Walks and Treks in Croatia
mountain trails and national parks, including Velebit, Dinara and Plitvice
By Rudolf Abraham
This guide describes day walks and treks in all Croatia's main hiking areas and national parks on the mainland, from the forested hills around Zagreb, to the roof of Croatia on the Bosnian border, and the national parks of Northern Velebit, Paklenica, Risnjak, UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes and more.
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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Overview
This guide describes 20 walks and 7 short treks in beautiful Croatia. Around half the routes focus on the striking limestone ranges of Gorski kotar and Velebit, which form part of the Dinaric Alps, but there are also routes in Dalmatia and on the Istrian peninsula, as well as four walks centred around the capital, Zagreb. They are easily accessible from the coastal resorts and main cities such as Zagreb, Rijeka and Split, and the guide includes advice on the most convenient bases.
Showcasing Croatia's majestic scenery, the routes range from short, easy walks to more challenging treks and mountain traverses. Step-by-step route description is accompanied by clear mapping, and there are notes highlighting where refreshments are available on or near the trails. The treks make use of mountain huts and shelters, details of which are provided, although it is also possible to camp. The guide also includes information on local points of interest, fascinating overviews of Croatian history, plants and wildlife and a comprehensive English-Croatian glossary.
Many routes take in the dramatic karst landscapes and peaks of Croatia's mountains; others explore the country's stunning national and nature parks – including the breathtaking UNESCO-listed Plitvice Lakes; yet more visit local attractions and highlights, such as Vrelo Cave and Pazin's castle and gorge. They are sure to inspire you to put on your boots and discover the many pleasures of Croatia's magnificent landscapes. -
Contents
Contents
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 trek
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 trek
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 trek
Paklenica National Park and Southern Velebit
Route 17 Anica kuk
Route 18 Manita peć
Route 19 Južni Velebit (southern Velebit) and Paklenica trek
Part 5 The Dalmatian Hinterland
Route 20 Dinara trek
Route 21 Krka National Park
Route 22 Plitvice Lakes National Park
Part 6 Central Dalmatia
Route 23 Mosor trek
Route 24 Kozjak
Route 25 Biokovo traverse trek
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 -
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Rudolf Abraham
Rudolf Abraham is an award-winning travel writer and photographer specialising in Croatia, Central and Eastern Europe. He is the author of over 10 books, and his work is published widely in magazines. He first visited Croatia in the late 1990s, returned to live in Zagreb for two years, and continues to make several trips a year to his favourite country in Europe.
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