Nature Park Velebit

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Story of the Park

When looking at it from the air, the mountain of Velebit resembles a stone giant, a huge boundary between the land and the sea. It is a mix of karst dolines, mountain crests, sinkholes, ridges, rounded and sharp peaks, marked by captivating biodiversity and beauty. However, many will describe the mountain in a manner that has nothing to do with biology, geography or speleology. They will say that the mountain has invited them, and that it is the most powerful invitation they have ever received, made of silent stone.

Being on Velebit is the same as trying to jump over one’s own shadow. Namely, it is impossible to conquer the mountain. It exceeds anything that man could possibly achieve by physical strength and capability. Even those who have scaled the top peaks of Velebit will tell you that they are only just beginning to learn about the mountain. For many, Velebit is the place of encounter with oneself, and a genuine experience of freedom and harmony with nature. The mountain is not merely a path made of stone – it is a path of the soul.

Even though Velebit is astonishing in its biodiversity, when you ask people about the mountain, the first words you’ll hear them say will likely be about the experience of the mountain. It is beyond dispute that one part of that experience has to do with the beauty of unity and interaction of the plant and animal world, mountain peaks, the underground, cultural and historical heritage.

Velebit Nature Park is the most significant endemic focal point of the flora and terrestrial fauna in Croatia. There are 1,854 plant taxa recorded on Velebit, 79 of them endemic. That is precisely why this area is frequently referred to as a “center of endemism”. Habitats of these species include rocks and talus cones on the western slopes of Velebit, as well as the caves and the area around the rivers Krupa and Zrmanja, and mountain grasslands and pastures.

The best-known endemic species is certainly the Velebit degenia (Degenia velebitica). However, equally beautiful are the Croatian sibbirhaea (Sibiraea altaiensis ssp. Croatica), the Velebit bellflower (Campanula velebitica), the window bellflower (Campanula fenestrellata), Kitajbel's primrose (Primula kitaibeliana), and the Velebit dianthus (Dinthus velebiticus).

Forest habitats are predominant. Meadows and pastures are particularly important, as they safeguard biodiversity. Beech forests with large red dead nettle (Lamio orvalae – Fagetum) are the most widespread, and they are located in areas below the altitude threshold of 900 meters.

At altitudes exceeding 800 meters above sea level, one finds Dinaric beech and fir forests (Omphalodo Fagetum). Exceeding the 1000 meter altitude mark is the coastal beech forest with autumn moor grass (Seslerio autumnalis-Fagetum), growing on rocky plateaus. From that altitude, and all the way to the peaks at 1650 meters, there are subalpine forests of beech and hollyfern (Polystycho lonchitis-fagetum). These areas are covered in snow, with strong winds pounding the trees with considerable force.

Velebit is home to large carnivores: brown bear (Ursus arctos), wolf (Canis lupus) and lynx (Lynx lynx), and it is also a habitat of otters (Lutra lutra).

The Ornithological Institute of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts has singled out this area for the purposes of inclusion into the European Natura 2000 network, with as many as 18 bird species satisfying the strict criteria. The area includes nesting grounds of the ortolan bunting (Emberiza hortulana), capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), the Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum), boreal owl (Aegolius funereus) and the white-backed woodpecker (Dendrocopus leucotos).

Velebit Nature Park has its special underground story as well. It is truly exciting to replace daylight with cave complexes, usual landscapes with those hidden in the underground. The locality of Cerovačke Caves represents the largest cave complex in Croatia. It consists of three caves – the lower, middle and upper cave – with 5.5 kilometers of caves researched so far.

There is a simple rule that must be observed in caves – “look, but do not touch.” Priceless and irreparable damage would occur by negligence, if one were to touch the dripstone built by nature and patient dripping of water over a period spanning thousands of years.

It is astonishing to enter the ancient home of the cave bear (Ursus spelaeus). One feels as if entering an archaeological time machine of sorts; one moment, you are observing the peaks of Velebit, and in the very next moment, you travel back in time by thirty thousand years!

The cave bear was a true giant, reaching three meters in height when standing on rear feet, frequently at over one ton in weight. This bear species lived during the Ice Age, when the surface of Velebit looked quite different: the peaks were covered in ice, and the sea level was lower by roughly one hundred meters. What is covered by sea today used to be land; the islands were once mountain peaks, and wild cattle and horses were grazing the channels of Velebit covered in grass.

One cave hall actually got its name after the cave bear – Medvjeđa dvorana.

The lower cave of the Cerovac complex, that the locals refer to as the cave of Turkaljeva, is located approximately fifteen meters below the railway line. The length of all the channels researched within it exceeds 4,000 meters, and the tourist trail is about 700 meters long. After roughly 800 meters, the cave divides into two branches, one of which heads northwest. The key site of cave bear remains – Medvjeđa dvorana, or the Bear Hall – is located in that part of the cave complex. Another branch heads southwest, and represents the main channel that carried the water arriving from the field of Gračac back when the cave was an abyss carrying water, with an active hydrological and geological role.

The middle cave is located between the upper and the lower cave of the Cerovac cave complex. It is 92 meters deep, with the total channel length of 390 meters. It forms a very diverse speleological network.

The upper cave of the Cerovac complex is located approximately thirty meters above the railway line. The locals refer to it as Kesića Cave. So far, 1,290 meters have been researched, and the tourist trail is 700 meters long. A number of bone remains of the cave bear species (Ursus spelaeus) have been found here as well, together with other traces of bear presence in the darkness of the cave, such as the so-called bear “grinding”.

Cave halls are startlingly beautiful. One hall is referred to as the Paleolithic Hunter Hall, with anthropologically valuable remains of human bones and fragments from the Paleolithic period found in it.

Stalactites, stalagmites, pillars, curtains, flowstones, cascades and cave pearls are fascinating ornaments of the underworld, leaving no one indifferent. Long after you leave the cave, the strong impression remains, caused by the stunning underground world of the Velebit Nature Park.

One sea jewel of the Park is the cove of Zavratnica. It always manages to find its place on various lists of the most beautiful coves of the Adriatic.

It feels as if a small part of the coastline of the northern seas ended up in Croatia. The shape of Zavratnica reminds of a fjord, even though there have never been any glaciers here. Instead, torrents once rushed down the slopes of Velebit, and one canyon ended up submerged following the post-glacial rise of the sea water level. That is how the karst phenomenon of Zavratnica came about.

The length of the cove is approximately 800 meters. Towards the beginning of the 20th century, a path with a sightseeing point was built above the cove, together with the walking path along the coastline. Roughly around that time, Zavratnica became a hidden resort of the Viennese and Prague elite.

Many renowned people discovered the cove over the years. Well-known artists and scientists visited this area, and many who did so fell in love with Velebit. They include the Croatian writer

Vjenceslav Novak, who wrote many pages of the Croatian literature precisely in this cove. The blue of the sea, the grey of the Velebit rocks, sparse vegetation and thick shades of trees scattered here and there in the cove make Zavratnica and its colors immensely attractive.

Inexplicable beauty made this place the stuff of legends too. According to one legend, a horrible earthquake once struck the area, and three ancient Roman cities ended up submerged under the sea in one single night: Ortopla, Cissa and Lopsica. And Zavratnica was created out of these submerged cities.

Velebit Nature Park is a place where you can simultaneously head high into the clouds, and deep into the breathtaking underworld.

Natural Heritage

Velebit Nature Park is the biggest and the most complex protected area in Croatia, covering the key mountain in the country. Due to its value and significance for the conservation of biodiversity of our planet, the Nature Park became part of the UNESCO network Man and the Biosphere Programme. The value of this area can clearly be seen in the fact that the mountain of Velebit includes two National Parks – Paklenica and Northern Velebit – as well as the cove of Zavratnica as a significant landscape, the cave complex Cerovačke špilje as a geomorphological monument, the site of Velnačka glavica as a paleontological monument of nature, and Štirovača as a special forest vegetation reserve.

Velebit degenia is the best-known endemic species of the mountain’s remarkably diverse plant world, which also includes Velebit bellflower and Croatian sibbirhaea. The mountain of Velebit is also home to wolf, bear, lynx, chamois, golden eagle and many other animal species.

Velebit as biosphere reserve

Velebit Nature Park is the largest and the most complex protected area in the Republic of Croatia. In relief and vegetation terms, it covers the most important mountain of Croatia, but also of the Mediterranean. Due to its natural values and significance for the conservation of biodiversity of the planet, Velebit became part of the UNESCO network Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) in 1978.

Special natural values of the Nature Park are reflected in the fact that there are as many as two National Parks in the area of Velebit: Paklenica National Park and Northern Velebit National Park. On top of that, Velebit Nature Park includes a special forest vegetation reserve (Štirovača), a geomorphological nature monument (Cerovačke špilje), a significant landscape (cove of Zavratnica), a paleontological nature monument (Velnačka glavica), and a number of important relief and landscape units.

What is the MAB programme?

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched the Man and the Biosphere Programme back in 1970, as an intergovernmental scientific programme that aims to establish a balance between conserving biodiversity on the one hand and fulfilling the development needs of the local community on the other.

In 1974, a global network of areas representing the key ecosystems of the world started being developed within the Programme. These areas are aimed at protecting the genetic diversity as a prerequisite of biodiversity, and their ecosystems are researched and monitored, coupled with educational activities. The Network consists of Biosphere Reserves as internationally recognized areas within the UNESCO MAB Programme, promoting solutions aimed at achieving harmony between the protection of biodiversity and its sustainable use. Three fundamental functions of Biosphere Reserves are:

Conservation: these areas contribute to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variability;
Development: these areas promote economic and social development that is sustainable in social, cultural and ecologic terms;
Logistic Support: these areas ensure support to research, monitoring, education and information exchange regarding protection and sustainable development at the local, national and global level.

Plant world

Velebit Nature Park is undoubtedly the most important area of Croatia when it comes to the flora, and it is one of the most important centers of flora diversity in Europe. Complex abiotic and biotic factors, in synergy with distant and recent geological past and the presence of man in recent history, have resulted in an extraordinary and internationally recognized biological treasure. Considerable literature and rich plant collections gathered on Velebit have not yet been analyzed in full, which is why it is difficult to be precise concerning the numbers and the richness of the flora.

According to the existing data, there are 1,854 plant taxa on Velebit, 79 of them endemic. Such a large number of endemic taxa is the reason why Velebit is frequently referred to as a “center of endemism” in the region.

Habitats of special importance for endemic taxa include rocks and talus cones (on the western slopes of Velebit), caves, rivers (Krupa and Zrmanja), and mountain grasslands and pastures.

Endemic species of Velebit include the Velebit degenia (Degenia velebitica), Croatian sibbirhaea (Sibiraea altaiensis ssp. Croatica), Velebit bellflower (Campanula velebitica), window bellflower (Campanula fenestrellata), Kitajbel’s primrose (Primula kitaibeliana), and the Velebit dianthus (Dinthus velebiticus).

Velebit is also characterized by the intriguing flora growing in rocky habitats, such as the golden root (Rhodiola rosea), Croatian barberry (Berberis croatica), twoflower violet (Viola biflora), round-leaved saxifrage (Saxifraga rotundifolia), mountain avens (Dryas octopetala), edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum), and many other species.

In general terms, the prevailing habitats on Velebit are forests; mountain meadows and pastures scattered in them play a very important role in the conservation of overall biodiversity.

The most widespread forest communities in the mountain vegetation belt are beech forests with large red dead nettle (Lamio orvalae-Fagetum), encountered in areas below the altitude of 900 meters. Above the threshold of 800 meters, one finds Dinaric beech and fir forests (Omphalodo- Fagetum). Coastal beech forest with autumn moor grass (Seslerio autumnalis-Fagetum) grows on rocky plateaus exceeding the 1000 meter altitude mark. In the altitude zone between 1,100 and 1,650 meters, marked by abundant snow, brief vegetation periods and strong winds, one comes across subalpine forests of beech and hollyfern (Polystycho lonchitis-fagetum), with characteristically bent trees due to the pressure exerted by the long retention of snow.

The landscape of peak areas is marked by barren karst formations mixed with forest valleys and dry grassland areas.

Animal world

Three large carnivores can be encountered in the Nature Park: brown bear (Ursus arctos), lynx (Lynx lynx) and wolf (Canis lupus). Four medium-sized carnivore species in the area are wildcat (Felis sylvestris), the European badger (Meles meles), jackal (Canis aureus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Otter (Lutra lutra) lives in the rivers of Lika and Zrmanja. Bear is present in the Park in significant numbers. With the emigration of the local population and the resulting recovery of vegetation, favorable conditions for the survival of bear have been created on the littoral slopes of Velebit as well.

Wolf and lynx are endangered species listed in the IUCN Red List, and they are protected by law. Wolf, bear and lynx can be encountered in the entire Velebit Nature Park area, but also beyond the boundaries of the Park. Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) was introduced to Velebit thirty years ago. When it comes to herbivores, the most numerous species include roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), rabbit (Lepus europaeus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa); other species include red deer (Cervus elaphus), mouflon (Ovis Aries musimon) and fallow deer (Dama dama).

