bridge
Krk Bridge
Twin reinforced-concrete arches leap from the mainland to Krk island; on opening in 1980 the 390 m main span was the longest concrete arch in the world, a dramatic gateway to the Kvarner islands.
13 km · about 25 min drive
Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Croatia · Europe
Rijeka is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Buzdohanj, 19km from Risnjak National Park.
Rijeka is a city located in Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Croatia. With a population of 107,964, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Rijeka sits in Croatia, where you drive on the right. It's in the Europe/Zagreb time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Rijeka to your route.
Rijeka (lit. River) is the principal seaport and the third-largest city in Croatia. It is located in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County on Kvarner Bay, an inlet of the Adriatic Sea and in 2021 had a population of 107,964 inhabitants. Historically, because of its strategic position and its excellent deep-water port, the cityRead more
was fiercely contested, especially between the Holy Roman Empire, the Republic of Venice, the Kingdom of Italy and Yugoslavia, changing rulers and demographics many times over centuries. According to the 2021 census data, 85% of its citizens are Croats, along with small numbers of Serbs, Bosniaks and Italians.
Rijeka is the main city and county seat of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Historically shaped by various ruling powers—including the Habsburg Monarchy, Italy (while being Free State of Fiume), and Yugoslavia — Rijeka has developed a diverse cultural heritage reflected in its architecture, language, and traditions. The city is known for its major port facilities, shipbuilding industry, and vibrant cultural scene, including the internationally recognized Rijeka Carnival. The city's economy largely depends on shipbuilding (shipyards 3. Maj and Viktor Lenac Shipyard) and maritime transport (Jadrolinija). The city is home to the University of Rijeka and several important cultural institutions, including theaters, museums, and galleries. Its architectural landscape reflects a mix of Austro-Hungarian, Italian, and modern influences, with notable landmarks such as Trsat Castle, Rijeka Cathedral, Ivan Zajc Croatian National Theatre, Palace Modello, City Clock Tower, Trsat, Petar Kružić staircase and many others.
In 2016, Rijeka was selected as the European Capital of Culture for 2020, alongside Galway, Ireland, and Rijeka is known for other manifestations and sporting events such as: Kvarnerska Rivijera, Rijeka Open, Yugoslavian motorcycle Grand Prix, EuroBasket 1975, 2000 European Men's Handball Championship, 2003 World Women's Handball Championship, 2008 European Short Course Swimming Championships, 2016 European Universities Games and 2018 LEN Men's Europa Cup.
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Rijeka offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Rijeka is located in Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Croatia, Europe. The coordinates are 45.3267 latitude, 14.4424 longitude.
Rijeka has a population of approximately 107,964 people, making it a city in Croatia.
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Essential numbers in Croatia
HAK roadside assistance: 1987.
Full driving guide for Croatia8 notable places within an hour's drive.
bridge
Twin reinforced-concrete arches leap from the mainland to Krk island; on opening in 1980 the 390 m main span was the longest concrete arch in the world, a dramatic gateway to the Kvarner islands.
13 km · about 25 min drive
national park
Dense beech-fir forests and the Kupa river spring crown the Gorski Kotar highlands above Rijeka.
19 km · about 20 min drive
tunnel
A 5 km motorway tunnel bored beneath Mount Učka in 1981, linking inland Istria with the Opatija Riviera and sparing drivers the old switchback climb over Poklon Pass.
21 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
A captivating hilltop medieval town in Istria surrounded by truffle-rich forests and vineyards, known for its annual film festival.
48 km · about 55 min drive
photogenic
A 4,000-year-old fortified hamlet perched 378 m directly above the sea on Cres island, its stone lanes ending at a cliff-edge view over Sv. Ivan cove. Summer evenings bring open-air concerts on the tiny square.
50 km · about 55 min drive
natural wonder
A UNESCO-listed cave system featuring one of the largest underground river canyons in the world at 146 meters deep.
51 km · about 60 min drive
natural wonder
A 24-kilometer karst cave system explored by underground railway, home to the rare cave-dwelling olm salamander.
54 km · about 60 min drive
landmark
A once-abandoned Istrian hill town repopulated by artists in the 1960s: now some 20 galleries and studios fill its Venetian stone lanes, with a summer jazz festival and views over vineyards to the sea.
57 km · about 65 min drive
April to October
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