Lika-Senj: Croatia’s wild county, just a stone’s throw from Budapest – photos

Lika-Senj took the spotlight in Budapest last Thursday, as Croatian tourism officials showcased the region’s culture, cuisine and natural appeal to Hungarian journalists and travel industry guests. Held at the grand Matild Palace, the event underscored why Lika-Senj has emerged as one of the most popular Croatian destinations for Hungarian visitors in recent years.

Lika-Senj: Sea, islands and mountains in one region

The event opened with a speech by Ivan Radošević, director of the Lika-Senj County Tourist Board, who described the region as a destination “for everyone” – whether visitors are drawn to the sea, islands or mountains. He pointed to a notable rise in Hungarian arrivals this year, with nearly 90% of all motorcyclists in the region over the 23 October long weekend coming from Hungary.

Radošević said many Hungarians value the area for its tranquil landscapes and proximity to Budapest. Several major attractions lie within a half-day’s drive, making it an easy choice for short breaks.

Pag Island highlighted by Croatia’s Ambassador

Croatia’s ambassador to Hungary, Mladen Andrlić, PhD, followed with a brief address highlighting the wider region surrounding Lika-Senj. He singled out Pag Island, just south of the county, as a natural extension to any Lika-Senj itinerary.

Known for its stark, wind-swept landscapes, Pag offers a mix of striking scenery and cultural appeal – from its famed hard sheep’s cheese to stretches of pebble and sandy beaches. Visitors can explore the 15th-century Church of St George, the ruins of Old Town Pag and a former Franciscan monastery.

Andrlić noted that many travellers pair Lika-Senj with Pag, as the two destinations offer a complementary mix of nature, history and coastal charm.

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Lika-Senj: Croatia’s largest county, home to the Plitvice Lakes

Ivana Herceg, director of the Croatian National Tourist Board in Hungary, offered a detailed look at the region’s standout sights. Lika-Senj, the largest county in Croatia, is home to two national parks: Plitvice Lakes and Northern Velebit.

Plitvice Lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, is the region’s main attraction – famous for its turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls and forest trails. Just a five-hour drive from Budapest, it’s accessible for day trips, though Herceg recommended weekend stays to explore the wider area. One guest later won Plitvice tickets in the tombola.

Tesla’s origins in Lika-Senj – and his breakthrough in Budapest

Herceg also highlighted the county’s cultural importance, especially its connection to inventor Nikola Tesla, who was born in Smiljan, a village in the Lika region. The Nikola Tesla Memorial Center there attracts visitors interested in his early life.

Tesla spent a short period in Budapest, where he made one of his most significant breakthroughs in 1882: the idea of the rotating magnetic field, which later became the basis of the AC motor. During his Budapest years he also improved telephone repeaters and gained practical engineering experience. These early steps shaped much of his later work in the United States.

The Velebit Mountains: nature reserves, hiking routes and major viewpoints

Much of the presentation centred on the Velebit Mountains – Croatia’s longest mountain range, stretching 145km and protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The range spans two national parks: Northern Velebit and Paklenica.

Highlights include Vaganski vrh, the highest peak at 1,758 metres, sweeping views of the Adriatic and surrounding islands, and a landscape of remote forests, dramatic karst formations and long-distance hiking trails.