If you love hidden gems that radiate that "dolce vita" vibe, visit Vrbnik on the island of Krk. Located on the eastern coast of the island, hidden from the public eye, it boasts a rich history spanning more than 900 years. The first written mention dates back to 1100, from the Glagolitic Charter of the famous Dragoslav, and archaeological findings confirm that this area was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic era. The history of Vrbnik is closely linked to the powerful Krk Frankopan princes, who originated from Vrbnik and ruled the island between 1118 and 1480. During their reign, the town experienced economic and cultural prosperity, and today the locals describe Vrbnik as a place of well-being and a destination that tourists from all over the world fall in love with at first sight.
What to see in Vrbnik – a guide for the curious
Vrbnik is famous for its unique attraction – Klančić Street, officially the narrowest street in the world, only 40 to 50 centimeters wide. This curiosity was recognized by the famous travel writer Friedrich Salomon Krauss, and today more than ten thousand tourists a year pass through it, eager to experience a walk along this narrow but charming street that connects the history and daily life of the town. In its narrowest part, the street is about 40 to 43 centimeters wide, which means that two people cannot pass each other, and most passersby have to turn their shoulders to get through. Walking through Klančić offers a special experience – the stone houses seem to lean towards each other, creating an intimate atmosphere and a sense of history woven into every stone. This street perfectly captures the charm and authenticity of Vrbnik, a town rich in tradition, wine, and culture.
Baćin Dvor Visitor Center – Guardian of Frankopan Heritage
In the very heart of Vrbnik, in the historic little street Glavača, is the newly opened Baćin Dvor Visitor Center, a restored late Gothic building that proudly preserves and presents the rich cultural heritage of the place. The building is part of the Frankopan legacy. Throughout history, it served as the palace of Prince Ivan VII Baćina of Krk. In more recent times, it functioned as a gallery and hospitality venue, and today it has been transformed into a modern center with educational and exhibition content. The exhibition covers three thematic units: folk costumes and folklore customs, the 700-year-old Brotherhood of St. John the Baptist – Kapare, which is still active today, and Glagolitism, for which Vrbnik was the center for centuries. In cooperation with the local cultural society and parish, valuable Glagolitic documents and books are on display. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the Center regularly hosts art workshops in drawing and wool felting during the summer, intended for both children and adults, further enriching the cultural offer and encouraging creative expression through traditional techniques. In this way, Baćin Dvor becomes an unmissable spot for anyone who wants to get to know the identity and history of this unique place more deeply.
The Pride of Vrbnik – Vrbnik Field and Žlahtina
The surrounding Vrbnik Field is known as the ideal area for growing Žlahtina, an indigenous grape variety that is the symbol of Vrbnik and the entire island of Krk. Žlahtina is a fresh, aromatic, and easy-drinking wine that wins over with its quality and character. In Vrbnik‘s wineries, visitors can enjoy top-quality Žlahtina tastings, as well as other wines produced today in the Vrbnik area. Visiting Vrbnik‘s wineries offers a unique opportunity to discover the tradition and production process of this exceptional wine.
Everyone to the Vrbnik Wine Days
This year, Vrbnik celebrates the jubilee 20th Vrbnik Wine Days, bringing together two decades of wine lovers and introducing visitors to the rich wine tradition of the island of Krk. Over two days, August 29 and 30, 2025, Vrbnik will become the center of wine culture, gastronomy, and entertainment. Visitors can expect a diverse program, from wine workshops and tastings, through a fair of local products, to Vrbnik Wine & Walk, a stroll through Vrbnik‘s wineries with tastings of top wines and authentic delicacies. Music lovers can enjoy performances by Alen Vitasović, Gustafi, Klapa Kala, Trio Bajs, Night Express Band, and Group Venus, while carriage rides through the town will provide a unique experience of Vrbnik. As is tradition, winemakers from Osijek-Baranja County will also participate in the event, bringing their distinctive wine character and enriching the offer. This collaboration confirms the connection of Croatian wine regions and further emphasizes the cultural diversity of the festival.
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