When it comes to small terrestrial vertebrates and bats, the following species live on Velebit according to the available data:

10 amphibian species;
26 reptile species;
23 small mammal species (insectivores and rodents);
23 bat species.

As part of the DInaric karst area, Velebit is extraordinarily important for species living in subterranean habitats, including 23 taxa endemic in Croatia, some of which are endemic at the level of Velebit.

In preparing the proposal for the Natura 2000 network, the Ornithological Institute of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts noted the importance of the ornithological area of Velebit, with the populations of 18 bird species satisfying the classification criteria for Natura 2000.

Velebit represents:

The most important nesting area of ortolan bunting (Emberiza hortulana) (1,500-2,500 pairs);
One of the most important nesting areas of capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) in Croatia;
One of the most important nesting areas of the Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum), boreal owl (Aegolius funereus) and white-backed woodpecker (Dendrocopus leucotos).

Research on the fauna of Velebit is far from over; new animal species continue to be discovered and described every year, in particular when it comes to subterranean fauna.

Climate

The mountain of Velebit is tremendously important for the development of weather and climate in the coastal area of Croatia and in the continental hinterland. Climate variations in the wider area are strongly pronounced even at the level of individual slopes of Velebit, depending on their inclination and position (Gajić-Čapka, 2003).

Velebit represents the main boundary between the Mediterranean and the continental climate; as a result, weather conditions on the mountain are quite unsettled and unstable, with frequent extremes. Mean annual air temperature on the main meteorological station of Zavižan (1,594 meters above sea level) is 3.5°C, growing by 0.7°C per 100 meters as one descends towards the sea level on the littoral side, and by 0.5°C per 100 meters on the continental side of the region of Lika. As a result, mean annual temperature in the coastal area is 14.8°C, and in Lika 8.5°C.

Microclimate in individual localities, conditioned by morphological and relief specifics of the terrain, plays an important role in the distribution of the flora and vegetation. Doline microclimate is very interesting due to temperature inversion – the upper edges of a doline tend to be warmer than its bottom. That is why abundant and diverse inverse vegetation abounds in karst depressions of the peak areas of Velebit.

The entire mountain space of Velebit is exposed to strong, frequently gale-force winds. The littoral slopes of Velebit and the coastal area of Podgorje are frequently exposed to strong gusts of bora (the northeastern wind blowing from Velebit towards the Adriatic), which frequently reaches gale force, in particular in mountain pass areas in wintertime.

The complexity of precipitation is one particular characteristic of the Nature Park area. Mean annual precipitation in the peak area of Velebit exceeds 3,000 mm, and the exposed area of southern Velebit receives the highest volume of precipitation (1,200-3,000 mm). The quantity of precipitation decreases from the southeast to the northwest. The border areas of Lika receive more precipitation (1,884 mm) than the littoral slopes of Velebit (1,188 mm ). Almost two thirds of precipitation are recorded in the winter half of the year. Local deviations are possible as well, caused by relief and altitude.

Due to the mixing of air masses with different temperatures along the mountain ridge representing the border between the littoral and the continental side, the peak area of Velebit is characterized by a relatively high number of foggy days (187 days per year).

In the area of Velebit, there are very many days with snow cover exceeding 30 centimeters. On the coastal slope of Velebit, the number of such days is almost negligible; however, the peak side of Northern Velebit has approximately 70 such days per year, rising to oven 100 days per year in the peak area of the southern part of Velebit. On the slope of Velebit facing the region of Lika, snow cover can last up to 20 to 40 days.

Human settlement and active living on Velebit have left many traces that represent valuable cultural heritage of the area today. This heritage includes the historical roads of Velebit, such as Karolinska, Terezijanska, Majstorska and Jozefinska, which are still in use today. One globally unique phenomenon that can be encountered in the area are mirila, stone monuments built on the spot where people would lay the deceased on the ground on their way to the cemetery and the burial. According to beliefs of the locals, the soul of the deceased would remain on mirilo, the place where he was put to rest on the ground along the way.

The epigraphic monument Written Stone testifies to the deep history of life on Velebit, together with numerous sites from ancient history and Classical antiquity, including hill forts, burial grounds, ancient towns, fortresses, mills, stone cisterns and watering places for livestock. Shepherds’ dwellings, or more precisely their remains, represent yet another special characteristic of the Park. The locals used these monolithic stone constructions as living spaces in the summer months, as they tended to livestock while it grazed in the mountain.

Cultural Heritage

The area of Velebit is specific for its rich architectural heritage and unique characteristics of tangible and intangible culture of the population living in mountain areas. The wider environment did not substantially impact upon the craftsmanship and architectural tradition. Due to isolation of the area, the inhabitants of Velebit relied upon their own experiences, accumulated over generations, creating a unique and original traditional folk architecture. Over the centuries, far from information sources, people thus created their own tangible culture, simple in its essence, and adapted to livestock as the main pillar of survival (dry stone walls, shepherd’s huts).

Dry stone walls were created by clearing the areas not suitable for cultivation, skillfully assembling stones one on top of the other without adding any binding material. Dry stone wall construction represents not only a valuable cultural and historical treasure, but also a habitat of various plant and animal species.

Most of the shepherd’s huts of Velebit were built from stone, their rectangular forms made of dry stone walls. Such huts in high altitudes consisted of one room without windows, with a fireplace in the middle and a support pillar for the roof construction. Shelters for livestock were built next to these huts.

Traditional architecture of Velebit is also reflected in the construction of sacral sites. Namely, most churches and chapels on Velebit were built similarly to shepherd’s huts, as constructions with a single internal space. Sacral sites reflect the importance of livestock breeding for the local population, which can be seen in many wows, some still maintained on the remains of church altars for traditional reasons.

The centuries of settlement and active life on Velebit have resulted in various facilities and monuments that represent the cultural heritage of the area today: the historical roads of Velebit (Karolinska Road, Theresiana, Majstorska Road, Josephina), mirila, “Written Stone”, as well as a number of prehistoric and antique localities, hill forts, burial grounds, hydroarchaeological findings, old towns and fortifications, water mills, stone cisterns and watering places for livestock.

Historical roads of Velebit

Velebit has always connected the coastal regions with the hinterland of Lika into an integral economic, cultural and historical unit. Its roads were used for the exchange of various goods. Road connections have therefore been of utmost importance, since the Classical antiquity until the present day.

Aiming to develop the economy, trade and transport, the Habsburg Monarchy built several important roads across Velebit in the 18th and 19th century. The constructors of roads were true experts, so most of these roads are still in use, with only an occasional reconstruction in the meantime.

Back when they were built, the roads of Velebit constituted a major step forward in terms of road quality, due to the fact that their surface was made of stone, with large stone edges, massive reinforcement walls, good road drainage and accompanying facilities, and road width was between four and six meters. The stone road surface was necessary in order to preserve the road against the destructive forces of precipitation waters and strong winds, as it would otherwise soon fall into disrepair.

Due to their good conservation and historical value, some of these roads have been proclaimed cultural goods of the Republic of Croatia.

Theresiana

It is one of the most important mountain passes built across Velebit with the aim of facilitating trade between the coastal areas and the mainland.

Theresiana was built in 1786, in order to better link the then military center of Gospić with the free port town of Karlobag, replacing the existing Karolinska Road and its challenging sharp bends and steep sections. The order to build a new, more modern road was issued by the then Austrian Emperor, Joseph II. The road was named after his mother, Maria Theresa.

The construction of the road was entrusted to the frontier officer Filip Vukasović, who later became a renowned builder of the Louisiana Road between the cities of Karlovac and Rijeka.

In 2007, Theresiana became part of the list of cultural goods of the Republic of Croatia.

In order to acquaint as many visitors as possible with the cultural value of Theresiana, the Public Institution in charge of the Velebit Nature Park built an educational trail on one section of the road. The trail is intended solely for walking, and it is particularly interesting due to the diversity of the area it passes through. Although only three kilometers long, the trail provides insight into both faces of Velebit in their full splendor.

Premužić Trail

This mountain trail, 57 kilometers long, connects the peak areas of northern and central Velebit, from the area of Zavižan to Baške Oštarije. It is named after its designer, Ante Premužić, a renowned constructor of paths and trails on Velebit.

The construction of the trail made it possible to approach the most inaccessible and beautiful parts of Velebit, known only to very few inhabitants prior to the trail. It took merely three years (from 1930 to 1933) to construct the trail, and the works were performed by many inhabitants of the villages on both sides of Velebit.

Since there are no steep climbs, even people unaccustomed to mountain climbing can pass the trail. They can rest in several mountain lodges located near the trail.

Due to its quality of construction and the way it blends into the natural environment, this trail is considered to be a masterpiece of construction. That is precisely why it became part of the list of cultural goods of the Republic of Croatia in 2009.

Majstorska Road

Another historical road of Velebit included in the list of cultural goods of the Republic of Croatia (in 2007) is the so-called Majstorska Road.

The construction of this road across Velebit built on the route Sveti Rok – Mali Alan – Obrovac began in 1825, with the aim of shortening the travel time to Dalmatia. It is the road where the renowned builder of mountain roads, frontier officer Josip Kajetan Knežić, began his independent career.

The construction of this 41-kilometer long road was completed in 1832, when the opening ceremony was held, and the road was named Majstorska cesta, or Master’s Road. Namely, the manner in which J.K. Knežić designed the route along the steep slopes of Velebit, with numerous hairpin bends between the canyons and the peaks, represented a masterful achievement in road construction. The maximum inclination of the road was 5.5%, which is within limits of even the current regulations on road construction. Since its beginnings, this new road of Velebit was used not only for trade, but also for postal transport between Vienna and Zadar.

The road passes next to a significant geomorphological locality of Tulove grede – a pronounced group of vertical limestone blocks, peaks and towers.

Extremely difficult conditions in which the road was built, including the need to drill through hard rock using modest technical means and machines that were available to builders in those days, resulted in a legend of the construction of Majstorska Road. According to it, workers would frequently approach officer Knežić to complain that it is simply impossible to push one’s way through the mountain. – How about if I promised you one kilo of gold in return for one kilo of stone? Would you be able to build the road then? – officer Knežić once asked the workers. – Well... we suppose we could – the workers replied. And so the road was built.

At least that is what the legend says. The fact of the matter, however, is that officer Knežić had to endure heavy criticism from the Viennese court, because the costs of construction were deemed excessive.

Mirila

There are several preserved groups of mirila in the area of Velebit. These monuments to the dead were built as part of funeral customs of the locals in the past. Due to the distances between parish churches and respective cemeteries in the area, the deceased sometimes had to be carried on a long voyage. All groups of mirila are located along the paths leading towards the sea, and they would typically be built halfway from the settlement to the cemetery.

Despite major distances that needed to be crossed, which entailed the hard work of carrying the deceased, it was not permitted to put the body to the ground in order to get some rest. Instead, the villagers would take shifts in the duty of carrying the dead, in order to cover the required distance in accordance with the custom.

In this procession from the household of the deceased to the graveyard, it was permitted to stop for rest, and lay the deceased on the ground only once – on a place that would become mirilo. It was there that the deceased would be “measured”: two stone plates would be used to record the position of the head and the feet. Mirilo would be built only after the burial.

For the people of Velebit, the monuments of mirila were an important aspect of their culture. They represented an expression of a cult of the dead, and they were in fact more important than the gravesite where the deceased is actually buried. Following the burial, the deceased would no longer be visited, nor would anyone come to the graveyard until someone else’s passing. This custom partly originates from the frequently considerable distances between mountain settlements and local cemeteries; on top of that, however, it was believed that a grave contains only the body, and not the soul, for the soul “stays on mirilo”.

Being such important symbols of the memory of the deceased, people frequently visited mirila and took care of their maintenance.

This custom lasted until the 1950s, and then it disappeared.

In December 2007, the Croatian Ministry of Culture reached a Decision granting the funeral customs connected with mirila the status of intangible cultural goods.

Near the settlement of Starigrad-Paklenica, there are two educational trails leading through eight conserved sites containing mirila. The first trail is one kilometer away from the center of Starigrad-Paklenica, and the second trail is located at the village of Ljubotić (drivers should leave the state road at the settlement of Tribanj Kruščica).

"Inscribed Stone" (1st to 4th century)

Epigraphic monument Inscribed Stone is located above the settlement of Kosinjski Bakovac in the forest of Begovača, next to the water source of Begovača. It originates from the period between the 1st and the 4th century, and includes an inscription in Latin on a rock, by which the tribe of Parentini from the area of Kosinj permitted access to water of the source of Begovača to members of the Iapodian tribe Ortoplini.

The following text was inscribed on the stone: “EX CONVENTIONE FINIS INTER ORTHOPLINOS ET PARENTINOS ADITUS AD AQUAM VIVAM ORTHOPLINIS D PASSUS LATUS.”

