Hiking trip to Northern Velebit National Park, featuring a scenic circular route to the main peaks Veliki Zavižan and Veliki Pivčevac, including stops at the Zavižan Mountain Hut, nearby minor summits, the Botanical Garden, and passing by the Vukušić Snježnica cave along the way, offering a rich and rewarding mountain experience.

Programme

📍 Starting Point: Parking area near Zavižan (https://maps.app.goo.gl/pRY4ZbMpA4rosrFY9) Elevation: ~1594 m Accessible via gravel road from Oltari or Krasno 1. Zavižan Mountain Hut (1594 m) A brief visit to the oldest mountain hut on Velebit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sea, islands, and surrounding peaks. The hut is also home to Croatia’s highest meteorological station, adding a unique scientific touch to the experience. 2. Velika Kosa (1622 m), Balinovac (1602 m) and Velebit Botanical Garden (1480 m) The hike begins with an ascent of Velika Kosa, right in front of the Zavižan Mountain Hut, and continues to Balinovac, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the sea. The route then leads to the Botanical Garden, featuring educational trails and showcasing the region’s unique endemic alpine flora. 3. Ascent to Veliki Zavižan (1676 m) A gentle climb of about 30–45 minutes from the hut rewards hikers with panoramic views of Lika, the Adriatic Sea, and the nearby islands. 4. Continue to Veliki Pivčevac (1676 m) The trail then passes by the Vukušić Snježnica Cave and continues along a rocky ridge, leading to a rocky summit that offers spectacular panoramic views. 5. Return to Zavižan Mountain Hut Take a rest break with refreshments and enjoy the stunning views from the viewpoint. 🕓 Total Duration: 5 to 7 hours Elevation gain: approx. 300–400 m Distance: 10 km

What's Included?

Experienced Local Tour Guide Park Entry Tickets (valid for three days)

How your experience helps rewilding efforts

By being part of the Rewilding Velebit network, we contribute to restoring Velebit's natural ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable future for both nature and local communities. Using "Leave No Trace" principles we educate the public on sustainable outdoor practices, emphasizing the importance of minimizing human impact on nature. Through creative activities and outdoor learning experiences, participants gain insights into the biological and cultural values of the area, which enhances their awareness and behavior concerning nature preservation. By integrating historical education with environmental awareness we support the development of a balanced relationship between biodiversity conservation and the socio-economic needs of local communities.

Group size

We prefer small private groups, up to 8 people. The price per person is €90. If the group has four or more people, the price is €80 per person.

Frequently Asked Questions

🚗 GETTING TO ZAVIŽAN PARKING 🛣 Starting from Krasno From Krasno, drive 5 km along a gravel (macadam) road through the small village of Vukelići to reach the Babić Siča entrance of the park. Once you reach Babić Siča, continue another 7 km over dirt road up to the Zavižan parking area near the chapel. 🛣 Starting from Oltari​/​Senj (coastal approach) Drive on a 12 km winding asphalt road uphill from Senj to the mountain pass Oltari (~1,018 m elevation). At Oltari, turn sharply left at the sign for Babić Siča and continue 10 km on paved road up to the park entrance, then proceed over 7 km of gravel to the Zavižan parking lot. 🚗 ROAD CONDITIONS & VEHICLE ADVICE The final stretch to Zavižan parking is unpaved, rocky, with bumps and potholes, but passable by normal cars — no SUV required, though caution is needed. The unpaved road can be narrow and winding. Larger vehicles, campers, or motorcycles should proceed carefully. 🎒 BASIC HIKING GEAR: Daypack (20–30 L) Sturdy hiking boots with grippy soles Layered clothing: quick‑dry short‑sleeve base layer, long‑sleeve or fleece mid‑layer, windproof​/​waterproof jacket , full‑length hiking trousers, hat or buff + sunglasses, lightweight gloves (if in cooler season), spare socks and shirt 🥤 FOOD & HYDRATION: Water, at least 2 L (no reliable water sources on route​/​only in the Hut) Energy snacks, like bars, nuts, dried fruit, light meal or sandwich for lunch (please note that the Mountain Hut does not offer food) 🧭 SAFETY & NAVIGATION: Fully charged phone Basic first‑aid kit Headlamp (just in case) ☀️ WEATHER & SUN PROTECTION: Sunscreen (high SPF) Lip balm with UV protection Insect & tick repellent (e.g. Autan or similar) 🎫 DOCUMENTS & MISCELLANEOUS: Park entrance ticket (digital or printed) ID or passport Cash (if you plan to buy something in the Hut) Mountaineering book (if you collect summit stamps)