October 7, 2011

Kalnik was already established in Roman times but this castle was first mentioned in 1243 when King Bela IV fought the Tartars.  The popular legend goes that, trapped in the castle, the Croatians were gradually being starved into submission by the invaders.  The locals kept them alive by smuggling plums (why not meat, vegetables ??) up to them.  When the Croatian finally repelled the Tartars, King Bela rewarded the Kalnik citizens with titles of nobility.

With this fantastic panorama view, you can understand why it was such a formidable fort.

Today it is a popular hiking and rock climbing destination for anyone enjoying an adventure holiday in Croatia.  There are plenty of bolted novice routes as well as seemingly impossible climbs up the cliffs under the ruins.  There is mountain hostel with accommodation and a very good restaurant… really fantastic fillet steaks !

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Good to know !!!