North Velebit National Park: Croatia’s Majestic Mountain Sanctuary

Encompassing 109 square kilometers in its northern reaches, North Velebit National Park is a crown jewel of Croatia, nestled within the country’s largest mountain range. In 1999, recognizing the unique biodiversity and pristine condition of this segment of the Velebit range, it was designated a national park, while the entire Velebit mountain enjoys the status of a nature park. The park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, but with an emphasis on conservation, visitors are encouraged to explore only along the designated trails that weave through the park’s diverse landscape.

A Hiker’s Paradise with Stunning Adriatic Views

One of the park’s highlights is Premužić’s Trail, named after its creator, the forester Ante Premužić. Completed in late 1933, this trail guides hikers through some of the park’s most scenic and captivating areas. As adventurers traverse various peaks, they’re rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the Adriatic Sea and its myriad islands, including Pag, Rab, Goli otok, and Krk, alongside vistas of the continental landscape. Just beyond the park’s boundaries lies the enchanting Zavratnica cove, a breathtaking coastal feature near the picturesque harbor of Jablanac.

Fun Fact About North Velebit National Park

A hidden gem within the park is its own botanical garden, established in 1969. Situated at an elevation of 1480 meters, this garden is a sanctuary for over 300 plant species, some indigenous and others introduced from different parts of the Velebit range. The garden’s emblem is the Degenia Velebitica, an endemic flower that naturally thrives in the central part of the massive mountain range, symbolizing the unique botanical richness of North Velebit National Park.