Velebit Nature Park
The largest Croatian nature park that brings together the mountain and the sea
Poets celebrate its beauty, travel writers praise it with the most beautiful words, it is a challenge for explorers and hikers can not get enough of it. Velebit, this simultaneously beautiful, wild and rugged mythical mountain in the heart of Croatia, has been protected as a UNESCO Global Biosphere Reserve since 1978. Three years later, it was declared a nature park and, with its surface area of 1829 square kilometres, it is the largest Croatian protected area. Within the boundaries of Velebit Nature Park there are also two national parks — Northern Velebit and Paklenica, which covers the southern part of Velebit.
Velebit is home to large carnivores — bears, wolves, lynxes and wild cats. Endangered species of butterflies as well as foxes, badgers and martens also live here, while golden eagles fly over the cliffs and ravines.
At twelve kilometres from Otočac, in the Velebit village of Kuterevo, there is a shelter for young bears. This incredibly important project relies on volunteer work. More than 200 nature lovers spend several days in Kuterevo every year volunteering and helping young bears.
If you visit Kuterevo, it is important to know that the bears must not be disturbed, but if you get the opportunity, you can photograph them from a fair distance. If you take the Velebit trails in late spring and early summer, pay attention to the cracks in the rocks. In them, you will see protected endemic plants, the species Degenia velebitica, the Adriatic bellflower and the Siberian smooth-spiraea. There are about 2000 plant species on Velebit.
If you are looking for material for the most beautiful Instagram snapshot, you will find it in Zavratnica Cove. You can reach it by a well-maintained walking trail from Jablanac or by a hiking trail from the village of Zavratnica.
The cove is about 900 metres long and is surrounded by steep cliffs that reach up to 100 metres in height. We suggest seeing Zavratnica from a bird's eye view as well, from one of the two viewpoints nearby (Jablanac viewpoint and Zavratnica viewpoint). You are sure to be captivated by the sight of this cove, penetrating deep into the coastline and with beautiful intense shades of blue and green. This natural wonder was created by water activity over centuries, and today it is a protected landscape within Velebit Nature Park.
Velebit caves, pits and ridges
Although the first association when mentioning Velebit is hiking there, you should also take a peek inside the mountain. On the slopes of southern Velebit, four kilometres from Gračac on the road to Knin, is the largest tourist cave complex in Croatia and the site where cave bear remains have been found — the Cerovac Caves. You can find information on open hours and ticket prices on the website of Cerovac Caves.
With a depth of 1431 metres, the Lukina Jama–Trojama system is the deepest pit in the Dinarides and the most vertical pit in the world. It is located in the strict nature reserve of Hajdučki Kukovi. It is a challenge for experienced speleologists and is not open for tourist visits.
You will also be fascinated by the kilometre-long ridge of Tulove Grede on southern Velebit, with its highest peak located at 1120 metres above sea level.
The towers, rocks, crevices, karrens and sinkholes of this unusual karst formation rise along the Majstorska Cesta, a 41-kilometres-long road included in the list of cultural assets of Croatia.
It is an unasphalted panoramic road built in the first half of the 19th century, and traversing it offers spectacular views of the Zadar hinterland and the sea as well as a complete experience of Velebit and its magnificent landscape. It was not named in vain — its name (Master Road) derives from the German word ‘meisterstück’, which means masterpiece. It was built in difficult conditions and during that time, it was an exceptional construction project. It is intended for experienced and skilled drivers and extra caution is definitely required while driving.
What is there to do on Velebit?
From hiking trails to challenging climbs — whatever activity you choose, you are sure to enjoy the natural and historical riches of Velebit. You will discover part after part of this beautiful mountain and you will want the adventure to last as long as possible.
Experienced climbers will not want to miss a climb like the one on the rough cliffs of Agin Kuk, Rujičin Kuk and Čelina Kuk. Because of its specific geological and geomorphological structure, Velebit is full of various climbing routes and climbing challenges. Explore the Velebit cycling trails that will lead you across spectacular landscapes, pristine nature and atmospheric places. Popular routes also include the Premužić hiking trail, which passes through the most beautiful parts of the mountain.
Have a go at rafting and canoeing on the emerald river Zrmanja, a beautiful karst river, and if you prefer an easy walk, choose one of the many theme trails.
Camping on Velebit is an unforgettable experience with a view of the mountain’s peaks. The campsites are close enough to both the sea and hiking trails so that you can enjoy both. They are the perfect place to escape the city crowds and relax in a unique natural environment.
Hiking on Velebit
Hiking to the peaks of Velebit is a memorable experience. On one side, there is a spectacular view of the Adriatic Sea, and on the other, of the interior of Croatia. The beautiful nature, from deep canyons and caves to forests and meadows, as well as the numerous marked trails, attract hikers and nature lovers. Every step is a new adventure.
One of the most beautiful hiking trails in Croatia — the Premužić Trail — connects, with its length of 50 kilometres, Zavižan and Baške Oštarije.
The educational Terezijana Trail from leads from Baške Oštarije along a section of a road built back in 1786 that connected Karlobag with Gospić, while the Kudin Most trail crosses the oldest bridge on a river known for its silver cascades — Krupa. According to legend, this bridge close to Golubići near Obrovac was built by a young miller, Kude, to make it easier for him to reach his beloved girlfriend Manda. As you cross the hundred-metres-long stone bridge built using the drystack technique, you are certain to be impressed by the magical nature of this place. A clear and cold mountain river with cascading waterfalls murmurs along a majestic rocky canyon, on its way to its mouth.
A real treat for adventurers and hiking enthusiasts is Highlander Velebit, an event for which you can register if you want to backpack across Velebit and explore it.
Via Dinarica, a hiking trail with a length of two thousand kilometres, passes over Velebit, connecting the Dinarides in eight countries, and so does Via Adriatica, a 1070-kilometres-long hiking trail from Istria to Dubrovnik as well as the 2109-kilometres-long Croatian Long Distance landscape trail.
Top 5 peaks of Velebit
Vaganski Vrh, located at 1757 metres above sea level, is the highest peak of Velebit. The ascent to it from Paklenica National Park takes about six hours.
Sveto Brdo (meaning Holy Mountain) is a peak on southern Velebit with an altitude that is only four metres lower than that of Vaganski Vrh. The climb is steep and challenging, and you can reach the top in five hours if you start at the mountain lodge in Paklenica NP or in four hours if you start at Malo Libinje. Babin Vrh, located at 1738 metres above sea level, is the third highest peak of Velebit. It is located on the Vila Velebita hiking bypass, about ten kilometres from the village of Medak. At an altitude of 1589 metres, below the peak, is the lake Babino Jezero. The easiest way to reach Mali Rajinac, located at 1699 metres within Northern Velebit NP, is from the Zavižan mountain lodge. The ascent lasts two to three hours. Velinac is a peak on southern Velebit, located at an altitude of 965 metres. It is easily accessible from the village of Budaci, which is located near Kućišta Cesarička, from where it can be reached in an hour.
What do you need to know before visiting Velebit Nature Park?
With its length of 145 kilometres, Velebit is the longest Croatian mountain. Road passes divide it into northern Velebit, which extends from Vratnik to Veliki Alan, where central Velebit begins, connecting Gospić with Karlobag.
Southern Velebit continues to the pass of Mali Alan, on the old road that connects Obrovac with Lovinac, while south-eastern Velebit ends at the Zrmanja canyon. Before embarking on a Velebit adventure, check the weather conditions and prepare suitable equipment, clothing and footwear. You can also stay in mountain lodges, homes and shelters as well as hostels if you decide to spend a few days in this wilderness.
Although there are no official entrances to Velebit Nature Park, we recommend visiting it from one of the following locations — Starigrad, Krasno, Kuterevo, Posedarje and Selište, as marked and well-maintained trails lead from them to the nature park.
Entry tickets are free, but tickets to Zavratnica Cove and Cerovac Caves as well as guided tours are charged, and so are entry tickets for the two national parks, Northern Velebit and Paklenica, which are in the nature park area. Information on activities, offers and prices of services can be found on the official website of Velebit Nature Park.
Ready for an adventure? Hiking in the morning and swimming in the afternoon. Velebit Nature Park awaits you!
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