Rijeka to surprising Senj

Saturday March 22, 2025

With Branka and the three patriots who fought Hitler! Greetings from Senj! The windy city! "On the Watch" monument in the town centre square, looking at the Adriatic Sea.

Some 80km in the morning rain and some 1,750 meters of climbing. I arrived in good spirits but my legs are hurting... I arrived in Senj that was not in my plans but given the expected rain and winds being in the mountains is not wise. I just learned this national parc is also home to wolves and bears - I met a big shepperd dog in the middle of the road. I stopped, he looked at me and waled away... Seemed friendly :) This is how I arrived in Senj, a little city that surprised me. More below.

Here is my story of the day:

SEJN: The Windy City

Senj is the windiest city thanks to the Bora

The Bora, an extraordinary wind and local phenomena makes this town the record holder for the highest annual wind speed and also the highest recorded speed of 173 km/h! This wind comes from the mountains and results from changes in pressure between the land and sea surface which comes from the continent to the sea...

The Bora provides many benefits including therapeutic ones, people here do not suffer from asthma and allergies. Many visitors come to cleanse their lungs and take advantage of long and restful sleep. The wind also provides a curious micro-climate makign Senj the sunniest city in the country and one where it rarely rains.

Castle serves as a reminder of a long and rich history

Senj is the only city that has never been conquered. It fought the Ottomans and later the Venicians. The Galleys were not suited for windy conditions and the Uskoks (local soldiers) had smaller boats that fared much better and helped repel enemies.

Senj also has its local dialect (glagotic) and alphabet (that is still thought in schools), was the first place where mass was not given in Latin and that is probably why they were early in having a printing press... So much I have learned thanks to fantastic Branka who used to work in the Tourism industry and loves to share stories with curious foreigners like myself... Big thanks Branca!!!