Hum: Visit the Smallest Town in the World in Croatia
The tiny Croatian town of Hum—which is located on a hilltop in the Istria region—prides itself on being the smallest town in the world. Even though Hum has not officially been deemed the smallest town in the world by any record-keeping organization, the fact that it is far less than a mile long and wide and home to only 24 people certainly puts it in the running for the world’s tiniest town. Local lore states that petite Hum was constructed by towering giants who didn’t want to waste any leftover stones when they were constructing dwellings next to the Mirna River.
Hum is home to two cobblestone streets lined with flowerpots, charming stone buildings that date back to the 12th century, and a large copper door engraved with Glagolitic script, which is an ancient Slavic alphabet. It doesn’t take long to stroll through Hum’s narrow streets, but every inch of the medieval town is bursting with beauty.
Photo by depositphotos.com
The Museum of Hum Aura is located in a distillery and bar that sells house-made spirits such as brandy, gin, and limoncello. The Museum of Hum features a replica of a historic school, post office, and pharmacy. The museum is home to over 1,500 exhibits that are dedicated to the lively history of the town of Hum. Visitors can create a postcard written in Glagolitic script at the museum’s school and send it off to an address of their choosing at the post office.
Hum is located in the picturesque Istria region, which is home to several scenic hiking trails. The Trail of Seven Waterfalls in Buzet—which is located about 20 minutes from Hum—is one of Istria’s most popular hikes. A moderately strenuous five-hour hike allows visitors to view seven cascading waterfalls. It is important to pack plenty of water and snacks and wear comfortable shoes so that you can enjoy the stunning waterfalls to the fullest.
The Villa Green Forest is a swanky, modern villa located in Hum that can accommodate up to six guests. The Villa Green Forest features three bedrooms, a saltwater infinity pool, and a sauna. Visitors can whip up a meal in the outdoor kitchen as they gaze at the striking loveliness of Hum and the surrounding scenery. The Villa Green Forest offers 24-hour guest support to ensure that your stay is smooth and comfortable.
The charming, picturesque city of Hum may be small, but its beauty will leave a sizable impression.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Hum, Town of Buzet, Istria County, Croatia (historic-settlement area reference)
- Coordinates
- 45.34853, 14.05036
- Access
- Hum is a small inhabited historic settlement in Buzet. Visitors can walk the public lanes, but residents’ homes and other private areas are not visitor spaces. The Museum of Hum Aura is a separate attraction with its own hours. The nearby 7 km Glagolitic Alley from Roč is a separate route, not a walk contained within the town.
- Admission
- The current Istria tourism listings do not show an entry ticket for walking Hum’s public lanes. The Museum of Hum Aura is separately operated; the official tourist listing publishes no ticket price, so contact the museum before visiting. No parking charge is confirmed in the reviewed sources.
- Time needed
- No official standard duration is published for a walk around Hum. The museum describes 11 thematic units and five interactive rooms, but does not give a typical visit duration; allow extra time if visiting the museum and taking part in its activities or tastings.
- Best season
- No reviewed official source names a best season for visiting the town. The Istria Tourist Board notes Hum’s annual Istrian brandy exhibition is usually held at the end of October; check the exact event date. Confirm the museum’s current schedule, especially outside the hours posted for spring and summer.
- Opening hours
- Hum is an inhabited settlement with no town-wide visitor hours. The Museum of Hum Aura is listed as open year-round, but its published daily hours cover Jan–Sep only (Jan–Mar: 10:00–17:00, closed Mondays; Apr–Sep: 10:00–19:00). The operator does not list Oct–Dec hours; confirm before visiting.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-28
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-16
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