Via Dinarica Hiking Trail

After breakfast, you will embark on the first stage of hiking and join the well-known Premužić Trail, built in 1930s using the drystone technique. The 57 km trail was laid out and constructed by the forestry engineer Ante Premužić, a passionate mountaineer and lover of Velebit, along the mountain ridge from Zavižan to Baške Oštarije in central Velebit. As there are virtually no steep ascents, the route is also suitable for visitors unaccustomed to mountaineering. Branching off from the Premužić Trail are several paths that climb up to some of the most spectacular peaks of northern and central Velebit – of course our guide knows them all. The route section between Zavižan and mountain hut Alan is perhaps the most beautiful part of the Trail, and it's a total of 15 km long.

Duration: 6-7 hrs

Length: 16 km

Lowest point: 1340 m

Highest point: 1634 m

The second part of the Trail that leads from Alan mountain hut to the mountain hut Kugina kuća, which used to be a forest ranger’s house in central Velebit, is approx. 20 km long, taking you around 7 hours to complete and it is categorized as a mid-difficult stage.

The trail will take you along the maritime slope at equal elevation, interchanging forest, and meadows. Needless to say, you will encounter extraordinary viewing points and views to be long remembered.

Duration: 7-8 hrs

Length: 20 km

Elevation gain: 482 m

Elevation loss: 879 m

Lowest point: 959 m

Highest point: 1622 m

You will awaken along with a fresh mountain breeze. Make sure you do your morning stretching routine as today’s stage is also mid-difficult, approx. 20 km. This stage presents a true liaison of karst and forest terrain. Here, you will witness the white limestone proudly adorning the green environment extending southeast, in parallel with the Adriatic coast. This hiking stage will couple you with the natural attractions of Velebit.

Take a deep breath of this fresh mountain air, stop for a moment and look around. Allow time for yourselves to fully feel the surrounding nature on this stage. Arrival to Baške Oštarije and overnight stay at the mountain hut Vila Velebita.

Duration: 7-8 hrs

Length: 20 km

Elevation gain: 801 m

Elevation loss: 830 m

Lowest point: 728 m

Highest point: 1317 m

After three stages of quite a tempo, it's time to slow down and get ready for the remaining part of your trip. In the morning, a driver will take you to Karlobag for groceries shopping. Weather permitting, relax at the beach for an hour or two, and then, after the shopping, you still have the fourth stage, 6 km long. Today’s stage is easier and goes through the wonderful National Park Paklenica. In this area, you will see the parts of Velika (big) and Mala (Small) Paklenica.

These two ravines are the result of Velebit’s rivers piercing through stone, at some points more than 300 m high. This is how nature created the perfect conditions for the climbing routes. Passing through here you might see sport climbing enthusiasts taking advantage of moderate climate and protected nature. After a few hours, you will reach the mountain lodge Paklenica. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and getting ready for the remainder of the trip.

Duration: 2-3 hrs

Length: 6 km

Elevation gain: 400 m

Elevation loss: 0 m

Lowest point: 150 m

Highest point: 496 m

Preparations for the fifth stage include a plentiful breakfast with morning body stretching as the most difficult stage of the journey is ahead of you. Start with the ascent a bit earlier so that you have enough time as the stage ends again at the mountain lodge Paklenica. The first part of this stage goes through the forests of black pine and beech wood. The trail is pleasant for walking and not strenuous. The second part, however, taking you to the second-highest summit of Velebit called Sveto Brdo, is steeper, goes up-down a few times losing gained elevation, but the reward is well worth it.

Standing at its 1751 m of altitude, Sveto Brdo (Holy Hill) is only 6 m lower than Vaganski Vrh. Still, we find it to be the best view in Croatia. It is overlooking extensively at both the inland and the coast. Take some time for yourselves and your thoughts and let the feeling of unity with nature overflow you. From the summit, you will head back towards the mountain lodge Paklenica for the last overnight on the mountain.

Duration: 9-10 hrs

Length: 20 km

Lowest point: 480 m

Highest point: 1751

After breakfast, you will bid farewell to the mountain and head towards Starigrad. Starigrad is a place where the sea touches the mountains and here, your transfer to Rijeka will be waiting for you.