Rastoke – Croatia’s Fairytale Watermill Village

#cityplaybook Tucked away where the Slunjčica River meets the Korana, the village of Rastoke is a hidden gem in central Croatia, often called the “Little Plitvice” for its enchanting waterfalls and watermills. This storybook village feels like it stepped out of a fairy tale, with wooden houses perched over rushing streams and ancient mills powered by natural water flow. The sound of cascading water fills the air as you wander the wooden bridges and footpaths that wind through the village. Once a bustling mill hub, Rastoke today blends rustic charm with natural wonder. Many of the historic 17th-century watermills have been preserved or transformed into cozy cafés, guesthouses, and local museums. Rastoke is also a peaceful base for exploring nearby Plitvice Lakes National Park, just a 30-minute drive away. But the village itself deserves time—whether for sipping coffee beside a waterfall, capturing Instagram-worthy views, or simply enjoying the soothing rhythm of river life. 📍 Located in Slunj, Croatia – approx. 1.5 hours from Zagreb 🕘 Open year-round 🎟️ Free to enter; small fees may apply for private gardens or museums #rastoke #hiddencroatia #watermillvillage #fairytaleeurope #cityplaybook #natureandheritage #exploreslunj