Josipdol is the northernmost municipality of Lika, located in Karlovac County. Ancient history records the Japodian civilization and its capital Metulum on the site of today’s Josipdol, atop the hill of Viničica overlooking the town. Later history revolves around the legend of its founding, explaining how Josipdol got its name. Emperor Joseph II, son of Maria Theresa, fell from his horse at the site of today’s Josipdol during his journey to Senj, due to poor road connectivity. This incident spurred the construction of the legendary Jozefina Road.

Would you like to visit Marmont’s Bridge and the Gothic church built by architect Bernardin Frankopan, discover where an elephant and rhinoceros tooth were found and where the olm (a unique amphibian) still lives today, step into the stone ruins of the old town of Modruš, or take a swim in Lake Šmit? Josipdol is the destination for you!

The locals like to say that Josipdol is the heart of Croatia. Whether there’s any truth to this, you’ll have to discover for yourself. Even the ancient Japodian civilization thought it worthwhile to establish their largest and main city here and defend it with all their might. During fierce battles at the siege of Metulum, the Roman general Octavian was wounded here. His memoirs reveal the historical truth about this event. In a final desperate attempt to conquer Metulum, the Roman army, with a wounded Octavian, launched an all-out assault. Metulum’s defenders, along with their families, committed mass suicide rather than fall into Roman hands and be cast into slavery. The entire population of ancient Metulum vanished in the flames or in battle, and the city was destroyed to its foundations. After Metulum's fall, the remaining Japodians surrendered to Roman rule, and their land became part of the Roman province of Illyricum. The tragic fate of Metulum echoed throughout the Roman Empire, and tales of the bravery of its defenders and people were retold for generations.

If you prefer a legend with less intensity, rest by Lake Šmit and look for the imprint of a horse’s hoof in the stone on the shore, left by Saint George’s horse as he saved a girl from a dragon attack. Or set out in search of the olm in the source-cave of Rupećica. At the source, remains of a Roman amphora, as well as an elephant and rhinoceros tooth, were also discovered—enough to inspire an exploratory mission of your own!