In other words: “Pursuant to the border agreement between the Ortoplini and the Parentini, the Ortoplini are granted access to live water five hundred steps wide.”

Legend of the Kude's bridge

In the 19th century, in the village of Golubić, lived a man called Kude. He would frequently come down to the river Krupa, using the paths that his ancestors fought hard to build, so that they could access their land along the river. The Krupa River meant life in such a harsh and barren rocky landscape.

And so Kude once came to the river, and gazing across it, he saw a beautiful girl with long black hair watching over her sheep. That was a place where the river passed through a series of cascades, returning back to its calm flow down below. That was also the place where Kude built his mill. As he waited for his wheat to grind, he thought about beautiful Mande on the other side of the river.

As time went by, Kude started crossing the river Krupa more and more frequently, jumping from one stone of the cascade to the next, as Mande waited him to come to her to the other side, impressed and terrified. Mande was afraid of the cascades and did not dare cross the Krupa. She admired Kude’s fearlessness.

Kude asked for Mande’s hand. Her father accepted the idea of marriage, but they had to wait for a couple of more years, for Mande was very young, and not yet ready for marriage. Kude wowed to build a bridge while waiting for Mande to become his wife, so that his beloved one and the wedding procession could safely cross the river.

And so, an amazing work of human hands was made: a bridge with twelve arches built from tufa blocks and as many stone pillars, connecting the two banks of the Krupa River.

Enamored Kude eventually brought her beautiful Mande to Golubić, and they lived happily ever after. The bridge still stands, as a testimony to unconditional love and human perseverance.

Author: Arhiva PP Velebit

Author: Blanka Vrgoč

Author: Arhiva PP Velebit

Hiking/walking

Velebit hiking trails are favorite destinations of visitors, and one of the Park trademarks. There are 14 trails available in the Nature Park in total, ranging from easy to difficult, and allowing a wide range of visitors to directly experience the mountain and its surroundings. Hiking footwear and clothes are needed for all these trails, as well as sufficient quantity of drinking water. Make sure to check the weather forecast prior to hiking.

Štirovača – Jovanović padež – Šatorina

This hiking trail (marked route) takes us along an asphalt road from the water source at Štirovača to Jovanović padež (2 kilometers), where we turn right to a gravel road. After 800 meters, we leave the road and hike through the forest in a gentle climb to the mountain glade of Dokozina plan (1250 m.a.s.l.), where we reach a forest road.

After 100 meters, we leave the road again, passing through the forest along a trail in good condition. In the final 20 minutes of hiking, the trail is no longer in shade; instead, we hike along a glade covered in grass all the way to the top. Šatorina is the highest peak of the central area of Velebit, offering a magnificent view on all sides, including the sea and the entire ridge of Velebit, all the way to the region of Lika and the mountains of Bosnia. View of the valley of Štirovača and the magnificent coniferous forest is particularly impressive. Šatorina was named after the Croatian word for tent, given the peculiar shape of its elongated, grass-covered peak.

Trail length: 8.5 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 510 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November (depending on weather conditions)

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Recommended equipment: Hiking footwear is required. Clothes should be adjusted to the season and weather conditions (waterproof clothes; rain and sun protection). Hikers should take food and drinking water with them.

Availability of drinking water: Water source at Štirovača

Kugina kuća – Težakovačko vrilo – Šatorinski doci – Šatorina

The second trail leading to the peak of Šatorina begins at the mountain hut Kugina kuća, and passes next to the water source of Težakovac. Initially, the route takes us along a forest road for approximately 2 kilometers. After that, the trail leads through the forest in a rather steep climb, until we come near the peak. This is where the route reaches mountain slopes covered in grass and the main trail leading to the peak.

Trail length: 4.4 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 400 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November (depending on weather conditions)

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Water cistern at Kugina kuća; Težakovačko vrilo

Premužić Trail – Ograđenica – Šatorina

Šatorina can also be reached from the Premužić Trail. The route first leads to the mountain shelter Ograđenica, and then it continues through the forest along a trail in good condition, until we reach a forest road. After 50 meters, we turn right into the forest, where the route quickly reaches the main trail that leads from Štirovača towards Šatorina.

Trail length: 3.4 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 270 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November (depending on weather conditions)

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Not available

Vranjkova draga – Veliki Kozjak

The trail begins at the Krasno – Štirovača county road, at the branch leading towards Vranjkova draga. Initially, the route takes us along a gravel forest road towards Vranjkova draga, continuing partly through the forest, and partly along the road. We pass next to the Vranjkovac hunting lodge and across a meadow, further on into the forest. After that, what follows is one more road section of the route. Finally, at the mountain pass below Obli kuk, we turn right through the forest and continue all the way to the peak, reached in approximately one hour of hiking.

Kozjak (1629 m.a.s.l.) is one of the most impressive peaks of Velebit, with its high rocks steeply rising above the green surface of the forest. Due to its solitary position compared to other peaks, it offers a magnificent view of the Velebit massif and of the plains of Lika.

Trail length: 5 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 440 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November (depending on weather conditions)

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Not available

Lubenovac – Veliki Kozjak

One alternative to the standard route is to start hiking from Veliki Lubenovac, at the parking lot, continuing next to the pond of Lubenovačka ruja. As we proceed along the route, we cross the road leading through the forest, and continue hiking until we reach the mountain pass below Obli kuk, where the route connects with the trail leading from Vranjkova draga.

Trail length: 2.6 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 314 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November (depending on weather conditions)

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Not available

Premužić Trail section from Baške Oštarije to Veliki Alan

The Premužić Trail begins in a beech forest below the peak of Badanj at the hamlet of Stupačinovo (Baške Oštarije), taking us all the way to Zavižan in the northern area of Velebit. The section of the trail leading from Veliki Alan to Zavižan is part of the Northern Velebit National Park, and the remaining section of the trail is located in the Velebit Nature Park. From Stupačinovo to Dabarska kosa, the trail passes through beech forest without any climbs.

At Dabarska kosa, the trail cuts across the Sušanj – Štirovača road. This is where the trail continues towards the site of Skorpovac, which used to be inhabited in the past, and now serves as mountain shelter. The trail continues further northwards, passing above the abandoned villages of Radlovac and Mlinište in the direction of Veliki Alan. There are no major elevation differences on this trail. Hikers can also start their tour from Veliki Alan.

Trail length: 30 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 400 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November (depending on weather conditions)

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Water cistern at the Skorpovac mountain shelter. There is the water source Korita above the locality of Mlinište; however, it sometimes runs dry in the summertime. Hikers are therefore recommended to take drinking water with them.

Note: This section of the trail requires two days of hiking. You can find accommodation in mountain huts and shelters near the trail (Skorpovac, Ravni Dabar, Kugina kuća, Ograđenica, Alan).

Budakovo brdo – Bačić kuk

Starting from Skorpovac, the route first takes hikers southwards along the Premužić Trail. It then proceeds along a path branching to the left along a stone wall. The route then ascends through the forest along the slope of Budakovo brdo, towards its ridge. After one hour of hiking, we leave the forest and reach mountain meadows, passing to the right below the peak of Budakovo brdo (1317 m.a.s.l.).

From this peak onwards, the trail descends to the mountain pass between Budakovo brdo and Soline. This is where we immediately cross to the left side of Soline into the forest. In 15 minutes of hiking, we reach the mountain pass under the peak of Bačić kuk. This trail mostly passes through mountain meadows, offering wonderful views of the sea and the peak of Bačić kuk (1304 m.a.s.l.), the highest peak in the series of peaks called Dabarski kukovi. This particular peak offers a splendid vista of Dabarski kukovi, spanning for 10 kilometers all the way to Baške Oštarije.

Trail length: 4.5 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 240 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November (depending on weather conditions)

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Not available

Baške Oštarije – Kiza

From the end of Stupačinovo (a hamlet of Baške Oštarije), we proceed along a gravel road in the direction of Jadičevac. The markings soon take us to the left in a steep bend in the direction of Kiza. The trail passes through beech forest and picturesque mountain meadows surrounded by the rocky landscape of Dabarski kukovi. After approximately 45 minutes of hiking, we reach the base of the peak of Kiza (1278 m.a.s.l.), which offers a majestic view of the ridge of Dabarski kukovi that extends all the way to Bačić kuk.

Trail length: 3.6 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 262 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November (depending on weather conditions)

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Not available

Baške Oštarije – Ljubičko brdo

The route begins in Baške Oštarije, at the church of St. Elizabeth. It proceeds along a village road in the direction of Ljubičko brdo. After entering the forest, the markings take a sharp left turn uphill. The trail passes through beech forest, and then exits to the beginning of a karst slope covered in shrubs. As we reach the area of grasslands, we climb along it to the ridge and finally to the peak (1320 m.a.s.l.).

Trail length: 3.5 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 406 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November (depending on weather conditions)

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Not available

Baške Oštarije – Sadikovac

The climb begins at D 25 state road (Karlobag – Gospić), at the entrance to Baške Oštarije from the direction of Gospić, not far from a lay-by where you can leave your car. In the beginning of the climb, markings take us into a dense beech forest. The trail gradually ascends, and then sharply turns left after one kilometer. We come to a skid trail and continue along it for one more kilometer. We then briefly hike through the forest, before coming to a ridge covered in grass. We continue along the ridge and the clearly visible path on it, until we again enter into the forest to the right side of the ridge. This ridge offers pleasant views in all directions.

The route continues with a somewhat steeper ascent through rocky terrain. After 15 minutes, we come to a flatter ridge covered in grass, with a clearly visible path that leads to the peak on the other side of the ridge. Veliki Sadikovac is located at 1286 meters above sea level. Approximately 50 meters before reaching the peak, there is a karst pit right next to the trail - be cautious!

Trail length: 3.5 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 360 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November (depending on weather conditions)

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Not available

Rizvanuša – Visočica

The starting point of this route is the village of Rizvanuša, which can be reached by car along an asphalt road to the end of the road and the last houses in the village. The route continues along a gravel road to the old quarry of Pizdica, and proceeds to an intersection (1.4 kilometers away from the end of the asphalt section). At the intersection, the road proceeding uphill to the right leads to Visočica. We will take the left turn along a gravel road in poor condition in the direction of Divoselo. From the signpost to Visočica via Delukino vrelo, we continue for approximately 4.5 kilometers along the gravel road in poor condition, until we reach Delukino vrelo in one hour of hiking. From that point onwards, we hike along a wonderful route passing through the so-called "sunny side" of the beech forest for one hour, until we reach a forest road.

Hike from that point to the peak of Visočica takes approximately two hours. The route partly follows the forest road, and partly the trail steeply ascending below Samari, finally reaching Jandrina poljana. The route then continues through the area of Krivi gaj to the shelter at 1460 m.a.s.l. below the peak of Visočica. From that point, it takes approximately half an hour of hiking to reach the peak of Visočica itself, at 1620 m.a.s.l.

Trail length: 10.5 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 1050 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November (depending on weather conditions)

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Water cistern at the shelter

Ljubotić – Stap

The starting point of this route is the camping site in the village of Ljubotić. Hikers arriving by car should park in front of the entrance to the camping site, which is also the spot where the trail markings begin. There are two marked routes leading to Stap from that point: one route taking hikers through Zagon, and another through Livodice. The path through Zagon is somewhat shorter, and both of these routes reconnect after approximately one and a half hours of hiking. The following description covers the climb through Livodice.

There is a marked hiking trail leading towards the valley of Rastovci. A new gravel road was constructed along the edge of this valley, leading to Livodice. In this part of the climb along the gravel road, hikers should pay attention to a poorly marked right turn!

From Livodice onwards, there is a relatively steep climb to a mountain pass offering a pleasant view of the sea and the bridge connecting the island of Pag and the mainland. After the mountain pass, the route enters the forest, passing around several karst valleys along a less steep climb. Finally, we reach the karst valley of Stap, with the mountain shelter Tatekova koliba (960 m.a.s.l.) on its northern edge.

Trail length: 6 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 660 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November (depending on weather conditions)

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Water source near the shelter

Prezid – Crnopac shelter – Crnopac

In the area of Prezid (9 kilometers away from Gračac), we reach the highest point of the Gračac – Obrovac road. Some 500 meters after that point, we come across a tunnel 160 meters long. When arriving from Gračac, the route towards the Crnopac shelter begins 1200 meters before the Prezid tunnel, on the spot where a mountain road branches to the left. Hikers arriving by car can drive along that mountain road for approximately 4 more kilometers, until they reach a turnaround. The route turning right from that spot takes 20 minutes of hiking through the forest to the shelter (hiking from the main road to the shelter would take 2 hours).

The climb from the shelter to the peak takes over 2 hours, and it is rather difficult. The peak offers a panoramic view of the region of Lika and Ravni kotari. We recommend you to return to the road by taking an easier route requiring two and a half hours. This route branches to the left slightly below the peak during descent. It continues descending along a littoral slope of the mountain, and finally reaches the Gračac – Obrovac road 100 meters away from the Prezid tunnel. The climb and descent along these two routes take 6 hours in total.

