Under the Highest Peaks
Mountains hold a special significance for many nations, and for Croatians, the Velebit range is a cherished natural treasure that embodies a simplicity often lost in other mountainous regions. Here, visitors can find tranquility and unspoiled wilderness without the distractions of crowded lodges or tourist traffic.
The Beloved Velebit
As Croatia’s largest and longest mountain range, Velebit boasts a wealth of natural wonders. The coastal side of the range rises higher than the continental flank, which is lower but steeper, particularly in the southern areas. The pinnacle of Velebit is Vaganski Vrh-Sveto Brdo, reaching an elevation of 1,757 meters.
Designated as a nature park that spans over 2,000 square kilometers, it ranks as the largest protected area in the country. Within this park, several smaller protected zones exist, including the national parks of Northern Velebit and Paklenica. The entire range, extending roughly 150 kilometers, has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve—the only one currently listed in Croatia. Velebit is significant for its rich biodiversity, hosting numerous plant and animal species, many of which are endemic.
Zavižan: The Gateway to Velebit
Zavižan, the highest accessible point in Velebit by car, serves as a gateway to the Velebit Botanical Garden, which is home to around 300 plant species, including several rare and native varieties. The endemic Velebit degenia flower symbolizes this garden.
Northern Velebit National Park
Situated in the northernmost part of the mountain range, Northern Velebit National Park covers 109 square kilometers and features remarkable landscapes, including the striking karst formations known as Hajdučki kukovi and Rožanski kukovi. These unique rocky peaks, which can rise up to 200 meters, define the heart of the national park and are safeguarded as a regulated reserve—Croatia’s most stringent form of nature protection.
Middle Velebit: Dabarski Kukovi
Within the 143-kilometer-long Velebit massif, Dabarski Kukovi is a notable area located near Baške Oštarije. This range is characterized by sharp, rocky peaks that rise dramatically from the surrounding green woods and grass sinkholes of Dabar, stretching parallel to the Adriatic coast.
Southern Velebit: Paklenica
Where Velebit meets the Adriatic Sea, the deep ravines of Velika and Mala Paklenica create one of Croatia’s most fascinating karst landscapes. This area has been protected as a national park, drawing visitors with its pleasant climate, stunning nature, and extensive hiking opportunities. Paklenica is renowned as one of Europe’s premier hiking destinations.
The vast network of mountain trails and the hiking paradise that Velebit offers make it an irresistible reason to explore Croatia!