Activity Description
The program begins in Novalja with gathering and transportation by tourist bus accompanied by a guide to the Northern Velebit National Park. Velebit is known for its unusual diversity of plant and animal life, rich forests, canyons, cliffs, and caves that amaze visitors. It is home to one of Croatia’s most famous endemic species, the Velebit degenia. Due to its grandeur, it is considered a Croatian national symbol and has been mentioned in numerous songs, stories, and legends. It is characterized by an elongated shape with steep sides. The trail is designed with no major climbs, making it pleasant for hiking, passing through dense forests of old pine, fir, and beech trees.
Entrance to Northern Velebit National Park is at the Babić Siča entrance, where the guide collects tickets at the reception. The bus then continues to the parking area near the Zavižan mountain lodge, where the hiking tour starts. Zavižan is one of the most visited locations in the Park. Next to the Zavižan Lodge is the oldest high-altitude meteorological station in Croatia. Since Velebit serves as a natural border between Mediterranean and continental Croatia, the mountain peaks experience a clash of two climates, resulting in unpredictable weather conditions. Therefore, the Zavižan station is of great importance to the meteorological community.
Above Zavižan lies the Vučjak peak, where the ascent leads to panoramic views of the Kvarner region and islands. After descending, the group proceeds to the Velebit Botanical Garden, which is explored along a circular rocky path. About 300 plant species grow in the Garden, each marked with labels, and educational boards highlight the Garden’s key natural values. After enjoying the rich flora of Velebit and a short rest, the tour continues to the Premužić trail. The Premužić trail is a true architectural masterpiece as it is built in stone dry walls, and its gentle slope makes it easy to reach Hajdučki and Rožanski kukovi, the most karstic and rugged parts of Northern Velebit. Since the trail has no difficult climbs, it is suitable even for beginner hikers. Gromovača, Crikvena, and Šatorina are some of the most beautiful peaks of Northern and Central Velebit that branch off from the Premužić trail.
Upon reaching the Rossijeva koliba mountain shelter, there is time for rest and refreshments. The tour ends with a return along the same path to the starting point of the hike, followed by the return to Novalja.
Itinerary – Standard Route
Starting Location
The starting point of the trip is in Novalja, at the Sunturist travel agency.
Babić Siča Entrance
Babić Siča is the northern entrance to the Park. At the reception, the guide collects the entrance tickets and then continues to the parking lot near the Zavižan Mountain Lodge.
Zavižan Mountain Lodge
The Zavižan Mountain Lodge is located below the Vučjak peak, at an altitude of 1594 meters. Thanks to the presence of the lodge and other visitor facilities such as parking, restrooms, rest areas, benches, and other amenities, Zavižan is an excellent starting point for hiking tours in Velebit.
Vučjak Viewpoint
From the Zavižan Mountain Lodge, a roughly ten-minute ascent leads to the summit of Vučjak (1644 m a.s.l.), where you can enjoy a unique view of Kvarner and the islands.
Velebit Botanical Garden
The Velebit Botanical Garden is a place to enjoy the rich flora of Velebit, containing more than 300 plant species. The garden tour lasts about an hour, and June and July are the most attractive months to visit when most of the vegetation is in bloom.
Premužić Trail
In 2009, the entire length of the trail was officially protected as a cultural heritage site of national significance. The trail was designed and built by Ante Premužić, a forestry engineer, passionate hiker, and Velebit enthusiast. It stretches along the mountain ridge from Zavižan to Baške Oštarije in the middle Velebit region, with a total length of 57 km. Sixteen kilometers of the Premužić Trail pass through the Park.
Rossijeva Hut
Rossijeva Hut is a mountain shelter located in the heart of the Rožanski kukovi area, beneath the Pasarić’s kuk rock. Built in 1929, it was named after Ljudevit Rossi, a researcher of Velebit flora.
Zavižan Mountain Lodge
After a rest at Rossijeva Hut, the return is along the same path to the bus at the parking lot near the Zavižan Mountain Lodge.
Return to Starting Location
The final destination of the trip is the Sunturist travel agency in Novalja.
Included in the price
Guide
During the trip, the group is accompanied by a licensed guide who speaks English. Depending on the group, guides speaking German, Italian, French, or other languages can be arranged.
Transport
The price includes transport by a comfortable tourist bus. For groups of up to 8 people, transport by van is organized.
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Northern Velebit National Park is included in the price of the trip.
Important Information
What to bring?
Mandatory equipment:
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1.5L of water
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Hiking shoes
Recommended equipment:
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Fruit, snacks, energy bars
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Sunscreen, hat/cap, sunglasses for warmer weather
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Warmer clothing for colder weather
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Windbreaker
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Umbrella or raincoat
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Spare socks
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Hiking poles (for those who usually use them)
Responsibility for personal belongings
The trip organizer is not responsible for lost, damaged, or missing items.
Required skills
The activity is suitable for beginner hikers.
Route changes
Depending on weather and operational conditions, the guide has the right to change the order and duration of activities for your safety and the safety of the group. The total duration of the activity is approximate and may vary depending on participants’ fitness levels, weather conditions, group size, and other factors.
Start time of the activity
Please arrive at the starting location 15 minutes before the activity begins.
Additional Information
Additional options
We can organize special hiking routes for groups and offer additional services such as lunch or dinner. Contact us for more information.
Transport
Besides Novalja, we can arrange return transport from other locations. Please contact us for more details.
Route difficulty
The Park tour lasts between 6 and 7 hours, with approximately 4.5 hours of walking. The route includes one rest stop. It is suitable for beginner hikers.
Group size
The activity requires a minimum of 10 participants.
We can also organize the trip for smaller groups at a price for a minimum of 10 people.