Trail length: 9.2 km

Trail difficulty: Difficult

Elevation difference: 580 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November (depending on weather conditions)

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Not available

Put Malog Princa (Little Prince Trail)

The trail called Put Malog Princa (Little Prince Trail) begins in the vicinity of the Crnopac shelter, and proceeds to the first intersection. What follows is a marked route leading to Bili kuk and the Little Prince Trail to the right. The trail first descends through a dense beech forest into a sinkhole, and then it ascends to the next intersection. This is where the Little Prince Trail begins. This trail abounds with amazing and unique stone shapes. The entire trail is marked by names denoting individual sections of the trail: Dvori, Konoba, Dvorska vrata, Niska vrata, Zdenkova jama, Šušnjevac, Slipi klanac, Podkuk, Papratnjak, Tisni klanac, Krivi klanac, Tonkina vrata, Stankina vrata, Kičma, and finally Nebeska vrata.

After passing the locality of Nebeska vrata, we continue along a forest path that soon brings us to an intersection of trails: the right branch leads to Kita Gaćešina, and the left branch leads to Bili kuk. We continue hiking below the peak of Bili kuk. Hikers who wish to climb this peak should take a left turn after approximately one half of the distance from this intersection to the point where the Little Prince Trail begins.

The distance from this point to the beginning of the Little Prince Trail and to the intersection where one trail branches to the shelter is approximately 200 meters.
This trail is rather demanding, and it requires good fitness level, mountaineering experience and climbing skills. Even though the diameter of the trail is only 600 meters, passing it takes more than 3 to 4 hours of hiking, depending on how much time is spent on sightseeing, photographing and enjoying its unique beauty. The trail is secured with pegs, cables and ladders in all dangerous locations.

Trail length: 2.5 km

Trail difficulty: Difficult

Elevation difference: 120 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November (depending on weather conditions)

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Not available

Rocky peaks of Velebit are appreciated and favorite destinations for experienced hikers and rock climbers. Agin kuk, Rujičin kuk and Čelina kuk are open for climbing from April until November. These long climbing routes require knowledge, experience and good equipment.

Visibaba/Agin kuk

Long climbing routes

Number of routes: 6

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November

Route grade: From 5c+ to 6c+

Čelina kuk

Long climbing routes

Number of routes: 3

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November

Route grade: From 6a to 7a+

Rujičin kuk

Long climbing routes

Number of routes: 17

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November

Route grade: From 4c to 6c+

Cerovačke Caves are located in the southern part of the Velebit Nature Park. They represent the best known and most significant speleological sites in Croatia. Initial 700 meters of this cave complex, consisting of the caves Donja špilja and Gornja špilja, have been adapted for tourist visits. The caves are rich in archaeological remains and findings from ancient history, and significant cave bear remains have been found on the site as well.

Cerovačke špilje (Cerovačke Caves)

Cerovačke špilje – Cerovačke Caves – are located in the southern part of the Velebit Nature Park, and they represent some of the best known and most important speleological phenomena in Croatia. The complex consists of three caves (Donja špilja, Srednja špilja and Gornja špilja), with over four kilometers of explored channels. The first 700 meters of the caves of Donja špilja and Gornja špilja are adapted for tourist visits.

These caves are extraordinarily rich in findings from ancient history. In addition to many archaeological findings discovered in it, this cave complex also represents one of the major sites with cave bear remains in Croatia. Traces of so-called bear "grinding", caused by their movement along the edges of the caves, can still be seen on the rocks.

Cerovačke Caves are located 4 kilometers away from Gračac along the road leading towards Knin. If you arrive along the motorway, you need to take the Sveti Rok exit. The route from Sveti Rok to Gračac is 25 kilometers long.

Length: Tourists can visit the section of Donja špilja and Gornja špilja 700 meters long.

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Temperature: 5°C (Donja špilja) and 8°C (Gornja špilja)

Duration: Tour of one cave takes 1.5 hours, and tour of both caves takes 3 hours (including the time required for walking from the site entrance to the caves).

Note: Comfortable footwear and warm clothes are required, given the fact that the temperature in the caves is approximately 5°C in Donja špilja and 8°C in Gornja špilja throughout the year.

Contact info for reservations and additional information:

00385 (0)53 560 450
00385 (0)99 814 4724
[email protected]

Fishing is possible on the rivers Zrmanja and Ričica, subject to obtaining a fishing license. This activity is particularly appealing due to wild trout in the area. Anglers can also fish at the lake of Štikada, where trout is available too – again subject to permit.

Lake Štikada

Fish habitats:

Trout, rainbow trout, tench, carp

Ričica River

Fish habitats:

Trout, rainbow trout, tench, carp

Zrmanja River

Fish habitats:

Trout, rainbow trout, tench, carp

Rafting is becoming increasingly popular. Just like canoe rides, it is available only in one section of the Zrmanja River, from the bridge in the settlement of Kaštel Žegarski to the railway bridge at Muškovci. One should rely upon expert guidance and take into account the river water level. In periods of low water level, when boats might endanger the Zrmanja biotope and the tufa creation process, rafting and canoe trips cannot take place.

Boat trips and rentals

Rafting and canoe trips are available only in the section of the Zrmanja River from the bridge in the center of the settlement of Kaštel Žegarski to the railway bridge at Muškovci. In periods when the water level drops to such an extent that the passage of vessels might directly endanger or damage the Zrmanja biotope, in particular the tufa creation process, rafting and canoe trips cannot take place.

Duration: Approx. 3 hours

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November

Suitable for individual / group visits: Group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Note: Rafting and canoe trips on the Zrmanja River are organized by agencies that have concession agreements for such activities with the Velebit Nature Park Public Institution. For all information and arrangements in connection with these activities, please contact the following agencies directly:

Riva Rafting Centar d.o.o. ([email protected]; 00385 (0)23 689 920)

Raftrek Travel d.o.o. ([email protected]; 00385 (0)1 652 1666).

There are four educational trails in the Park. The Kude's Bridge trail leads to the most beautiful part of the Krupa River, where tufa cascades became foundations for Kude's Bridge built across them. This is the oldest preserved crossing of the Krupa River built in dry stone wall technique. Zavratnica educational trail leads us to the cove of Zavratnica – a significant landscape and one of the most beautiful coves of the Adriatic. The third trail leads from Starigrad Senjski to Donja Klada, acquainting visitors with traditional stone architecture. The fourth trail is Theresiana – part of the old Austro-Hungarian road from the 18th century.

Theresiana

Educational trail Theresiana is part of an old Austro-Hungarian road built in 1786, in order to better link the towns of Gospić and Karlobag. The educational trail begins at Baške Oštarije (924 m.a.s.l.) and descends to the viewpoint above the village of Konjsko (655 m.a.s.l.). It is 3 kilometers long. This tour is relatively long, and takes approximately two and a half to three hours.

One additional available hiking tour takes approximately one hour and a half. The first third of the route (to Oštarijsko Ždrilo) is the same as the Theresiana route. After that, what follows is an easy ascent to the peak of Debela kosa (972 m.a.s.l.). The climb is not demanding, and does not require a substantial fitness level. The route then proceeds along the ridge of Debela kosa, offering magnificent views of the Adriatic and the island of Pag on one side, and of the valley of Baške Oštarije on the other. Finally, the trail descends to the mountain pass of Oštarijska vrata. In 2007, the Ministry of Culture declared the Theresiana Road a protected cultural object.

Trail length: Short tour: 2.5 km; long tour: 3.5 km

Duration: Short walking tour: 1.5 hours; long tour: 2.5 – 3 hours

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November (depending on weather conditions)

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Trail type:

Short tour: forest path (60%), hiking trail (40%).

Long tour: forest path (30%), neglected dirt road (70%).

Number of interpretation panels: 7

Note: The trail is a hiking trail only. There is also a possibility for taking a longer tour: if you do not wish to take the same route back to Baške Oštarije, you need to arrange for a car pickup at Sušanj Cesarički.
For visitors interested in shorter tour: it is possible to get back to the starting point by taking the loop trail passing below Debela kosa and exiting to Oštarijsko Ždrilo and Theresiana.

Kude's Bridge

A visit to the educational trail Kudin most (Kude's Bridge) enables visitors to reach the most beautiful part of the Krupa River, with its majestic tufa cascades.

The educational trail leading from the village of Golubić to Kude's Bridge itself offers amazing views of the turquoise Krupa River and its tufa barrier called Deveterac. This particular tufa phenomenon was named after nine tufa cascades ending with a tall cascade and Kude's Bridge on it. This bridge is the oldest preserved crossing of the Krupa River. It was built in dry stone wall technique at the turn of the 19th century. It consists of 12 arches made from tufa blocks and 12 stone pillars. The bridge is protected as a cultural monument.

Trail length: 1.6 km (return along the same route)

Duration: 2 hours

Elevation difference: 170 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November (depending on weather conditions)

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Trail type: Hiking trail (100%)

Number of interpretation panels: 4

Starigrad Senjski – Donja Klada

You can start your tour of this trail in Starigrad, or in the settlement of Donja Klada. Visitors arriving from Senj should take the Adriatic Highway southwards, and then turn right towards Donja Klada after 24 kilometers, or towards Starigrad after 26 kilometers. The trail is approximately one meter wide. In addition to enjoying fresh air and getting acquainted with natural and cultural values of the region, visitors can also enjoy a pleasant view of the nearby islands of Rab and Goli otok. The trail was built by the locals in the past – just like most inhabitants of the littoral area of the mountain, they were quite skillful in carving stone and using it as building material. One can witness this skill every step of the way – when looking at houses, water cisterns, roads and paths, as well as dry stone walls.

In the first part of the route from Starigrad, there is a branch leading to an old hill fort. Good sheltered position of this hill fort attracted settlers from ancient history and classical antiquity to the medieval period and modern times, as testified by numerous remains of tangible heritage.

Trail length: 2.5 km (return along the same route)

Duration: 2 hours

Elevation difference: 0 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November (depending on weather conditions)

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Trail type: Stone walking trail along the sea (100%)

Number of interpretation panels: 4

Note: The trail is a hiking trail only. It is part of the trail connecting the settlements of Starigrad Senjski and Lukovo (10 kilometers long). The trail passes through a series of picturesque coves with old fishing settlements.

Zavratnica

Due to its natural values, the cove of Zavratnica was declared a significant landscape back in 1964. Visitors can reach Zavratnica by taking a walking trail along the sea from the direction of Jablanac, and they can also reach it by descending to the cove along a hiking trail from the village of Zavratnica.
You can learn more about the phenomenon of this significant landscape if you take the trail equipped with several educational panels that leads to a viewpoint above the cove.

Trail length:

1.8 km (Jablanac- Zavratnica)

800 m (Village of Zavratnica - Zavratnica)

Duration: 15 minutes

Elevation difference: 150 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year (depending on weather conditions)

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Trail type: Stone walking trail along the sea (100%)

Number of interpretation panels: 4

There are eight guided tours on offer, all leading to various attractions of the mountain of Velebit. These tours include historical roads passing through Velebit, the area of Baške Oštarije, Ravni Dabar, Badanj and Kiza, as well as attractive rocky peaks of Velebit. One of the tours leads to the cave complex of Cerovačke špilje as well. All these tours require hiking clothes and footwear, and visitors should check the recommended time of year for visit.

Educational trail Theresiana (long tour)

The educational trail begins at Baške Oštarije (924 m.a.s.l.), on the old Theresiana Road, behind the old school building (currently serving as hostel). The trail descends to the area above the village of Konjsko (655 m.a.s.l.), and it is 3.5 kilometers long.

Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Recommended equipment: Hiking footwear is required. Clothes should be adjusted to the season and weather conditions (waterproof clothes; rain and sun protection). Visitors should take drinking water with them.

Educational trail Theresiana (short tour)

The route of the trail follows the Theresiana route to the site of Oštarijsko Ždrilo. What follows is an easy ascent to the peak of Debela kosa (972 m.a.s.l.). The climb is not demanding, and does not require a substantial fitness level. The tour then proceeds in a brief walk along the ridge of Debela kosa, offering magnificent views of the Adriatic and the island of Pag on one side, and of the valley of Baške Oštarije on the other. Finally, the trail descends to the Kubus viewpoint and the mountain pass of Oštarijska vrata. The trail is 2.5 kilometers long.

Duration: 1.5 hours

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Baške Oštarije – Kiza

From the center of Baške Oštarije, we proceed towards the hamlet of Stupačinovo, and a marked trail leads from there to the peak of Kiza (1278 m.a.s.l.). This peak is one of the most attractive peaks in the area of Dabarski kukovi. The trail passes through beech forest and picturesque mountain meadows surrounded by the rocks of Dabarski kukovi.

