Discover the diverse walking landscapes of Croatia with this comprehensive guide to day walks and multi-day treks across the country’s mountains, forests, national parks and historic regions. From easy forest trails around Zagreb to the commanding peaks of Dinara and the waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes, this guide showcases Croatia’s unspoilt natural beauty and cultural richness.

This essential guidebook, written by expert author Rudolf Abraham, provides clear, detailed route descriptions, 1:50,000 mapping and practical planning advice for 20 day walks and 7 short treks, helping walkers explore Croatia’s extraordinary terrain with confidence.

• 20 day walks and 7 short treks are featured, including in the Zagreb hills, Istria, Gorski Kotar, Velebit, Paklenica, and Dalmatia areas, with highlights such as UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes and Croatia’s highest summit, Dinara (1,831m)
• Routes range from easy 2km strolls to more challenging mountain treks of up to 75km, suited to a wide range of abilities and walking holidays in Croatia
• Step-by-step route descriptions are supported by clear 1:50,000 mapping and elevation profiles, helping you navigate woodland paths, Paklenica’s karst ridges and national park trails
• Practical information on refreshments, transport connections and accommodation options, including from gateway cities like Split, Zadar, Rijeka and Zagreb 
• Background on Croatia’s geology, history, culture, wildlife and plants is included, plus a Croatian glossary and menu decoder for visitors

Whether you’re seeking peaceful forest walks near Zagreb, dramatic limestone trails in Velebit, or classic national park landscapes like Plitvice, this guidebook inspires and equips you to explore Croatia’s remarkable walking terrain. With expertly researched routes and practical advice, you can plan unforgettable walking adventures across this captivating Adriatic nation.

Walks and Treks in Croatia – Quick Facts

Location: Croatia  
Total distance: 2 km to 75 km per walk/trek  
Typical duration: Day walks or multi-day treks (varies by route)  
Start / Finish: Multiple start and end points across regions  
Trail type: Waymarked trails and multi-day routes  
Difficulty: Easy to challenging, depending on the route  
Terrain: Mountains, forests, karst ridges, coastal paths, national park trails  
Navigation: Step-by-step descriptions with 1:50,000 mapping; GPX recommended  
Best season: Spring to early autumn  
Accommodation: Hotels, hostels, mountain huts, and campsites depending on the region  
Regions covered: Zagreb hills, Istria, Gorski Kotar, Velebit, Paklenica, Dalmatia  
Highlights: Plitvice Lakes, Dinara (1,831 m), Paklenica’s karst ridges

Author Top Tip

“Croatia is a fairly small country, and getting around on local transport is generally a simple affair. Buses run between most cities; rail services connect Zagreb with Split (6hr, via Knin), Rijeka (3hr 40min, via Delnice) and towns in Slavonia; and a comprehensive ferry service runs between the coastal cities and the islands.”

- Rudolf Abraham, author of Walks and Treks in Croatia 

Map key
Overview map

Introduction
Geography and geology
History
Architecture, art and culture
Wildlife and plants
Climate
Getting to Croatia
Visas
Getting around
Accommodation
Food and drink
Language
Money
Postal services and telecommunications
Equipment
Maps
Walking and trekking in Croatia
What to do in an emergency
Using this guide

Part 1 Walks around Zagreb
Route 1    Grafičar, Sljeme
Route 2    Vrh Sljeme
Route 3    Veternica Cave
Route 4    Samoborsko gorje

Part 2 Istria and the Opatija Riviera
Route 5    Vrh Učka
Route 6    Pazinska jama

Part 3 Gorski kotar
Risnjak National Park
Route 7    Vrh Risnjak
Route 8    River Kupa source
Route 9    Risnjak, Snježnik and Hahlić
Skrad and Fužine
Route 10    Vražji prolaz (‘the devil’s throat’) and Zeleni vir
Route 11    Burnji Bitoraj
Route 12    Bajersko jezero and Vrelo cave
Velika kapela
Route 13    Bjelolasica, Bijele stijene and Samarske stijene
Route 14    Klek

Part 4 Velebit
Northern Velebit National Park and Central Velebit
Route 15    Mali Rajinac, Veliki Zavižan and Botanički vrt
Route 16    Northern Velebit and Central Velebit
Paklenica National Park and Southern Velebit
Route 17    Anica kuk
Route 18    Manita peć
Route 19    Južni Velebit (southern Velebit) and Paklenica

Part 5 The Dalmatian Hinterland
Route 20    Dinara
Route 21    Krka National Park
Route 22    Plitvice Lakes National Park

Part 6 Central Dalmatia
Route 23    Mosor
Route 24    Kozjak
Route 25    Biokovo traverse

Part 7 Southern Dalmatia
Route 26    Sniježnica (Ilijin vrh)
Route 27    Sveti Ilija (Pelješac)

Appendix A    Route summary table
Appendix B    Gateway cities – Zagreb, Rijeka, Zadar, Split
Appendix C    Useful contacts
Appendix D    Croatian language notes and glossary
Appendix E    Other hiking areas in Croatia
Appendix F    Further reading

Seasons

On balance, summer remains the most pleasant time to visit both Velebit and Gorski kotar, whereas the best times to visit the southern coastal ranges (Mosor and Biokovo) are spring and autumn.

Centres

Zagreb, Rijeka, Opatija, Delnice, Skrad, Fužine, Karlobag, Starigrad-Paklenica, Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik and other coastal resorts

Difficulty

Routes range from short, easy walks to more challenging treks and mountain traverses.

Must See

Pazin castle and gorge, Premužićeva staza hiking trail through Velebit, Manita Peć (Paklenica National Park), Dinara (Croatia's highest peak at 1831m), waterfalls of Krka National Park, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Biokovo traverse

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