Located in the heart of the Nature Park this hiking route traverses areas within the Velebit rewilding corridor, part of Rewilding Velebit’s conservation efforts. As you pass through, you'll witness landscapes shaped by naturally regenerated grasslands and forest mosaics, where restoration of native herbivores promotes ecological balance and wildlife corridors underpins biodiverse recovery in Velebit.

Itinerary

Day One – Welcome coffee - getting to know each other. Please arrive no later than 10 AM. Come prepared for hiking so we can make the most of the day. The hike starts from the hostel and heads toward the summit of Veliki Sadikovac (1,286 m). We’ll be moving within a rewilding corridor, looking for signs and activity of wild animals. The route is circular and the hike takes approximately 5 to 6 hours with breaks. Expected return is around 5 or 6 PM. After that, we’ll settle into our rooms and go for dinner. Day Two – Wake-up and breakfast. Check out and get ready for the hike. Today’s hike takes us to Ljubičko Brdo (1,320 m), which is part of the impressive rocky massif Dabarski kukovi. With breaks included, the hike takes approximately 5 hours. We return to the parking area in the afternoon, with an optional dinner at the hostel​/​restaurant (at your own expense).

What's Included?

Experienced Local Tour Guide Breakfast + Dinner + Lodging

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.

Food & Accomodation

🍽️The restaurant offers local food and daily specials. Have in mind that there are fewer vegetarian options because of the cultural and culinary traditions of the region, where meat plays a central role in the diet. 🏡Depending on availability, the hostel offers room selection options. There 2x quadruple rooms (double bed + 2 for one person), 1x six-bedded room, one quadruple room, 1x five-bedded room and a dormitory with 9 beds. The rooms have central heating, one TV in the large dormitory with 9 beds, Wi-Fi in all the rooms. There is one shared bathroom with four showers and five toilets. If you were to choose, we recommend visiting during weekdays for a more peaceful experience.

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Group size

We prefer small private groups, minimum 2, and up to 8 people. The price per person is €290. If the group has four or more people, the price is €270 per person.

What to Bring

🎒 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 (soft‑ or hardshell), full‑length hiking trousers, hat or buff + sunglasses, lightweight gloves (if in cooler season), spare socks and shirt (for hygiene or in case you get wet) 🥤 FOOD & HYDRATION: Water, at least 2 L Energy snacks, like bars, nuts, dried fruit, light meal or sandwich for lunch 🧭 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: ID or passport Cash (just in case) Mountaineering book (if you collect summit stamps)

Frequently Asked Questions

⚠️ Tips & Practical Info Weather: Velebit weather changes quickly. Bring layered clothing, waterproof gear, and sun protection. Mobile signal: Expect weak or no reception in many parts of the mountain. Water: Water is not available on all trails - carry enough for the day. 🛣️ How to Get to Baške Oštarije (Velebit, Croatia) By Car: From Zagreb or Zadar, take the A1 motorway and exit at Gospić. From Gospić, continue on road D25 toward Karlobag. The drive takes about 25 minutes and covers approximately 20 km through a scenic mountain road. By Public Transport: There are no direct bus or train lines to Baške Oštarije. You can take a bus or train to Gospić, we will provide transfer to Baške Oštarije (max. 4 people). 🏕 Gear for Overnight Stay in a Mountain Hostel (Velebit) Essential: Towel (preferably small and quick-drying), Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, tissues, deodorant, etc.), Indoor shoes or lightweight slippers, Sleepwear (e.g. leggings and a t-shirt), Phone charger (and possibly a power bank if electricity is limited), Water bottle (also useful in the evening), Small bag for dirty clothes Recommended (depending on the hostel): Travel sheet​/​sleeping bag liner (for extra hygiene), Earplugs (if you're sensitive to noise), Small flashlight or headlamp, Evening snacks (in case there’s no shop or vending machine) Note: Most mountain hostels on Velebit provide basic accommodation: a bed, mattress, blanket, and pillow. Bed linen and towels are not always provided, so it’s good to bring your own travel sheet and towel.