Duration: 2.5 hours

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Prpić polje – Badanj

This loop hiking trail leads to the massif of Badanj (1079 m.a.s.l.) from the direction of the hamlet of Prpići (924 m.a.s.l., Baške Oštarije). At 1079 meters above sea level, hikers can enjoy a view of the most interesting peaks of the central area of Velebit (Šatorina, Basača, Velinac, Prikinuto brdo and Budakovo brdo, Dabarski kukovi, etc.) and of the island of Pag. The trail then descends towards Veliki Papratnjak and the Premužić Trail, which leads to Baške Oštarije and the starting point.

Duration: 3 hours

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Stupačinovo – Ravni Dabar

The route to Ravni Dabar mostly passes along the Premužić Trail, and it leads from the hamlet of Stupačinovo (Baške Oštarije) to Dabarska kosa (943 m.a.s.l.). There are no climbs on that part of the route, so people unaccustomed to hiking can pass it too. From Dabarska kosa onwards, the trail descends to the mountain lodge in Ravni Dabar (723 m.a.s.l.) Ravni Dabar is a wide karst valley located in the central part of Dabarski kukovi, which was inhabited in the past.

Duration: 6 hours

Recommended time of year for visit: May to October

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Educational trail Kude's Bridge

The tour begins in the village of Golubić, and descends along the trail to the canyon of the Krupa River and the centuries-old Kude's Bridge. Visitors taking this route can enjoy many wonderful vistas of the course of the Krupa River.

Duration: Up to 3 hours

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Baške Oštarije – Ljubičko brdo

The tour begins in Baške Oštarije, at the church of St. Elizabeth. It proceeds along a village road in the direction of Ljubičko brdo. After entering the forest, the markings take a sharp left turn uphill. The trail passes through beech forest, and then exits to the beginning of a karst slope covered in shrubs. As we reach the area of grasslands, we climb along it to the ridge and finally to the peak (1320 m.a.s.l.).

Duration: 3 hours

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Cerovačke Caves

Entrance to the site of Cerovačke Caves is located 4 kilometers away from Gračac, at the base of the peak of Crnopac. From the site entrance (parking lot at the defunct motel), visitors then climb along a trail leading to the caves of Donja špilja (the climb along the forest path takes approximately 15 minutes) and Gornja špilja (additional 10 minutes of climbing). 700 meters of both caves are open for visits.

Duration: 1.5 hours for one cave; 3 hours for both caves

Recommended time of year for visit: April to November

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Recommended equipment: Comfortable footwear and warm clothes are required, given the fact that the temperature in the caves is approximately 5°C in Donja špilja and 8°C in Gornja špilja throughout the year.

Not far from Gospić, we come across the Rizvan City – an adventure excursion center in the small village of Rizvanuša, in the region of Lika. Attractive adventure activities are on offer, as well as accommodation in traditional houses of Lika or at the camping site. Catering services are available too.

Mountain lodge - Ravni Dabar

Mountain lodge Ravni Dabar (723 m.a.s.l.) is located below the immense rocky peak of Čelinac, making this site extraordinarily picturesque. The lodge is an excellent starting point for excursions to Dabarski kukovi. It has a cistern for water supply. The ground floor consists of the dining area, bathroom facilities, kitchen and caretaker's premises, and the entire attic serves as dormitory.

Important information:

Altitude: 713 m.a.s.l.

Number of beds: 50

Opening times: by arrangement

Facility supplies: partially supplied

Facility managed by: Industrogradnja Zagreb

Contact:

Contact person: Mile Prpić

00385 (0)53 633 016
00385 (0)91 754 8027

Vladimir Fabijanović

00385 (0)1 634 7803
00385 (0)91 517 7789

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Mountain lodge - Prpa

Mountain lodge Prpa is actually a settlement at the edge of the valley of Oštarije, consisting of several bungalows built and equipped by Vlado Prpić from the mountaineering society HPD Prpa. Each bungalow on the property has its own name (Basača, Kiza, etc.), and bungalows are equipped in a creative manner. The bungalows are open permanently, and offer overnight accommodation.

Important information:

Altitude: 935 m.a.s.l.

Number of beds: 40

Opening times: permanently

Facility supplies: no supplies

Facility managed by: HPD Prpa, Baške Oštarije

Contact:

Contact person: Vlado Prpić

00385 (0)53 674 012

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Mountain hut - Sijaset

Mountain hut Sijaset is located in the bottom of the deeply cut Sijasetska valley, and it is surrounded by an amazing black pine forest. This facility made of brick includes a dining area, kitchen and dormitory. Due to its position at a low altitude and the vicinity of the town of Senj, this facility is a popular excursion site for hikers from Senj, but it can also serve as a starting point for climbs in the area of Senjsko bilo.

Important information:

Altitude: 652 m.a.s.l.

Number of beds: 6

Opening times: by arrangement

Facility supplies: no supplies

Facility managed by: HPD Zavižan, Senj

Contact:

Contact person: Neda Turina

00385 (0)98 755 200

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Mountain hut - Oltari

Mountain hut Oltari is located in the mountain village of Oltari, right next to the asphalt road leading from Sv. Juraj to Krasno. The facility consists of three rooms on the first floor of a building that once housed an inn on the ground floor, currently closed. Thanks to a bus line that connects this site with Senj, mountain hut Oltari represents an important starting point for hiking excursions to Northern Velebit.

Important information:

Altitude: 940 m.a.s.l.

Number of beds: 30

Opening times: by arrangement

Facility supplies: no supplies

Facility managed by: HPD Sisak, Sisak

Contact:

Contact person: Miroslava Kaležić

00385 (0)99 191 6097

Blaženka Šmit

00385 (0)97 714 0565

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Mountain hut - Careva kuća

Mountain hut Careva kuća at Begovača (1180 m.a.s.l.) is located right next to the Krasno – Alan road below Begovački kuk, at the beginning of a road branch that leads towards Veliki Lubenovac. It is a yellow two-storey building made of brick, that the forestry company provided for use to the mountaineering society HPD Gromovača from Otočac.

Important information:

Altitude: 1180 m.a.s.l.

Number of beds: 26

Opening times: by arrangement

Facility supplies: no supplies

Facility managed by: HPD Gromovača, Otočac

Contact:

Contact person: Ante Plavčić

00385 (0)53 772 298
00385 (0)98 975 7564

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Mountain hut - Apatišan

Apatišan is a wooden forester's cottage converted into a mountain hut by the mountaineering society HPD Rajinac from Krasno. The facility is equipped with a kitchen, dining area and three rooms for overnight stays with 12 beds in total. It opens on prior notice.

Important information:

Altitude: 1112 m.a.s.l.

Number of beds: 12

Opening times: by arrangement

Facility supplies: partially supplied

Facility managed by: HPD Rajinac, Krasno Polje

Contact:

Contact person: Josip Tomaić

00385 (0)98 907 0495
00385 (0)53 851 145

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Mountain hut - Mrkvište

Mountain hut Mrkvište is located in the middle of a spacious clearing at an important intersection of roads leading towards Štirovača and Alan. This former wooden forester's cottage was adapted by members of the mountaineering society HPD Zavižan from Senj.

Important information:

Altitude: 1276 m.a.s.l.

Number of beds: 45

Opening times: by arrangement

Facility supplies: no supplies

Facility managed by: HPD Zavižan, Senj

Contact:

Contact person: Neda Turina

00385 (0)98 755 200

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Mountain hut - Miroslav Hirtz

Mountain hut Miroslav Hirtz is located on a rock dominating the landscape above the former ferry port in Jablanac. It has a terrace that can seat 50 persons. The owner of the mountain hut is the Croatian Mountaineering Association (HPS), and it is managed by the mountaineering society HPD MIV from Varaždin.

Important information:

Altitude: 20 m.a.s.l.

Number of beds: 37

Opening times: by arrangement

Facility supplies: no supplies

Facility managed by: MIV, Varaždin

Contact:

Contact person: Zlatko Peršić

00385 (0)42 210 955
00385 (0)91 554 7667
00385 (0)53 887 046 (phone line in the mountain hut in season)

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Mountain hut - Kugina kuća

Mountain hut Kugina kuća is a former forester's cottage located next to a gravel road that extends along the central part of Velebit from Sušanj through the area of Dabarski kukovi towards Štirovača and Mrkvište. The mountain hut has a water cistern, and there is also a water source called Težakovac nearby, located 10 minutes of hiking away from the facility along the path towards Šatorina. The facility has three dormitories, and there is also a winter room (shelter) in the back of the house.

Important information:

Altitude: 1180 m.a.s.l.

Number of beds: 30

Opening times: by arrangement

Facility supplies: partially supplied

Facility managed by: HPD Željezničar, Gospić

Contact:

Contact person: Tihomir Crnković

00385 (0)98 700 510

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Mountain hut - Kata

Mountain hut Kata (900 m.a.s.l.) is located in Bačić Duliba, at the base of Bačić kuk.

Important information:

Altitude: 900 m.a.s.l.

Number of beds: 10

Opening times: by arrangement

Facility supplies: by arrangement

Facility managed by: HPD Bačić Duliba

Contact:

Contact person: Ivan Došen

00385 (0)91 562 8899

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Mountain hut - Ana

Mountain hut Ana (900 m.a.s.l.) is located in Bačić Duliba, at the base of Bačić kuk. The ground floor includes a kitchen, living room, bathroom and toilet facilities, as well as a roofed terrace. Dormitories are located on the floor above. Water cistern is used for water supply.

Important information:

Altitude: 900 m.a.s.l.

Number of beds: 10–14 (by arrangement)

Opening times: by arrangement

Facility supplies: by arrangement

Facility managed by: HPD Bačić Duliba

Contact:

Contact person: Ana Došen

00385 (0)91 549 4922

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Mountain hut - Vila Velebita

Mountain hut Vila Velebita is a house made of brick located next to the Karlobag – Gospić road, 100 meters away from the Church of the Visitation of St. Elizabeth. Company Hrvatske ceste (Croatian Roads) provided this mountain hut for use to the mountaineering society PD Željezničar from Gospić. The ground floor has two dining rooms, a kitchen, premises of the person on duty and a bathroom facility, with four dormitories and two bathroom facilities on the floor above. There is also a room serving as dormitory in the courtyard of the mountain hut.

Important information:

Altitude: 924 m.a.s.l.

Number of beds: 24

Opening times: on prior notice

Facility supplies: available

Facility managed by: HPD Željezničar, Gospić

Contact:

Contact person: Josip Serdar

00385 (0)98 170 0529

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Mountain hut - Sveti Josip

Mountain hut Sv. Josip is located in a forest area at the locality of Oštarijske Položine, at the 7th kilometer of the road leading from Baške Oštarije via Stupačinovo towards Štirovača. This former forester's cottage was adapted for hikers by the mountaineering society HPD Visočica. The mountain hut has a kitchen and two dormitories. There is also a water cistern in front of the mountain hut.

Important information:

Altitude: 1100 m.a.s.l.

Number of beds: 8

Opening times: on prior notice

Facility supplies: no supplies

Facility managed by: HPD Visočica, Gospić

Contact:

Contact person: Ana Lemić

00385 (0)98 489 020
00385 (0)53 575 382

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Mountain shelter - Šugarska duliba

Šugarska duliba facility is actually a metal container serving as simple, open mountain shelter. Near this shelter, next to the remains of a forester's cottage, there is a preserved water cistern with drinking water.

Important information:

Altitude: 1212 m.a.s.l.

Number of beds: 8

Opening times: open shelter

Facility supplies: no supplies

Facility managed by: INA-Naftaplin

Contact:

Contact person: Branimir Odicki

00385 (0)91 562 9763
00385 (0)1 377 3974

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Mountain shelter - Tatekova koliba

Mountain shelter Tatekova koliba at Stap is a pleasant cottage located at the edge of a picturesque flat karst valley of Stap covered in grasslands. Located along the route of the Velebit Hiking Trail (VPP), it is an ideal starting point for a range of climbs in the vicinity, but also serves as an important facility for overnight stays on the trail leading along the mountain from Baške Oštarije to Struge. The shelter was named after a nickname of Slavko Tomerlin, who built and equipped it. Mr. Tomerlin also marked a number of hiking trails and discovered many interesting sites in the vicinity.

Important information:

Altitude: 960 m.a.s.l.

Number of beds: 12

Opening times: permanently

Facility supplies: no supplies

Facility managed by: HPD Paklenica, Zadar

Contact:

Contact person: Marko Veljača

00385 (0)91 794 6578
00385 (0)23 322 134

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Mountain shelter - Zavrata

Mountain shelter Zavrata is located at the northwestern edge of a solitary karst field of Zavrata, near Malo Rujno. This old shepherd's dwelling has been converted into a simple mountain shelter.

Important information:

Altitude: 750 m.a.s.l.

