One stunning village in Croatia is built on 23 waterfalls, and was once believed to be home to fairies
If you’re on the look out for a unique place to visit, then consider putting the Croatian village of Rastoke on the top of your list. The small village has been built upon the 23 waterfalls where the little river Slunjčica meets the much larger Korana River.
Travel influencer Sonal Paladini, who posts on Instagram as Drifter Planet, recently shared a video of her visit to the village, leaving her followers stunned at the unique landscape.
Commenting on her video, one fan wrote: “I just can’t believe there are people out there just casually born in places like this casually living someone else’s dream.”
“Spent the last weekend there, few people, lovely surroundings and great local shop. The bridge costs 5€ and it is so worth it. Done well and beautifully,” penned another.
While a third added: “So beautiful here! Just like a fairytale.”
Once considered a ‘no man’s land’ due to border disputes between European leaders and the Ottoman Empire during the medieval era, the area surrounding Rastoke was eventually captured by the Habsburgs and became a stronghold of the Military Frontier.
The fortress was then destroyed in 1578 and the land was once again disputed, and then from 1809 until 1813 the town was under French control.
In the 17th century the town became known for its water powered mechanical mills, and at its peak was home to up to 22 of these mills. A number of these can still be seen today.
The enchanting landscape has, perhaps unsurprisingly, sprung a number of legends, with many featuring fairies that were once believed to reside in the village.
According to the Croatian tourism website, the fairies are said to have lived in the town since “ancient times.”
“These timid forest creatures have lived in the Rastoke area since ancient times, and are mostly active at night, as they usually avoid people,” they write.
“According to folk tales, while the mills were grinding corn and wheat, and the millers were telling stories around the pale light of the oil lamp, the fairies would take their horses, which were resting for their return home.
“In the early morning hours, when the stars were ending their night swim and the first sunrays caressing the blades of grass and the crystal-clear water, these forest imps would return the animals to the stables with braided manes and all out of breath and sweaty from the night out on the green hills.
“Although there are no more horses at Rastoke, the fairies are still here. Their favourite gathering spot is a waterfall by the name of Fairy’s Hair (Vilina kosa), whose silver water fits perfectly with the silver hair of the Rastoke fairies.”
