Kudin Bridge

Kudin Bridge crosses the Krupa river below Velebit on a series of low arches built entirely of dry stone, no mortar anywhere, running about a hundred metres over the travertine barriers and pools that the river has built up. It is generally dated to the middle of the nineteenth century, and the story told locally is that a shepherd named Kude built it so that he could reach a girl on the other bank. The bridge is on the walking route between the Krupa monastery and the river's upper falls, and the water below is clear and green over the travertine. It is a walk in, not a drive.

Highlights

• A hundred metres of dry stone arches - built without mortar.
• Travertine barriers below - the pools and cascades the river builds.
• A shepherd's bridge - built, by tradition, to reach a girl.
• A half hour walk in - no road reaches it.

When to go

April to October; the river is highest in spring. Three hours.

Good to know

The stone is slippery when wet and there are no handrails on the crossing. The approach track is rough and often needs the last stretch on foot. This is a depopulated area with almost no services. Water levels can make the crossing unsafe.

Nearby

Krupa monastery is upstream; the Zrmanja canyon is north.

Key facts