Number of beds: 10

Opening times: open shelter

Facility supplies: no supplies

Facility managed by: HPD Paklenica, Zadar

Contact:

Contact person: Marko Veljača

00385 (0)91 794 6578
00385 (0)23 322 134

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Mountain shelter - Crnopac

Mountain shelter Crnopac is located on a small stone plateau at the edge of an inaccessible valley interspersed with rocks and forest. The shelter was built by Slavko Tomerlin Tatek, a renowned mountaineer from Zadar, and the mountaineering society HPD Mala Rava later took over care for the shelter. This small log house has a wood interior, and its roofing consists of aluminum sheets.

Important information:

Altitude: 1140 m.a.s.l.

Number of beds: 8

Opening times: permanently

Facility supplies: no supplies

Facility managed by: HPD Mala Rava, Zadar

Contact:

Contact person: Eduard Magazin

00385 (0)98 254 452

Zoran Simičić

00385 (0)95 887 6080

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Mountain shelter - Skorpovac

Mountain shelter Skorpovac is located right next to the Premužić Trail, in the abandoned mountain hamlet of Skorpovac. The shelter is managed by the mountaineering society HPD Sveti Šimun from Markuševec, and its members are on duty in the shelter during the summer months. The shelter is equipped with a stove and 10 simple beds.

Important information:

Altitude: 958 m.a.s.l. Number of beds: 10

Opening times: permanently

Facility supplies: no supplies

Facility managed by: HPD Sv. Šimun, Markuševec, Zagreb

Contact:

Contact person: Nenad Sitar

00385 (0)98 981 2249

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Mountain shelter - Ograđenica

Mountain shelter Ograđenica is a small metal container, placed by helicopter next to the ruins of a wall of what was once a house built on the site. The only amenities in the shelter are a wooden area for overnight stays (sleeping bag is required) and a small stove. The shelter has no water, and the nearest water source is the spring of Gornja korita, located southwards along the Premužić Trail.

Important information:

Altitude: 1400 m.a.s.l.

Number of beds: 4

Opening times: permanently

Facility supplies: no supplies

Facility managed by: HPD Đakovo

Contact:

00385 (0)31 813 420
00385 (0)31 814 119

Note:

For all information about accommodation in this facility, please contact the mountaineering society in charge of the facility directly.

Camping site - Velebit

Located at Baške Oštarije, Velebit camping site is an ideal location for rest, recreation and health, only 20 minutes away from the sea.
The facility offers accommodation for over 30 hikers and excursionists in a comfortable mountain hut (heated by a wood-burning stove), tents or bungalows, with 7 camping places available for campers. There is also a kitchen and a dedicated place for campfire, barbecue and preparation of dishes under the bell.

Important information:

The camping site is open from June 1 until August 31. For more detailed information, please visit:

www.kampvelebit.com/info.html

Contact:

Kamp Velebit

Baške Oštarije 5A

Postal code: 53206

Cell: 00385 (0)91 725 3349

E-mail: [email protected]

Camping site - Vrata Velebita

Tourist agritourism facility Vrata Velebita is a starting point for excursions to the most amazing hiking destinations of Velebit. Located at 300 meters above sea level and only three kilometers away from a beach, this site has an ethno house with an exhibition dedicated to beekeeping. Visitors can also taste culinary delights of the local cuisine in a tavern serving as tasting venue, prepare barbecue with their friends and family, visit the famous nearby monuments to the deceased called mirila, or test proper hiking skills. In addition to the equipped camping site, the facility also offers accommodation in a traditional vacation cottage.

Important information:

For more detailed information, please visit: www.vratavelebita.com/hrvatski/kontakt.html

Contact:

Contact person: Šime Gazić

Put Ljubotića 50

23245 Tribanj Kruščica

Tel.: 00385 (0)23 333 516

Cell: 00385 (0)98 650 260, 00385 (0)95 914 9629

E-mail: [email protected]

Eco camping site - Rizvan City

Adventure excursion center Rizvan City is located near the town of Gospić, in a typical village of the region of Lika called Rizvanuša, located in the Velebit Nature Park. An old family farm has been converted into an adventure and excursion destination, where visitor groups are offered a number of unique and attractive adventure activities.
Within the adventure excursion center Rizvan City, you can spend the night in a newly renovated Lika House made of stone and wood as traditional building materials, and accommodation is also available at a new camping site. In addition to accommodating campers and tents, the camping site also offers wooden bungalows.

Important information:

For more detailed information, please visit: www.adria-velebitica.hr

Contact:

Travel Agency Adria Velebitica

MARTIN d.o.o.

Brušane bb, 53206 Brušane

Phone: 00385 (0)98 245 769

E-mail: [email protected]

Horseback riding on Velebit is a special experience. Three full-day loop tours are available, as well as one shorter two-hour tour at the village of Velika Plana. Availability of this very interesting experience of Velebit depends on the weather. Visitors are advised to contact the concession holders for arranging a horseback ride.

Velika Plana

Two-hour tour around the village of Velika Plana

Recommended time of year for visit: May to November (depending on weather conditions)

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Contact: In the territory of the Velebit Nature Park, this activity is provided as service by the concession holder OPG Yerkovich.

Address:

Velika Plana 5, 53213 Velika Plana
Phone: 00385 (0)53 685 616
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.LindenRetreat.com

Note: Visitors interested in this activity should contact the concession holder directly.

Velika Plana – Pazariški Bakovac – water source Tisovac – Dolina – Štulinac – Velika Plana

Full-day loop tour

Recommended time of year for visit: May to November (depending on weather conditions)

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Contact: OPG Yerkovich

Note: Visitors interested in this activity should contact the concession holder directly.

Velika Plana – Palež – Jovanovića Draga – Mala Plana – Velika Plana

Full-day loop tour

Recommended time of year for visit: May to November (depending on weather conditions)

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Contact: OPG Yerkovich

Note: Visitors interested in this activity should contact the concession holder directly.

Velika Plana – Pazariški Bakovac – Dragnuša – Podastrana – Velika Plana

Full-day loop tour

Recommended time of year for visit: May to November (depending on weather conditions)

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Contact: OPG Yerkovich

Note: Visitors interested in this activity should contact the concession holder directly.

There are twelve bicycling trails in the Velebit Nature Park, and some of them can also be combined. All of them are very attractive, since the ride allows cyclists to experience the forest, the mountain, and karst phenomena of Velebit and the sea. Prior cycling experience is recommended. There are no available bicycle rental opportunities, and visitors are advised to check the recommended time of year for cycling.

Krasno (trail 1)

From its starting point, the trail takes us along the main road in the direction of Senj, passing through the hamlet of Glavaši and continuing along that road in easy ascent, until we reach the branch leading towards the pilgrimage site of Our Lady of Krasno, at Plasa. This branch is a mildly ascending gravel road in good condition, 5 kilometers long. It partly passes through deciduous and coniferous forest, and partly offers a magnificent view of Krasno and the surrounding towering peaks. Prior to reaching the Church of Our Lady of Krasno, asphalt section begins again, and, from that point onwards, the trail descends along hairpin bends to the hamlet of Devčići located on the main road.

Once at the pilgrimage site, we recommend you to visit the Church of Our Lady of Krasno, dating from the 17th century. If you turn right at the church and proceed towards the motel, you will see a wonderful vista of Krasno and parts of the valleys of Gacko polje and Ličko polje. In good weather, peaks of the southern part of Velebit and the mountain of Plješevica are visible too.
At Devčići, the trail turns right and proceeds along the main road to the hamlet of Krčić. Once there, we turn right again to a local asphalt road taking us through the hamlets of Dujmišići and Polje, where we reconnect with the main road, returning back to the starting point.
At Dujmišići, we can see old water cisterns made of chiseled stone in diverse shapes, and frequently adorned with grljci – openings carved out of a single block of stone. You can quench your thirst there, and hear about the history of the site from hospitable locals.
At Polje, we can also visit the parish church of St. Anthony and the Forestry Museum – the only such museum in Croatia.

Trail length: 14 km

Elevation difference: 250 m

Recommended time of year for visit: May to October

Bicycle rental possibilities: Not available

Trail type: Gravel 35%, asphalt 65%

Krasno (trail 2)

From its starting point, the trail leads along the main road to the hamlet of Polje. Once there, we take a branch to the left and proceed to Krčići via the hamlet of Dujmišići. At Krčići, we reconnect with the main road and proceed in the direction of Otočac via Devčići. The trail then turns right in the direction of Kosinj, taking us along asphalt road for 1.8 kilometers, and after that we take a right turn to a gravel section. After 300 meters, the trail turns right again, this time to a forest path initially mildly ascending, and then descending somewhat more steeply.

This is the hardest section of the trail, and one must be cautious due to unpredictable sharp stones and mud. We recommend less experienced cyclists to get off their bikes in this particular section. After one kilometer, the trail reconnects with a gravel road that takes us through a picturesque landscape of pastures, stone walls and coniferous forest to the hamlet of Dolac. From that point onwards, we proceed along an asphalt road for 2.3 kilometers back to the starting point. There is also an alternative route: 100 meters after the hamlet of Devčići, cyclists can turn right to a gravel road that offers a wonderful view of the hamlet of Dolac. After two kilometers, this gravel road reconnects with the asphalt road leading back to the starting point.

Trail length: 12 km

Elevation difference: 150 m

Recommended time of year for visit: May to October

Bicycle rental possibilities: Not available

Trail type: Gravel 25%, asphalt 75%

Note: One kilometer of the trail is a rather difficult section taking cyclists along a skid trail.

Krasno (trail 3)

This trail overlaps with the route of trail 1 to the resting spot of Jatara. After that, we turn right to a gravel road taking us to the hamlet of Dujmišići 2.5 kilometers away. Cyclists who wish to combine several trails can continue straight at the intersection located 200 meters prior to Dujmišići, and that will take them to trails 1 and 2 at Devčići.

Trail 3 passes through a picturesque landscape of dry stone walls, natural stone sculptures and aromatic medicinal herbs, offering views of the hamlets and surrounding peaks of Krasno. This trail is particularly interesting in the autumn, when various forest fruits can be found and even tasted along the way (hazelnut, cornelian cherry, hawthorn, rose hip). From the hamlet of Dujmišići onwards, trail 3 again overlaps with trail 1 back to the starting point.

Trail length: 7 km

Elevation difference: 120 m

Recommended time of year for visit: May to October

Bicycle rental possibilities: Not available

Trail type: Gravel 45%, asphalt 55%

Krasno (trail 4)

Trail 4 starts at the same starting point as trails 1 and 3. In the hamlet of Krč (at the Senj-Štirovača road intersection), we turn left towards Štirovača. After 150 meters, in the hamlet of Anići, we turn right along an asphalt road in the direction of Zavižan (i.e. the hamlet of Vukelići). One hundred meters after the last houses in the hamlet, prior to the end of the asphalt section, our route takes us to the right, along a gravel road winding through the shade of coniferous and deciduous forest, in between green pastures encircled by dry stone walls.

After 1.7 kilometers, the trail turns left to a side road leading to the hamlet of Ivetići 500 meters away. From that point on, we continue along the asphalt section to the hamlet of Glavaši and to the main road that takes us back to the intersection in Krč and then back to the starting point. In Glavaši, you can visit a park with autochthonous plant species, paths and resting benches. We recommend this trail to cyclists with modest cycling experience.

Trail length: 7 km

Elevation difference: 100 m

Recommended time of year for visit: May to October

Bicycle rental possibilities: Not available

Trail type: Gravel 35%, asphalt 65%

Senj – Oltari

All three trails take cyclists along the western slope of Velebit facing the sea and offering views of the Kvarner Bay and the islands. The trails are local and forest marked roads that connect small picturesque mountain settlements interspersed with rocky grasslands, pine and beech forests, as well as impressive sea vistas.

In their initial section (8 kilometers long), trails Senj – Oltari and Sv. Juraj – Oltari are marked by a relatively high gradient, so the climb requires significant effort. However, the climb gets milder later on with the switch to gravel surface, and the effort is awarded with wonderful views. Viewpoint Crni vrh represents a must-see destination in this area, offering views of the entire Kvarner region, the islands and the coastline of Velebit. Trail Vratnik – Oltari begins at 700 meters above sea level, making it a less demanding trail compared to trails Senj – Oltari and Sv. Juraj – Oltari, but no less attractive.

Trail length: 19.4 km

Elevation difference: 903 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Spring, summer, autumn

Bicycle rental possibilities: Not available

Trail type: Gravel 46%, asphalt 54%

Note: This trail can be combined with trails Sv. Juraj – Oltari and Vratnik – Oltari, turning into a loop tour.

Sv. Juraj – Oltari

Trail length: 17 km

Elevation difference: 947 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Spring, summer, autumn

Bicycle rental possibilities: Not available

Trail type: Gravel 38%, asphalt 62%

Note: This trail can be combined with trails Senj – Oltari and Vratnik – Oltari, turning into a loop tour.

Vratnik – Oltari

Trail length: 14.8 km

Elevation difference: 256 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Spring, summer, autumn

Bicycle rental possibilities: Not available

Trail type: Gravel 57%, asphalt 43%

Note: This trail can be combined with trails Senj – Oltari and Sv. Juraj – Oltari, turning into a loop tour.

