad's railway station as part of the hike itself.