Lika in Dragutin Hirc travel book – an invitation for (tourist) journey

Abstract

This paper, dealing with descriptions of Lika region as well as Plitvice Lakes, presents Dragutin Hirc’s travelogue from the beginning of the 20th century. Hirc’s book is important because in it the author deals with identification of tourism potentials of the mentioned region. The book is full of detailed descriptions and as such represents a contribution to common knowledge and popularisation of
this region that was getting far behind already touristically developed areas of Europe as well as Croatia. This paper analyses parts of Hirc’s travelogue that deal with explicit touristic elements as well as implicit ones. From the analysis, it is noticed that the author is aware of necessity for more research, insight and preservation of natural heritage. At the same time he is aware of necessity for adequate (touristic) valuation of the region. As there were no guidebooks at that time, this particular travelogue was the base for further natural researches of Lika region and Plitvice Lakes and as such still represents an interesting reading material for (touristic) journeys.