Hike the hidden paths of Croatian mountains and enjoy the view from the top

In the past, people went on vacation once or twice a year, and used it to relax from work and renew the energy spent on daily obligations.
However, habits have started to change, people travel all year round and want to use their vacation actively, since their business commitments often tie them to a computer and a chair. If you are one of those who want to use their vacation actively in nature and you have chosen our beautiful Croatia as your desired destination, we will introduce mountaineering destinations to you that are worth discovering!

Croatia has a rich natural diversity, so it is not surprising that it is a favourite hiking destination. No matter what part of the country you are in, hiking opportunities always exist. Of course, the most famous name is certainly Velebit, which includes two national parks, and many peaks that mountaineers want to "conquer".



Ucka is also not to be missed, from the tops of which there is an enchanting view of Kvarner and the islands, and which attracts mountaineers throughout the year. But Croatia also hides many other "mountaineering gems" worth discovering, so we will mention only some of them, hoping that you will look for the others yourself. If the road takes you to southern Dalmatia, where many tourist centres are, the view will surely stop at the imposing mountain that rises above the sea. Mountain Biokovo is located between the rivers Cetina and Neretva, and is easily accessible from the shore.

The Biokovo Nature Park is located in the northern part of the mountain, and abounds in a rich flora and fauna. Biokovo is home to the second largest peak in Croatia, St. Jure, runs at a height of 1762 meters. To get to the top, you can choose one of the following routes: Bast-Osicine-Motika-Lokva-Sv. Jure (6.5h - 9.3 km), Makar-Vosac-Sv. Jure (7.5h - 12.4 Km), Milici-Ocesci-Sv. Jure (3h - 4.9 Km), Turija-Sv. Jure (3.4 h - 5.8 Km), Veliko Brdo-Sv. Jure (4.5h - 7.8 Km).

At the very top is a church believed to date from the 16th century and a TV tower. When you reach the very top, we recommend you to enjoy the view that extends to the Dalmatian hinterland and the islands. It is certainly important to mention that you should not go to the mountain if the weather conditions are not suitable, and you need quality mountaineering equipment. The mountain is unpredictable and the weather can change in a very short time. Therefore, good preparation and mountaineering equipment is imperative!



In the Dalmatian hinterland are the Dinaric Alps, which are 84 km long. Dinara is a natural border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the highest peak in Croatia is located on it. The peak of Sinjal is located at 1831 meters, and it is often called Dinara, after the mountain. It is said that this is the place where the Croatian soil touches the sky.

Dinara is covered with snow in winter, the climate is harsh and the vegetation is poor. At the top there is an enchanting view of Lake Peruca, and the neighbouring mountains of Svilaja, Promin and Troglav. To reach the top you can choose the mountain lodge Brezovec, from which you will need only 3 hours to reach the top. If you decide to start from the village of Glavas, the way to the top will take 5 hours. It is interesting to mention that Dinara, compared to other European peaks, is relatively easily accessible.

For less experienced hikers there is an option of guidance, and a hike to the mountain is organised for two days. For all those who search for recreation and enjoying nature, this is the perfect opportunity. Take advantage of the warm summer days and discover our Dinara, which will surely enchant you.

Mount Svilaja is also located in the Dalmatian hinterland and is one of the poorly researched and poorly- known Croatian mountains. It is located between Sinjsko and Petrovo polje, with a length of 30 kilometers. Svilaja is a karst mountain, with many caves and karst pits. The terrain is very demanding, and mountaineering experience is required. The vegetation is dominated by beech forests and grasslands for grazing.



The highest peak is Bat, at 1508 meters, and southeast of it is Orlova stina (1139 m) on which there is a mountain house. There are several roads to the top, some of which are: Ogorje Donje - Svilaja (2.5h, 8 km), PD Orlove Stine-Badnjevi-Vrh Svilaja (2h, 5 km), PD Orlove Stine-Sumski put-Vrh Svilaja (1, 5h, 5 km), Zeleno-PD Orlove Stine-Badnjevi-Vrh Svilaja (3h, 8.5 Km). Choose the path that suits you best, and discover this mountain, which is sung in many Croatian songs.

The world-famous Plitvice Lakes are located in Lika, and attract tourists all year round. If you decide to go hiking, this is the right place for you. Namely, Licka Pljesevica begins at the lakes, which extends all the way to the river Zrmanja. The mountain is mostly covered with forest, and in some parts you can find alpine species. The area is also inhabited by some of the endangered animal species, as the vegetation is very rich and provides a habitat suitable for life. The highest peak of the mountain is Ozeblin (1657 m) and is located in the southwestern part. To reach the top you will need 3.5 hours and the road is 9.5 kilometers long (Kuk Pass - Ozeblin). Other important peaks of this mountain are: Gola Pljesevica (1648 m), Rudilisac (1611 m), Kremen (1591 m) and Postak (1443 m).

The most forested part of Croatia is located not far from Zagreb, but also not far from popular tourist centres located on the coast. It is Gorski kotar, which is divided into the North and South part. Many legal protections of this area testify to the great importance and the natural wealth. Namely, a national park, a strict reserve, a botanical and geomorphological reserve, a special forest, a nature park and a natural monument have found its place here. Therefore, you can be sure that visiting Gorski kotar can only delight you and make you come back again.

But let's start from the beginning… The Risnjak National Park covers an area of 3000 ha, with the highest peak at 1528 meters. It is named after the lynx, which lives in this area. The river Kupa, which is one of the cleanest in Croatia, also springs here. If you want to see the source, mountaineering equipment will not be needed, but for all other hikes it is indispensable!

To reach the top of Risnjak, you can choose one of 7 paths, the time required for the ascent varies from 1h to 5h. Northwest of Risnjak is the peak Snjeznik at 1506 meters, which has rich vegetation that survives in the cold winter and hot summer months. The view from the top is breathtaking! In front of you are the Kvarner islands and the Bay of Rijeka, Istria and its Ucka, Veli Risnjak and Velebit. The ascent lasts from 0.3h to 5h, but we definitely recommend choosing the one that will reveal the natural beauties that lead to the very top.



If you want to visit Gorski kotar but do not have mountaineering ambitions, be sure to head to Zeleni Vir. Zeleni Vir is a spring at the bottom of the cave located under a rock, named after the emerald-green color of the water in the lake. Not far from the spring is the Devil's Pass, which is one of the most beautiful canyons in Croatia. The mountain stream Jelse flows through 100 meters high rocks. Above the stream there are galleries and bridges that lead you around this beautiful area, with a pleasant water-flow sound. After visiting Zeleni Vir and Vrazji prolaz, sit down in one of the restaurants nearby and try some of the specialties of this area, such as venison with gnocchi or a delicious forest fruit strudel!

We hope that we have awakened the adventurous spirit in you, and that you will set out in search of one of these natural gems that our country hides! Enjoy the beauties of nature, use the time actively and then relax in one of our beautiful villas with pool in Dalmatia or the Kvarner Region!


Petra Stazic

15.01.2021