Kayak Upper Mreznica River Slunj: 15 waterfalls, 3km
Ride 15 waterfalls down a 3km canyon without needing to paddle hard
Kayak the Upper Mreznica River near Slunj, a 3km stretch of canyon with 15 travertine waterfalls, warm pools, and the option to jump or waterslide down the drops. A guide in English or Croatian directs each kayak individually through the falls and the calm sections between them. The trip runs 3 hours from a base near Slunj, 30 minutes from Plitvice Lakes and 1.5 hours from Zagreb; children from age 6 can join, and no prior paddling experience is required. Equipment, neoprene suits if needed, safety gear, local transfers and guide are included.
The Experience
You arrive at the base near Slunj, get fitted with a kayak, safety gear and a neoprene suit if the water is cold, then receive paddling instructions before a short drive to the start of the canyon. The Upper Mreznica forms 15 travertine barriers in just 3km—the highest waterfall is 8 meters. Between the falls, the river pools into warm, calm water where you float and paddle gently to take in the canyon walls and the differently colored pools. At each fall, your guide directs your boat individually: some you ride down in the kayak as a natural waterslide, some you paddle around, and some you can jump into the pool below if you want the rush.
The beginning and end of the route pack the most action—waterfalls in quick succession, the choice to ride or jump, the spray and the speed. The middle section slows down: you paddle through the quiet pools, look at the rock formations, and catch your breath. Because the water between the falls is calm and there are no long paddling sections, the trip suits almost everyone—children from 6 years old, seniors, and anyone without prior kayaking experience. The guide keeps safety in focus at every drop, so the fun and the control stay together.
When you reach the finish, the base is a quick drive away. You change into dry clothes and head back. The whole outing—gear, guide, transfers, safety instruction—takes 3 hours and leaves you with the memory of riding water down a canyon most visitors to this part of Croatia never see.
What’s included
- Kayak and paddle.
- safety gear and neoprene suits if needed.
- paddling instruction.
- licensed guide in English or Croatian.
- local transfers to and from the base.
- all fees and taxes.
Operated by Kupa Sports White Water Adventure
Is this one for you?Most kayak trips on calm rivers mean paddling the whole way—here, the waterfalls do the moving for you, so you steer and brace while the canyon carries the boat down. The guide directs each kayak individually through the falls instead of leading a group down one route, which means you get the thrill without the crowd and the safety without the lecture.
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How many waterfalls will I paddle down on the Upper Mreznica?
The Upper Mreznica has 15 travertine waterfalls over 3km. The highest is 8 meters, and your guide directs your kayak down each one individually—some you ride as waterslides, some you paddle around, and some you can jump into the pool below.
Do I need kayaking experience to join this trip?
No. The water between the waterfalls is calm with no long paddling sections, so beginners can join. Your guide gives paddling instruction before you start and directs each boat through the falls to keep you safe.
Can children do this kayaking trip?
Children from age 6 can join the Upper Mreznica kayak. Infants sit on an adult's lap in the kayak, and the calm sections between falls and the guide's individual attention to each boat make it suitable for young paddlers.
What's included in the kayaking trip?
The trip includes kayak and safety gear, neoprene suits if needed, paddling instruction, a licensed guide in English or Croatian, and local transfers to and from the base. You bring a change of clothes and a towel.
How far is the Upper Mreznica from Zagreb and Plitvice Lakes?
The kayaking base near Slunj is 1.5 hours from Zagreb and 30 minutes from Plitvice Lakes National Park, making it an easy add-on if you're visiting either destination.
What happens if I'm not comfortable jumping or riding a waterfall?
At each waterfall, your guide offers options—you can ride it in the kayak, paddle around it, or jump into the pool below. You choose what suits you at each drop, and the guide directs your boat safely through whichever way you pick.
Kayak Upper Mreznica River Slunj: 15 waterfalls, 3km
3h · EN · HR
from US$ 63 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.86184 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider









