Majestic Velebit Mountain, 5 days

This day we will hike through the best hiking area of Croatia, karst forms of Rožanski and Hadućki kukovi. It’s an endless range of rocky peaks with diverse and bizarre forms of up to 200 metres hight. They are situated in the very centre of the national park. Amazing rocky landscape are protected as a strictly regulated reserve, which is the strictest form of nature protection in the country. Despite the harsh and hostile rock-bound wilderness, in the 1930s a trail was masterfully built through the Rožanski kukovi by an engineer Ante Premužić, a dedicated lover of Velebit after whom the trail was named. 

The Premužić trail is considered to be the most beautiful hiking trail in Croatia. It is also known as the one that offers, even to those of modest physical condition, an opportunity to walk safely along the edges of massive cliffs and precipitous abysses. From the trail one can enjoy wonderful views of the Adriatic sea and islands.

Distance: 15-20 km / 500-800 m uphil.

Overnight:  Mountain home Zavizan.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

After early breakfast, we will have a 2-hour transfer to the central part of Velebit called Baške Ošterije. This saddle is the place where north and south Velebit meets. The centre of mountain tourism and the main mountaineering starting point on Velebit. 

After a transfer we will start to explore Dabarski kukovi. This is a range of sharp rocky peaks. They immerge from the green woods of Dabar and from grass sinkholes. They stretch in parallel with the Adriatic coast. Along their north-eastern bottom there are a number of vast karst valleys, three of these being the largest and best known as “dabri” and two other significant ones as “dulibe” (old Slavic names for deep wooded valleys between high cliffs).

An important point to visit is Dabarski Kukovi mountain lodge in Ravni Dabar, where we will find refreshment.

Distance: 15 km / 600 m uphill.

Overnight: Mountain house Prpa.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

After a one hour transfer we will reach Paklenica National park. Paklenica due to its unique natural features, magnificent forests and extraordinary geomorphologic structures, was proclaimed a national park in 1949. This great natural jewel of north Dalmatia covers the most attractive parts of the southern Velebit. Its most striking features are two forbidding gorges – Velika and Mala Paklenica and the highest peaks of the Velebit Mountain – Vaganski (1752 m) and Sveto brdo (1753 m).

The park abounds with peculiar karstic forms, caves and other natural features while due to its climate conditions, lush variety of flora and fauna has been preserved.

Our hike starts at Velika Paklenica canyon which is known for its “wilderness” and intact nature. Besides lots of rock climbers in the start you will see humungous Anica Wall where you can enjoy a view on multi-pitch climbers trying to ascend this 400m high vertical cliff. After passing spectacular Anica kuk we will start to enjoy a pleasant hike through the forest till the Manita pec cave. With its broad chambers and the beauty of its speleothems have been enchanting visitors since 1937, when the trail inside the cave was set up and visits began. The most frequent types of speleothems that you will find in Manita Pec are stalagmites, stalactites, columns and flowstones (cascading rimstone dams).

After the cave we will start our climb to Ramica village where our friendly hosts will take care of us in this abandoned village. On the menu for the farewell dinner you will get to experience traditional dish called Peka (or similar traditional dish). It’s a meal prepared with hot coal which is put on the metal lid. Surly a perfect last dinner!

Distance: 8-10 km / 300-500 m uphill.

Overnight: Ramica Mountain hut.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Last day of our adventure we will a spectacular climb to the highest peak of Velebit mountain. Being already on the half of the way we start from a decent altitude and walking light leaving all heavy gear at the hut. Who feels of skipping the activity can take a free morning and relax at the hut area enjoying surrounding nature.  

When we reach the Vaganski peak we will enjoy a stunning view for some time and take a well-deserved rest. Our descent to the Hut will take us through the oak and pine forest which will make our way pleasant and enjoyable. 

After reunion at the hut, we all continue towards Velika Paklenica canyon. In Velika Paklenica, our 5-day adventure will come to an end. Before we all leave we will treat ourselves with a beer at Zvonko, legendary mountaineering bar.

Difficulty: 16 km with 1300 m uphill (Alternative: 7 km with 100 m uphill).

Meals: Breakfast.