Oltari – Duliba – Krasno

Starting at Oltari, we first cycle along the LC 1933 local road through the forest all the way to Krasno. Half way along the route, we come across an intersection of trails, with the branch proceeding to the right leading towards the Northern Velebit National Park, and the branch proceeding straight continuing towards Krasno – a mountain settlement with 450 inhabitants, located in the very heart of the northern part of Velebit. This settlement is characterized by 13 hamlets located along the edge of the field.

Krasno has four cycling loop trails, marked by different colors on the map. Cyclists who decide to take these trails will get acquainted with the settlement, while enjoying panoramic views of this largest settlement of Velebit and the peaks that surround it. Information center of the National Park and the Forestry Museum are also available for visits.

Trail length: 10.8 km

Elevation difference: 207 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Spring, summer, autumn

Bicycle rental possibilities: Not available

Trail type: Gravel 29%, asphalt 71%

Note: There are 4 loop cycling trails in Krasno that can be taken as a continuation of this trail.

Oltari – Zavižan – Lom – Lubenovac – Alan

Starting at Oltari, the trail towards the Northern Velebit National Park proceeds along the asphalt road to the point where we reach the official Park entrance at Babić Siča. The trail then continues along gravel surface to Zavižan and Mali Lom, where it connects with the ŽC 5126 asphalt road. The trail then proceeds southwards and turns right in the form of a gravel trail after three kilometers, at Careva kuća mountain hut. This gravel section takes us across Lubenovac all the way to Alan.

The trail passes through wonderful areas where visitors can learn a lot about the unique characteristics of Velebit, enjoying unforgettable landscapes and abundant biodiversity, while admiring impressive peaks under which they cycle. There are also opportunities to relax on the terraces of mountain lodges Zavižan and Alan, watching a uniquely beautiful sunset.

Trail length: 44.5 km

Elevation difference: 207 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Spring, summer, autumn

Bicycle rental possibilities: Not available

Trail type: Gravel 68%, asphalt 32%

Brušane – Rizvanuša – Brušane (Central Velebit)

The starting point of this trail is in Brušani, at the beginning of the ascent of Takalica (at the locality called Stara pila). The route takes us from the Gospić – Karlobag main road to a gravel road leading towards Brušanska Duliba. The trail passes through a landscape rich in diverse plant species (hawthorn, common hornbeam, rose hip, hazelnut, black pine, beech).

The trail offers views of the surrounding peaks, with Konjevača and Sadikovac as particularly prominent peaks. After three kilometers, we reach a glade with the creek of Suvaja flowing along it. This is where we can stop and take some rest at a small roofed wooden hut. The trail then crosses Suvaja and continues on the other side of Brušanska Duliba. At 9.3 kilometers from the starting point, we reach an intersection, where we can choose between two routes: one leads to Brušane (route 1a), and the other leads to Rizvanuša (route 1b).
Route 1a turns left in the direction of Brušane, which is 3.3 kilometers away. After reaching the main road, where we turn left, we finally reach the starting point. If we turn right instead of left after reaching the main road, we can get to Rizvanuša through the village of Brušane. This particular route is 14 kilometers long.
Route 1b is a longer tour, continuing straight towards Rizvanuša from the intersection reached after the initial 9.3 kilometers. The trail passes through a beech forest, and it is particularly pleasant in the summertime due to the shade it provides. The trail offers a wonderful view of Duliba and the surrounding peaks. At the 17th kilometer, we reach a picturesque village of Rizvanuša at the foothills of Velebit, where the trail continues along an asphalt road until the connection with the Gospić – Karlobag main road. After that, we turn left, and return to the starting point by passing through Brušane. This particular route is 24 kilometers long.

Trail length:

Short tour: 14 km; long tour: 24 km

Recommended time of year for visit: May to October

Bicycle rental possibilities: Not available

Trail type:

Short tour: 80% gravel, 20% asphalt. Long tour: 70% gravel, 30% asphalt.

Baške Oštarije – Stupačinovo – Prpići (Central Velebit)

The starting point of the trail is in front of the Velebno hotel. First we turn right along the main road leading towards Karlobag. After 400 meters, we turn right again towards the village of Stupačinovo. The trail is asphalted in this section, passing through a beech forest. After 2.4 kilometers, we turn left to a gravel section. This is the section where we can see Dabarski kukovi to our right, and we also pass next to the hill of Badanj. After 3.4 kilometers, the trail starts descending towards the hamlet of Prpići, where we need to take care due to sharp stone and mud (less experienced cyclists are recommended to get off their bicycles in this part of the route). After 500 meters, the trail connects with a narrow asphalt road leading to the Gospić – Karlobag main road (5.1 kilometers).

Prior to reaching the main road, we recommend that you visit the Kubus viewpoint. It offers a magnificent view of the island of Pag and the sea on one side, and of the Oštarije valley and the peaks of Velebit on the other. Not far from the viewpoint, there is the mountain hut Prpa. We take the main road to return to our starting point – the Velebno hotel.
Given the fact that this trail is relatively short, we recommend you to continue your visit to Baške Oštarije by taking a walk along the Theresiana educational trail. This gives you the opportunity to experience both faces of Velebit in a fairly short time – the continental face of Lika, and the littoral area. There is one other mountaineering facility in Oštarije (mountain lodge Vila Velebita). It is located on the main road in the direction of Gospić.

Trail length: 7 km

Recommended time of year for visit: May to October

Bicycle rental possibilities: Not available

Trail type: Gravel 15%, asphalt 80%, steep forest path 5%

Trail Južni Velebit (South Velebit)

This trail begins next to the D 27 state road Gračac – Obrovac, at the branch leading to Kaštel Žegarski, descending from that point through a landscape of low shrubs and macchia. Cautious ride is required in this part of the route, due to steep inclination and sharp bends. After 4.5 kilometers, we can turn right (route "a") to a gravel trail leading towards Ravni Golubić, reaching the village after 1.5 kilometers. From there, we can continue on foot along a marked hiking trail to a viewpoint offering an amazing view of the site of Sastavci – confluence of the rivers Krupa and Zrmanja (the hike takes one hour).

The continuation of the trail takes us to the school in Golubić (5.8 kilometers). This is where we have the option of taking route "b" – by turning right to a gravel trail and passing the last houses in the settlement before we reach an astounding view of the Krupa canyon. If time permits, we recommend you to descend on foot along the hiking trail to Kude's Bridge, which has been resisting the surge of river waters for centuries as it keeps connecting the two banks of the Krupa River.
From Golubić onwards, the trail takes us in the direction of Kaštel Žegarski. After less than one kilometer, we reach a viewpoint above the steep canyon of a small river called Krnjeza, offering a view of its confluence with the Krupa River. From this viewpoint, the trail descends to the Krupa Monastery (11.4 kilometers), continuing towards Kaštel Žegarski (17.3 kilometers), with one of the most beautiful and cleanest Croatian rivers – Zrmanja – flowing through it. This is also the beginning of the rafting tour for all those eager to engage in a rafting adventure on the river.
After leaving the settlement of Kaštel Žegarski, we turn right in the direction of Obrovac. From this point, we can see the deep canyon of the Zrmanja River. After passing the village of Bogatnik (23.9 kilometers), the trail branches to the right towards Bilišane, continuing along a gravel trail. From the trail, we can see the Zrmanja canyon and the peaks of Velebit. After 29.3 kilometers, the trail continues along its asphalt section towards Bilišane. After 1.6 kilometers, a gravel section begins as we turn right. Finally, we reach Muškovci, which represents the end of both the cycling trail and the route of the rafting tour. This is where you can take some rest and get refreshment, or take a walk to the cascade of Berberov buk and to the village of Ogari. In the summertime, you can also refresh yourself by taking a swim in the clear waters of the Zrmanja River, or go for a boat ride.

Trail length: 30.9 km

Elevation difference: 560 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to October

Bicycle rental possibilities: Not available

Trail type: Gravel 15%, asphalt 85%

These caves abound with findings from ancient history. In addition to many archaeological findings discovered in it, this cave complex also represents one of the major sites with cave bear remains in Croatia. Traces of so-called bear "grinding", caused by their movement along the edges of the caves, can still be seen on the rocks.

With its constant dripping, water continues the process of dripstone creation, thousands of years old. It is very important to treat the cave with respect, and not to touch its adornments. Only one careless movement can interrupt the process that has been lasting for decades.

Cerovačke Caves are located 4 kilometers away from Gračac, along the road leading towards Knin. If you come along the motorway, you need to take the Sveti Rok exit. The route from Sveti Rok to Gračac is 25 kilometers long.

Note:

The caves are open for visits from April 1 until October 31 (visits in other periods are possible only for announced visitor groups, and only if the weather conditions permit).

Temperature in the caves is between 5 ⁰C and 8 ⁰C, so visitors are recommended to take warm clothes, as well as headgear and comfortable shoes.

If you are planning an excursion that will discover new and interesting destinations to you, make sure to visit Zavratnica – one of the most beautiful coves of the Croatian coast, protected in the category of significant landscapes. When it comes to its origins, Zavratnica is actually a submerged torrent valley with canyon cliffs approximately 100 meters high. The length of the cove is approximately 900 meters, and the width varies between 50 to 150 meters. The site dates back to the Cretaceous period, and it is marked by a number of talus cones that were formed and then stopped by the relief or by the planting of trees and low shrubs. There are 129 plant species in Zavratnica, 100 of them autochthonous, and 29 allochthonous.

Towards the beginning of the 20th century, a trail with a viewpoint above the cove was built, together with a walking path along the sea. Back then, Zavratnica became a hidden summer resort of the Viennese and Prague elite.

The blue shades of the sea in the cove contrast with the grey shades of the stone of Velebit, green color of sparse vegetation, and dark clouds of tree shadows that cover only some parts of the trail in hot summer days. No wonder that the renowned author Vjenceslav Novak was also unable to resist the attractiveness of Zavratnica, having found inspiration for his work on this site.

You can reach Zavratnica by taking a half-hour walk from Jablanac (42 kilometers south of Senj) along a walking trail by the sea. If you are interested in a hiking adventure, you can also reach the cove along a hiking trail from the village of Zavratnica.

Note:

The best time to visit the cove is from March 1 until October 31.

One additional available hiking tour takes approximately one hour and a half. The first third of the route (to Oštarijsko Ždrilo) is the same as the Theresiana route. After that, what follows is an easy ascent to the peak of Debela kosa (972 m.a.s.l.). The climb is not demanding, and does not require a substantial fitness level. The tour then proceeds in a brief walk along the ridge of Debela kosa, offering magnificent views of the Adriatic and the island of Pag on one side, and of the valley of Baške Oštarije on the other. Finally, the trail descends to the mountain pass of Oštarijska vrata.

In December 2007, the Ministry of Culture reached a decision declaring the Theresiana Road a protected cultural object (pursuant to the Act on the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Objects).

Note:

The best time to take a tour of the trail is from April until November (depending on the weather).

The trail is a hiking trail only. There is also a possibility for taking a longer tour: if you do not wish to take the same route back to Baške Oštarije, you need to arrange for a car pickup at Sušanj Cesarički.

For visitors interested in shorter tour: it is possible to get back to the starting point by taking the loop trail passing below Debela kosa and exiting to Oštarijsko Ždrilo and Theresiana.

Peak areas of the northern and central part of the Mountain of Velebit, from Zavižan to Baške Oštarije, are linked by a hiking trail 57 kilometers long. It is named after Ante Premužić, the designer of this trail and a renowned builder of roads and trails on Velebit. The construction of the trail took three years (1930-1933), and construction works were performed by many workers from villages at the foothills of the mountain. The construction of the trail made it possible to access the most inaccessible and most beautiful parts of Velebit, previously known to only few local inhabitants. Given the fact that there are no major climbs, people unaccustomed to hiking can also pass this trail. They can find refuge in several mountain facilities located near the trail. With its quality of construction and perfect immersion in the natural landscape, this trail is a masterpiece of construction.

In July 2009, the Ministry of Culture reached a decision declaring the Premužić Trail on Velebit a protected cultural object (pursuant to the Act on the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Objects).

A visit to the educational trail Kudin most (Kude's Bridge) enables visitors to reach the most beautiful part of the Krupa River, with its majestic tufa cascades. Krupa is the longest and the most abundant tributary of the Zrmanja River. In its brief course of almost 11 kilometers, Krupa has built 19 cascades, belonging to the most beautiful cascades in Croatia due to their height and elaborate shapes.

Note:

The best time to visit the trail is from April until November (depending on the weather).

