Quiet and calm, cascading in falls, it has created ponds in rocks, which by their shape resemble cauldrons – dishes which were used in peasant households for cooking in hearths and after which the hamlet was named. Spilling over from one cauldron to another, from Kotli the Mirna River starts its 52.8 km long journey. Together with Draga, Rečina, Butoniga and Bračana, the Mirna River has tens of temporary tributaries, in which there are 17 waterfalls up to 30 m high.
The Mirna River used to be navigable as far as the port of Baštija at the foot of Grožnjan and it was even possible to reach the Pietrapelosa castle in smaller boats, almost right below the Buzet fortress. Today, it is crossed over by several bridges and, due to its biodiversity and tameness, it attracts river fishermen, excursionists and sportsmen. The Motovun forest, a natural particularity of the Istrian peninsula grew on its banks. Lush and magic, it is well known as a truffle site, the Istrian treasure hidden in the humid soil of the Motovun forest. However, the Motovun forest does not only fire imaginations because of the truffles; many mystic tales and legends about fairies and giants are associated with it – Veli Jože, who it is believed still lives there today.
It lures many kayakers and canoeists with its tranquillity and the landscapes that appear along its course, delighting cyclists and lovers of trekking. The Mirna River Valley is ideal for all forms of open air activities and all the magic it possesses is best experienced by visiting it!