Botel Marina Floating Hotel in Rijeka — Online Webcam

The Story of the Ship That Became Croatia's First Botel

In the harbor of Rijeka, an unusual object is moored — a passenger ferry built in Denmark in 1936. Originally, the vessel was named Kronprinsessan Ingrid in honor of the Swedish princess who served as its godmother at the launch. For decades, the ship carried passengers from Stockholm to the islands of the Kvarner Gulf, sailing the waters of the Baltic and North Seas. The last time the vessel was used for its intended purpose was in 2005 — it was deployed for a spearfishing competition near the island of Mali Lošinj. In July 2006, the ship was purchased by Arhipelag d.o.o., and seven years later, in 2013, it was converted and became Croatia's first botel — a floating hotel overlooking the port of Rijeka.

Location in the Very Heart of Rijeka

Botel Marina occupies a unique position — it is moored at the Adamic Pier in the heart of the city. This means that Rijeka's main attractions are literally within walking distance. The main waterfront promenade Korzo, the railway and bus stations, the city market, theaters, cinemas, museums, and galleries — all just a few minutes on foot. The central market with local products — cheeses, olive oil, and fresh seafood — is located just 300 meters from the floating hotel. The Museum of Modern Art is a five-minute walk away.

Kvarner Gulf and Croatia's Largest Port

Rijeka is the country's main maritime gateway. The Port of Rijeka is the largest seaport in Croatia, with its first mentions dating back to 1281. The port lies on the shores of the Kvarner Gulf of the Adriatic Sea — a deep and sheltered gulf that historically served as a vital trade route between Central Europe and the Mediterranean. The port's waters include a ferry terminal, cargo terminals, and a yacht marina. Along the waterfront stretches the pedestrian zone of Korzo, with cafés and shops housed in Art Nouveau buildings — a legacy from the times when Rijeka was part of Austria-Hungary.

Landmarks Around Botel Marina

Looking at the harbor panorama, it's easy to find your bearings in the city. Directly opposite the botel, across the port waters, is the passenger ferry terminal — a modern building from which ferries depart to the islands of Cres, Rab, Pag, and to the Istria Peninsula. On the hill above the city rises Trsat Castle — a historic fortress offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and the entire Kvarner Gulf. To the left of the botel, a stone pier and waterfront are visible, lined with multi-story buildings of Mediterranean architecture — hotels and residential houses with characteristic terracotta roof tiles.

Sailing Yachts and Industrial Cranes

The harbor in front of the botel is alive with activity. In the center of the water area, sailing yachts and motorboats are moored — in summer it's especially lively here, when sailors cruise between the Croatian islands. In the background, contrasting with the yacht marina, industrial port cranes are visible — a reminder that Rijeka remains the region's most important cargo hub. This contrast — sail masts against the backdrop of steel gantry cranes — creates a unique landscape that sets Rijeka apart from the resort towns of southern Dalmatia.

Mediterranean Architecture and the Waterfront

The architectural appearance of the waterfront around Botel Marina is a blend of Mediterranean traditions and Central European heritage. Multi-story buildings with tiled roofs, arcades, and frescoes on the facades stand alongside monumental structures from the Austro-Hungarian era. The pedestrian street Korzo is the city's main artery, where open-air cafés serve the best Croatian coffee, and in the evenings locals and tourists alike stroll leisurely along the harbor.

How to Reach Botel Marina from the Center of Rijeka

The easiest way to reach the floating hotel is on foot from the railway or bus station — the journey takes about ten minutes through the city center. From the main Korzo waterfront, you need to descend to the port and walk along the water toward the ferry terminal. Botel Marina will be immediately visible — the white ship hull with portholes is unmistakable. For those arriving by car, there is a parking lot near the Adamic Pier, right next to the floating hotel.

What You Can See on the Camera

The Botel Marina online camera broadcasts a view of the port harbor with the calm waters of the Kvarner Gulf. On the left side of the frame is the stone pier and waterfront lined with multi-story Mediterranean architecture: hotels and residential buildings with tiled roofs. In the center of the harbor, sailing yachts and motorboats are moored, rocking on the waves. In the background, industrial port cranes rise up — a symbol of the cargo port of Rijeka. On the right is the ferry terminal with a moored ferry and a modern building. In the distance, across the water, mountains framing the Kvarner Gulf are visible. At night, the harbor is illuminated by the lights of the waterfront and port floodlights, creating a completely different but equally picturesque spectacle.