Educational trail Starigrad Senjski – Donja Klada

You can start your tour of this trail in Starigrad, or in the settlement of Donja Klada. Visitors arriving from Senj should take the Adriatic Highway southwards, and then turn right towards Donja Klada after 24 kilometers, or towards Starigrad after 26 kilometers. The trail is approximately one meter wide. In addition to enjoying fresh air and getting acquainted with natural and cultural values of the region, visitors can also enjoy a pleasant view of the nearby islands of Rab and Goli otok. The trail was built by the locals in the past – just like most inhabitants of the littoral area of the mountain, they were quite skillful in working with stone and using it as building material. One can witness this skill every step of the way – when looking at houses, water cisterns, roads and paths, as well as dry stone walls.

Note:

The trail is a hiking trail only. It is part of the trail connecting the settlements of Starigrad Senjski and Lukovo (10 kilometers long). The trail passes through a series of picturesque coves with old fishing settlements.

Mirila are funeral monuments made of stone, located along the mountain passes and trails of Velebit, where people would pass on their way to the coast. These monuments are connected with the seasonal life of the mountain. When a person would die on the mountain, the funeral procession would carry the deceased to the cemetery of the parish, typically located by the sea. The funeral procession would rest and put the deceased to the ground at one single place – which would become mirilo. It represented the resting point on the way from the home of the deceased to the cemetery. Height of the deceased was measured on that spot, with two stone slabs as the markings, and mirilo would afterwards be built on that place.

Such a monument represented memory of the deceased for the people of Velebit, and it was more important that the burial site itself, because, according to traditional beliefs, it is only the body that is buried at the cemetery, while the soul remains at mirilo.

In December 2007, the Ministry of Culture reached a decision declaring the funeral customs connected with mirila as intangible cultural heritage of Croatia.

Note:

Near the settlement of Starigrad Paklenica, there are two educational trails covering eight localities of mirila adapted for visits. The first trail is one kilometer away from Starigrad Paklenica, and the other trail is located at the village of Ljubotić (visitors need to take the exit from the state road at Tribanj Kruščica).

The area of Dabri is the most interesting part of central Velebit, with unique geomorphological and landscape characteristics. It is a series of karst depressions and sinkholes, three of them named dabri (Crni Dabar, Ravni Dabar, Došen Dabar), and three dulibe (Došen, Bačić, and Crna Duliba).

All of them were once settled and cultivated. People lived in this area since the retreat of the Ottomans until the 1970s, and it represented one of the few permanent settlements of Velebit.

Visitors can see the most beautiful rocky peaks of central Velebit towering above this area. These peaks are called Dabarski kukovi – and they are some of the most recognizable sights of Velebit.

The area of Dabri and Dabarski kukovi spans through the central area of the Velebit massif, from Bačić kuk opposite of Budakovo brdo to the northwest, to Ljubičko brdo and the accompanying peaks above Oštarije to the southeast. In total, the area is approximately 10 kilometers long.

Note:

Near Ravni Dabar, there is a rock climbing zone where sport climbing is permitted at the following rocks (so-called kukovi): Visibaba/Agin kuk, Čelina kuk and Rujičin kuk.

Tulove grede is a rocky mountain ridge area approximately one kilometer long, characterized by very steep rocky limestone peaks, with the highest peak at 1120 m.a.s.l. The site consists of an entire range of round stone towers, columns, large and small cracks, karrens, grooves, narrow passageways, sinkholes and a range of other unusual karst forms, giving the area a special charm and beauty. This site is located next to Majstorska Road leading from Sv. Rok in the direction of Obrovac and passing across the Mali Alan mountain pass. No passenger travelling to Zadar along the motorway or the state road can pass through this area without noticing barren rocky peaks almost vertically rising above the tunnel of Sveti Rok.

Various folk legends are connected with these rocks. According to legend, the area is an abode of dragons, with invisible fairies of Velebit living there too. According to folk belief, this was the home of the Black Queen, bringing misfortune to people. The mountain pass Kraljičina vrata (Queen's Gate) might have been named after her.

Due to its extraordinary beauty, the site of Tulove grede frequently served as a movie backdrop. Some of the better known Winnetou movies were filmed there.

In order to shorten the travel to Dalmatia, a decision was made in 1819 to build a road across Velebit connecting Sv. Rok, Mali Alan and Obrovac. That is where Josip Kajetan Knežić, a captain of the military border who later became a major, began his career as a renowned builder of mountain roads. The 24-kilometer long route connected Obrovac and Mali Alan, where the then border of Dalmatia ended. The road passed across Podprag, Prag and Kraljičina vrata, and it was built in the period from 1825 until 1827. After that, construction began of a 17-kilometer long Lika section, leading from Mali Alan to Sv. Rok, and connecting with the Dalmatian Road at the so-called Old Post Office.

The construction of the road 41 kilometers long was fully completed in 1832, when it was officially opened as Majstorska Road (Master's Road). Namely, the masterful way in which J.K. Knežić designed the route along the steep slopes of Velebit, with numerous hairpin bends between the canyons and the peaks, represented a major achievement in road construction. The maximum inclination of the road was 5.5%, which is within limits of even the current regulations on road construction. This new road of Velebit was used not only for trade, but also for postal transport between Vienna and Zadar.

In December 2007, the Ministry of Culture reached a decision declaring this road a protected cultural object (pursuant to the Act on the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Objects).

During the reconstruction of the Josephina Road (connecting the towns of Karlobag and Senj), Josip Kajetan Knežić, the renowned builder of Velebit roads, built a fountain called Carsko vrilo inspired by Classicism.

Above Carsko vrilo, in the same style, Knežić also built a small church of St. Michael as an expression of his vow. Behind the church, in a monolithic rock, he built a tomb where he was buried according to his will.

Inscribed Stone is located in the forest of Begovača above Kosinjski Bakovac, at the water source of Begovača. It is an epigraphic monument from the 4th century carved into a rock in Latin. The inscription by the tribe of Parentini from the area of Kosinj permits the Iapodian tribe Ortoplini to access water of the source of Begovača.

The inscription on a large stone states the following: "EX CONVENTIONE FINIS INTER ORTHOPLINOS ET PARENTINOS ADITUS AD AQUAM VIVAM ORTHOPLINIS D PASSUS LATUS."

In other words: "Pursuant to the border agreement between the Ortoplini and the Parentini, the Ortoplini are granted access to live water five hundred steps wide."

Kubus is the name of a viewpoint at the mountain pass Stara vrata (near the settlement of Baške Oštarije). The viewpoint was named after a stone cube (cubus in Latin) built in the 19th century during the reconstruction of the Gospić-Karlobag road. The builder was Josip Kajetan Knežić.

The viewpoint is a must-see attraction and a resting spot for many tourists passing this road every year.

Presentation Center at the Management Building

The presentation center of the Park is located next to the management building of the Velebit Nature Park Public Institution. The purpose of the center is to present natural, cultural and tourist attractions of the Park, and it includes exhibition panels on plant and animal life, as well as on geological, geomorphological and other natural phenomena. As part of the presentation center, a souvenir shop is also available at the management building.

The public institution offers organized lectures, coupled with tours of exhibition panels and projections in the presentation hall with 50 seats.

Note:

Opening hours of the management building: Monday to Friday throughout the year, from

7:00 till 15:00. Exhibition panels are available to visitors outside of the management working hours as well.

Panels can also be viewed in the company of professional guides, coupled with a presentation at the Velebit Nature Park presentation center. The price is 150 HRK, and prior notice is required.

Inspired by the length of the mountain, a number of mountain huts on it, and the Premužić Trail, the idea of designing a longitudinal trail on Velebit soon caught hold. The first version of the Velebit Hiking Trail was thus opened by the Croatian Mountaineering Association on July 4, 1969. After the Homeland War, the trail was put back to use on June 17, 2000, with a slightly changed route (due to the loss of mountain lodges at Štirovac and Visočica, and in order to avoid mine suspected areas).

The trail is approximately 100 kilometers long, beginning at Zavižan and ending at Velika Paklenica. Marked with the letter V, it includes 20 control points. Hikers taking this trail can get a comprehensive picture of Velebit and its main characteristics. The trail became very popular, with approximately 7000 stamp books and about 2000 honorary badges given to hikers who completed the route. Stamp book for the trail with the accompanying guide is available, and hikers can also get a honorary badge confirming their hike along the trail. The stamp book can be ordered at the Croatian Mountaineering Association (Zagreb, Kozarčeva 22).

Public Institution

Velebit Nature Park

Address

Kaniža gospićka 4b, 53000 Gospić

Director

Ana Brkljačić

Point of contact for questions

Ivana Svetić

E-mail: [email protected]

[email protected]

Phone: Gospić 00385 (0)53 560 450

Krasno 00385 (0)53 851 600

Obrovac 00385 (0)23 689 818

Directions

Public transport

By bus

Park headquarters can be reached by taking a bus to Gospić from the direction of Split, Zagreb or Rijeka. The Public Institution is approximately two kilometers away from the Gospić Bus Terminal.

The site of Cerovačke špilje can be reached by taking a bus to Gračac. The distance between Gračac and Cerovačke špilje is 4 kilometers. There is no organized transport to Cerovačke špilje.

The cove of Zavratnica can be reached by taking a bus to Stinica, the ferry port connecting the mainland with the island of Rab. The distance between Stinica and Jablanac (the closest settlement to Zavratnica) is 4 kilometers. There is no organized transport from Stinica to Jablanac.

By train

Park headquarters can be reached by taking a train to Gospić from the direction of Split or Zagreb. There is no organized transport to the Park.

The site of Cerovačke špilje can be reached by taking a train to Gračac. There is no organized transport to Cerovačke špilje.

The cove of Zavratnica cannot be reached by train, as there is no train link to Jablanac.

By car

Headquarters of the Velebit Nature Park are located in Gospić, on the main road linking that city with Karlobag. The distance between the motorway exit and Park headquarters is 6 kilometers.

Cerovačke špilje are located 4 kilometers away from Gračac on the road towards Knin. Visitors arriving along the motorway should take the Sveti Rok exit. The distance between Sveti Rok and Gračac is 25 kilometers.

The cove of Zavratnica is located in the vicinity of the settlement of Jablanac. Visitors arriving along the motorway should take the Žuta Lokva exit. The distance between Žuta Lokva and Jablanac is 60 kilometers. The cove can be reached along a walking trail leading from the settlement of Jablanac to the cove.

Park entrances

Park headquarters (Gospić)

Parking available (20 spaces)

Cerovačke špilje (Gračac)

Parking available (40 spaces)

Cove of Zavratnica (Jablanac)

Where to buy tickets

Park headquarters

Cerovačke špilje

Cove of Zavratnica

Visit the official Park website at http://www.pp-velebit.hr

Nature Park Velebit

Story of the Park

Park ID Card - information about the Park

Natural Heritage

Velebit as biosphere reserve

Plant world

Animal world

Climate

Cultural and historical heritage

Cultural Heritage

Historical roads of Velebit

Mirila

"Inscribed Stone" (1st to 4th century)

Legend of the Kude's bridge

Activities

Hiking/walking

Štirovača – Jovanović padež – Šatorina

Kugina kuća – Težakovačko vrilo – Šatorinski doci – Šatorina

Premužić Trail – Ograđenica – Šatorina

Vranjkova draga – Veliki Kozjak

Lubenovac – Veliki Kozjak

Premužić Trail section from Baške Oštarije to Veliki Alan

Budakovo brdo – Bačić kuk

Baške Oštarije – Kiza

Baške Oštarije – Ljubičko brdo

Baške Oštarije – Sadikovac

Rizvanuša – Visočica

Ljubotić – Stap

Prezid – Crnopac shelter – Crnopac

Put Malog Princa (Little Prince Trail)

Alpinism/climbing

Visibaba/Agin kuk

Čelina kuk

Rujičin kuk

Cave tours

Cerovačke špilje (Cerovačke Caves)

Fishing

Lake Štikada

Ričica River

Zrmanja River

Boat trips and rentals

Boat trips and rentals

Educational trails

Theresiana

Kude's Bridge

Starigrad Senjski – Donja Klada

Zavratnica

Guided tours

Educational trail Theresiana (long tour)

Educational trail Theresiana (short tour)

Baške Oštarije – Kiza

Prpić polje – Badanj

Stupačinovo – Ravni Dabar

Educational trail Kude's Bridge

Baške Oštarije – Ljubičko brdo

Cerovačke Caves

Accommodation and catering

Mountain lodge - Ravni Dabar

Mountain lodge - Prpa

Mountain hut - Sijaset

Mountain hut - Oltari

Mountain hut - Careva kuća

Mountain hut - Apatišan

Mountain hut - Mrkvište

Mountain hut - Miroslav Hirtz

Mountain hut - Kugina kuća

Mountain hut - Kata

Mountain hut - Ana

Mountain hut - Vila Velebita

Mountain hut - Sveti Josip

Mountain shelter - Šugarska duliba

Mountain shelter - Tatekova koliba

Mountain shelter - Zavrata

Mountain shelter - Crnopac

Mountain shelter - Skorpovac

Mountain shelter - Ograđenica

Camping site - Velebit

Camping site - Vrata Velebita

Eco camping site - Rizvan City

Riding

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