HIKING IN PAKLENICA | Croatia | Discover mountain Velebit

HIKING IN NATIONAL PARK PAKLENICA | ZADAR CITY TOUR

The Paklenica National Park extending over an area of only 96 km² which includes the most attractive parts of the southern Velebit represents the greatest natural jewel of the Zadar region. Two impressive gorges, Velika (Big) and Mala (Little) Paklenica, crisscrossing the slopes of Velebit in all its height, from the coast at its feet to its highest peaks represent its main natural attraction. The Paklenica National Park also conceals original karstic formations, attractive caves and a very varied flora and fauna due to its large climatic differences. Despite its wild landscapes, it is easily accessible thanks to the proximity of the Adriatic tourist route and the highway. Both majestic and frightening, the views offered by the heights of Velebit above Starigrad – Paklenica summer resort irresistibly attract tourists in search of adventurous distractions.

HIKING TRAILS

Hiking is the only way to truly get to know Paklenica. The Park area contains 150-200 km of trails and paths, from those characterized as tourist trails – leading from Velika Paklenica canyon to Manita peć cave, Lugarnica foresters house and Paklenica Mountain hut, to those characterized as hiking trails – leading to the highest peaks of the Velebit Mountain. The trails in the Park are marked with red and white signs while trail crossings are marked with direction boards. The hiking trails are well marked, with indications in several languages.
An attractive footpath crosses the wild Velika Paklenica gorge, once used by the women of the mountain villages to carry on their backpacks salt from the coast and sacks of wheat from the fertile fields of the Lika. The path passes at the foot of the arid rocks which conceal vestiges of the small tunnels practiced formerly, and at the exit of the canyon, rises gently through the peaceful meadows and the slopes covered with forests of Velebit.
This pedestrian circuit is suitable for hikers of all ages, and is also a discovery circuit for children allowing them to learn a lot thanks to the numerous orientation, information and interpretation panels. You can even drink water from the crystal clear mountain springs. Among the many caves, we must mention the most attractive one, Manita Peć, and among the animal species, different species of butterflies and raptor birds.

DATE OF PROCLAMATION OF THE PROTECTED AREA: October 19th, 1949
AREA: 95 km²
HIGHEST PEAKS: Vaganski vrh 1 757 m a.s.l., Sveto brdo 1 753 m a.s.l.
COUNTIES: Zadar (64 km²) and Lika-Senj (31 km²)
TOWN: Gospić
MUNICIPALITIES: Starigrad and Lovinac
INTERNATIONAL DESIGNATIONS:
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (Velebit Mountain BR), February 10th, 1978
NATURA 2000 Site, December 1st, 2014
UNESCO World Heritage Site, July 7th, 2017

Itinerary

PROPOSED HIKING TRAILS IN PAKLENICA NATIONAL PARK

– Difficulty: 1,5/5 *
– Hiking time: 2h
– Max.elevation: 490m/asl

Velika Paklenica canyon – Anića luka – Foresters house Lugarnica – Mountain hut Paklenica
*not very convenient for children 0 – 4 y

Interesting trail features

Velika Paklenica canyon, old water mills, Velika Paklenica stream, karst relief, flora and fauna, climbing site, Anića kuk, old settlements.
Book your hiking tour at info@zadarcitytour.com

What’s included:

– Transfer (Zadar-NP Paklenica-Zadar) with Air-Con.
– English speaking Guide
– Snack (sandwich, juice, fruit)
– Park Entrance Tickets

Pickup

The pickup is at 8:00h. You will receive all the relevant information regarding the pickup location after you book.

Discounts

Special discounts for groups, children and youth upon previous request.

Please note | Hiking Tour

We hike 2h up and at least 1h or more down no matter what. Dress accordingly, bring an umbrella or a raincoat if needed. Please present yourself at the meeting point 10 min before the departure time. Bookings are possible up to 48h before the tour start. The minimum number of persons is 4.
For more information about the trail please visit the official website of the National Park Paklenica here.
Booking & information at info@zadarcitytour.com

Cancellation

Can’t make it? Please notify us at least 48 hours before your tour starts, we would appreciate it. Thank you!
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WESTERN MOVIE SCENERY

As these landscapes are reminiscent of those in the American West, Velika Paklenica has often been chosen as a backdrop for the filming of European westerns, and in particular the one inspired by Karl May’s Winettoo novels. The 400-meter-high Anića-kuk rock is the main attraction of the Paklenica National Park, which has become thanks to its steepness, its attractiveness and the possibility of climbing all year round due to the proximity of the sea, one of the most famous mountaineering sites in Europe. Hikers and mountaineers can stop at several uninhabited shepherd’s huts before conquering the peaks of Velebit.

CROATIAN SECRET GEMS

Zadar region corresponds to one administrative region, Zadarska županija (Zadar region), and to three different faces – mountainous, coastal and island. Its mountainous part includes the southern part of Velebit Nature Park and Paklenica National Park. The Vransko Jezero Nature Park is the main tourist attraction of the coastal part and its fertile hinterland. In the indented island part, there is another natural gem – the Telašćica Nature Park.
Napoleonska cesta (Napoleonic road), was built during the short period of French administration at the beginning of the 19th century. Along this now unused road that crosses the wild karst expanse, the only witnesses of human presence are the monuments erected in memory of the builders of the Velebit roads.