Sports & adventure trip

Via Dinarica tour for experienced trekkers - conquer the most beautiful summits of Croatia

This tour is designed for experienced trekkers willing to explore exciting new places. You will sleep in two national parks, hike the most well-known trails on the Velebit Mountain taking you to the heart of preserved nature, and conquer the most beautiful summits of Croatia overlooking spectacular views.

Trip highlights

  • Challenging hikes on Via Dinarica trails of Velebit mountain with expert guidance
  • Breath-taking views at various vantage points on Velebit mountain
  • Walking the legendary drystone man-made Premužić trail
  • Staying at mountain huts and lodges

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We are taking you hiking on the most interesting stages of Via Dinarica trail on Velebit. From easy and moderately difficult to somewhat more demanding stages, this trail is perfect for advanced hikers searching for new excitements. Beautiful viewing points, preserved nature, peace and vastness of the mountain will contribute to the attractiveness of this trip. Lace your hiking boots, prepare your backpack and set out on a journey to Croatia to get your real hiking experience.

Velebit Mountain is a biosphere reserve within UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. It is an internationally recognised area with an established balance between biodiversity and growth needs of the local community.

National Park Northern Velebit is the youngest national park in Croatia and makes part of the National Ecological Network. This national park is also a member of the European Destinations of Excellence Network (EDEN). The park includes several already protected areas with diverse karst forms and abundant flora and fauna.

The prestigious National Geographic Traveler included Via Dinarica trail into 2017 best world destinations.

Via Dinarica is not only a trail for hikers, cyclists and other sightseers visiting the Dinarides as tourists, but also a platform for growth and advancement of life and work conditions of the Dinarides’ inhabitants. Besides providing hiking activities, one of the fundamental goals of the project is to promote local economy, thus making the tourists experience domestic food, accommodation, diverse services, etc. Also, the central motif of Via Dinarica is regional connection whilst achieving joint development goals. This motif is expressed in the project motto of Via Dinarica – “Connecting naturally”.

Day-by-day itinerary

DAY 1

Hello and Welcome to Zavižan

Arrive at your chosen airport: Zagreb, Rijeka, or Zadar, and opt for a transfer to the mountain hut Zavižan. En route, stop at a supermarket for food supplies and meet your mountain guide. Zavižan, located at 1594 m in Northern Velebit National Park, hosts Croatia’s oldest high-altitude weather station. Here, two climates collide, creating unique weather patterns. Depending on your arrival time, your guide will lead you to one of the peaks such as Veliki Zavižan (1676 m) or Vučjak (1644 m), offering breathtaking vistas. Enjoy dinner and a briefing on the hiking program for the following days.

DAY 2

Explore the Premužić Trail

After breakfast, embark on the renowned Premužić Trail. Constructed in the 1930s using the drystone technique, this 57 km trail offers easy hiking along the mountain ridge from Zavižan to Baške Oštarije. The 15 km section to the Alan mountain hut, known for its stunning views, is a highlight. The trail features gentle ascents, making it suitable for all levels of hikers. Enjoy the diverse landscapes and the beauty of Northern Velebit.

  • Duration: 6-7 hrs
  • Length: 16 km
  • Elevation: 1340 m (lowest), 1634 m (highest)

DAY 3

Continuing on the Premužić Trail

Today's hike from Alan mountain hut to Kugina kuća, a former forest ranger's house, spans approximately 20 km. This mid-difficulty stage features alternating forest and meadow terrains along the maritime slope, offering spectacular viewpoints and unforgettable scenery.

  • Duration: 7-8 hrs
  • Length: 20 km
  • Elevation Gain: 482 m
  • Elevation Loss: 879 m
  • Elevation: 959 m (lowest), 1622 m (highest)

DAY 4

Seaview and Forest Trails

Wake up to the fresh mountain air and stretch for another mid-difficulty 20 km hike. This stage showcases a blend of karst and forest landscapes, paralleling the Adriatic coast with stunning limestone and green surroundings. Enjoy the natural attractions of Velebit before arriving at Baške Oštarije for an overnight stay at Vila Velebita.

  • Duration: 7-8 hrs
  • Length: 20 km
  • Elevation Gain: 801 m
  • Elevation Loss: 830 m
  • Elevation: 728 m (lowest), 1317 m (highest)

DAY 5

Paklenica National Park Adventure

After a brisk morning, transfer to Karlobag for grocery shopping and a potential beach break. Then, embark on a 6 km hike through Paklenica National Park, renowned for its dramatic ravines Velika and Mala Paklenica. These gorges offer perfect climbing conditions and spectacular views. End the day at the mountain lodge Paklenica.

  • Duration: 2-3 hrs
  • Length: 6 km
  • Elevation Gain: 400 m
  • Elevation Loss: 0 m
  • Elevation: 150 m (lowest), 496 m (highest)

DAY 6

Conquer Sveto Brdo

Prepare for the most challenging stage with a hearty breakfast and morning stretches. The hike to Sveto Brdo (Holy Hill), Velebit's second-highest peak at 1751 m, is demanding but rewarding. The initial forested trail transitions to steeper sections, offering panoramic views over Croatia. After summiting, return to the mountain lodge Paklenica for your final night on the mountain.

  • Duration: 9-10 hrs
  • Length: 20 km
  • Elevation: 480 m (lowest), 1751 m (highest)

DAY 7

Farewell and Return

Depending on your flight schedule, say goodbye to the mountains and transfer to Starigrad, where the sea meets the mountains. Here, your transfer to the airport awaits. Cherish the memories of your mountain adventure and consider exploring more of the Via Dinarica trail in the future. 

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1

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2

With reservations confirmed, we will prepare the best offer possible in regard to your arrival date & party size

3

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