Rastoke to celebrate mill tradition on 19 September

by croatiaweek
September 17, 2026
in Entertainment

Rastoke

The historic watermill village of Rastoke near Slunj will celebrate its centuries-old connection with water, milling and traditional life with a special event on 19 September.

Dani mlina (Mill Days) will bring together heritage, local food, crafts, music and activities for visitors of all ages, offering an insight into the traditions that developed around the Slunjčica River and its waterfalls.

The programme begins at 9:30am at the Rastoke Tourist Information Centre with a guided cycling tour. Throughout the day, visitors can also take part in walking tours, traditional workshops, tastings and educational activities.

Among the programme highlights are a workshop on making proja, a presentation titled “From Field to Table”, French culinary specialities and a storytelling session featuring the traditional tale Fisherman Palunko and His Wife.

Rastoke

Visitors will also be able to join a costumed tour featuring 19th-century Croatian athlete Milan Neralić, while the musical programme will include Croatian singer-songwriter Lidija Bajuk and guitarist Zoran Majstorović.

Several locations across Rastoke will host activities. Marmont Rastoke will feature a food and crafts area, while the Štefančeva mill will offer creative workshops for children and visitors interested in ceramics. The Konoba Kum area will also feature 19th-century-style photographic portraits.

Younger visitors will have the chance to ride ponies, take part in heritage presentations, enjoy face painting and join a treasure hunt with the Rastočka Fairy.

The event will also highlight local heritage through exhibitions focusing on the stories of Rastoke residents and the heritage of Karlovac County. Visitors can additionally see the Jareb family mill and purchase locally produced flour.

The programme concludes at 6pm at the St John of Nepomuk Bridge with a photography session involving participants in the Fifth Gathering of Historical Units of the Republic of Croatia.

Dani mlina is part of a wider effort to present Rastoke’s traditional watermill heritage and the way life in the settlement developed around its waterways.