Since 1995 when the Serbo-Croatian war ended, there are still undetonated landmines lying around Croatia's countryside. Here's what you need to know and how to stay safe.
Photo © iStock/ursusarctos
Croatia has a few battle scars from previous conflicts, whether that's bullet holes in city buildings or unexploded landmines that still dot Croatia's countryside.
Up to two million mines were laid by both the Croatians and Serbians during the Croatian War of Independence, leaving the country with one of the worst land mine problems in Europe.
- Landmine Areas in Croatia
- Reducing Landmine Deaths
- Staying Safe by Sticking to Marked Paths
- Landmine Warning Signs
Landmine areas in Croatia
There are around eight counties and 54 towns still contaminated with approximately 31,000 unexploded mines – and land mine clearing efforts are ongoing.
Mines were mostly laid in inland rural areas along the front lines. The worst affected areas were Eastern Slavonia, Brodsko-Posavska County, Karlovac County, areas around Zadar and more remote areas of the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Suspected minefields are typically found in woodlands, forests, agricultural land, meadows and pastures. As a result of this ever-present danger in Croatia, there are 12,280 warning signs across the country.
Reducing landmine deaths
Hundreds of people were killed by land mines during and immediately after the war, but this number is decreasing.
There is some debate online about the number of casualties among tourists and the accuracy of these figures given the potential impact on tourism, however, there's no doubt the number is very small.
A Dutch tourist lost a leg in 2003 after stepping on a mine on the island of Vis, but it's believed he had crossed a warning sign on an old army base.
For most travelers, the risk presented by land mines is minimal.
If you stick to the main towns and cities along the coast you're no more likely to encounter a land mine than you are walking down the main street of your home town.
According to CROMAC, the road network, tourist destinations, public facilities and other commonly used areas have all been declared secure.
Staying safe by sticking to marked paths
However, adventure tourism is becoming more and more popular in Croatia, and many of these activities take place away from the main tourist centers.
If you plan to get off the beaten track, do your research beforehand.
Before you head off to master the rapids or tear up the countryside on your mountain bike, check online for updated maps of known and suspected mine areas. Also look for lists all of regional offices which can provide more specific information on the landmine affected areas.
Once you get to Croatia, it may be tempting to get in touch with your wild side, but you should stick to known safe roads when driving and marked paths when hiking or mountain biking.
The decreased casualty rate from land mines in Croatia is thanks to an ongoing campaign to map out and signpost minefields.
However, remember that tourism is still a growing industry in Croatia, so unlike other European countries where English is an unofficial second language, not every sign or warning is translated.
Landmine Warning Signs
Most minefields are marked with rectangular white signs reading "Ne prilazite - na ovom podrucju je velika opasnost od mina". This roughly translates to "Do not cross - there are landmines in the area".
Don't worry if you haven't brushed up on your Croatian or have left your phrasebook at the hostel - these signs also feature the international symbol for land mines, a red triangle featuring a skull and crossbones.
Even though you might fancy yourself as the next Indiana Jones, if you're out and about in the countryside many guides recommend staying away from abandoned houses, especially those that look like shells have hit them, as there may be more unexploded mines nearby.
Whitewater warriors should also watch where they strap on their life jackets.
The Zrmanja River in northern Dalmatia, and Mreznica River in Karlovac County, are popular spots for canoeing and raft trips, but the banks and surrounding land can present mine risks.
In fact some areas around the Mreznica River are completely inaccessible because of minefields.
If you're unsure, you can join an organized tour with a local guide who knows where - and where not - to go.
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