An Island Adventure: Visiting Lokrum in Croatia

My journey to the island Lokrum lays a few years back now, but every once in a while I like to revisit the images and go back. These were taken with my old canon camera, and maybe it's time to freshen up on this wonderful place with my 6D.

The island is located in the Adriatic Sea, about half a mile from the city of Dubrovnik. It stretches from northwest to southeast and receives regular ferry service from the city. The name Lokrum comes from the Latin, 'acrumen', meaning sour fruit. The first mention of Lokrum in writing came in 1023, in connection with the founding of the Benedictine abbey and monastery. It's a great place to explore and it's a must-stop for any traveler visiting Dubrovnik.

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The Legend of Lokrum

According to legend, Richard the Lionheart shipwrecked in 1192 after returning home from the crusades and found himself cast ashore, safe on Lokrum, and he pledged to build a church on the island indebted for the salvation, but at the plea of Dubrovnik citizens, the church was not built on Lokrum but in the City instead. That church in Dubrovnik is still there today.

Transportation to Lokrum

For a small fee, you can take a ferry boat from the harbor in the old town of Dubrovnik. The journey to the island lasts only 10 minutes, and you arrive on a small dock. Huge pine trees immediately greet you and are a promise of the varied nature on this island.

A Jewel at the Heart of the Island

Lokrum's special attraction is a small lake, called Mrtvo More (Dead Sea), a unique lake linked with the sea, crystal clear and calm and suitable for bathing. It is a favorite resort to many visitors. But you don't have to take a swim there. You can stay on shore (as did I) and simply take in the beauty.

What to Do on Lokrum

Besides the already mentioned Dead Sea the island also houses a Botanical Garden, which offers up an relaxing walk down the olive trees. Also, a fortress called Forte Royale, star shaped and built by the French in 1806 at the highest elevated point of Lokrum, gives a marvelous view of the whole island and the city of Dubrovnik. Nearby there is a deserted Benedictine monastery, founded in 1023. A restaurant is located in the former monastery, and walking routes around the island are marked out, and are easy to follow.

Sights into the Unknown

At the southern shores of Lokrum, rugged beaches will greet you. To me, the most impressive sights were the look outs into the unknown. Somewhere in the distance the Adriatic Sea meats the sky and shades of blue are cut by the grey rocks that form the beach.

Return to Dubrovnik

After a whole afternoon on the island, the ferry will take you back to Dubrovnik, where you can explore the old city and it's outer walls. I visited Dubrovnik lots of times, but I only ventured out to Lokrum once. Even though it was a short trip, Lokrum definitely stays with you, after you leave.

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