Wild West in Croatia? Cowboys, sheriffs, horses, and guns - sounds like a scene straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster, right? Well, believe it or not, just a short 15-minute jaunt from Fužine in Gorski Kotar lies a real-life Wild West experience: Roswell, the authentic cowboy village. Now, before your imagination runs wild with thoughts of aliens and TV shows, let's set the record straight. This place has nothing to do with extraterrestrial life but everything to do with the legendary Indian chief from the Apache tribe, Winnetou, and his companion, Old Shatterhand.

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Filming Location For New Trilogy About the Iconic Indian Chief

Back in 2015, this very spot served as the filming location for a new trilogy centered around the iconic Indian chief. The movie's production sprawled across Gorski Kotar, Platak, Breze, Rijeka, parts of Istria, National Parks like Krka and Paklenica, the stunning Velebit mountain range, the Zrmanja canyon, and even had some scenes filmed in studios in Germany. These films, based on Karl May's novels, brought to life the tales of "Winnetou I," "Treasure of Silver Lake," and "Winnetou III."

Unforgettable Cowboy Adventure

As you step into Roswell, you'll feel transported back in time to the Wild West era. Wooden constructions resembling a bustling frontier town greet you—a grand railroad structure depicting the village's settlement. Perched on a hillock, there's a chapel, benches, and a cemetery. Wander through the town and discover a blacksmith's shop, horse troughs, a stable, a bank, a saloon, a brewery, a Chinese laundry, a post office, a real estate agency, a store, a water tower, a small sawmill, a public bathhouse, and an entertainment house where characters like Fat Betty and Sweet Dolly reign, scantily clad in true Western fashion. And, of course, there's the sheriff's office—can't have a cowboy town without that!

From May to October, visitors are treated to a plethora of cowboy activities. Ride horses, try your hand at lasso throwing or horseshoe tossing, and experience the thrill of firing a Winchester rifle. Fancy yourself an archer? There's archery available too. Rent a grill and enjoy a cowboy-style picnic, truly immersing yourself in the cowboy way of life.

Throughout the village, you'll stumble upon witty photo points, cool off with a drink at the Saloon, and explore a small exhibition on the making of Winnetou. And before you leave, don't forget to pop into the village store to grab a charming souvenir—a keepsake of your unforgettable cowboy adventure with your loved ones.

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Open for May to October

Roswell doesn't just offer a Wild West experience; it hosts various events like the Winnetou Weekend, St. Lawrence Tears, movie nights, cowboy chili cooking competitions, Pumpkin Days, and more. If you're planning your spring getaway in Croatia, be sure to add this unique destination to your itinerary. It's a cowboy experience unlike any other, right in the heart of Croatia's picturesque countryside. So, grab your hat, dust off those boots, and get ready to ride into the sunset of an unforgettable Western adventure in Roswell!

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