This three-day tour offers a scenic hiking experience through the heart of Velebit, highlighting the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity. Along the way, you’ll visit a botanical garden and enjoy stunning views, all while immersing yourself in the principles of rewilding - encouraging nature to thrive in its wild state. Evening includes sunset watching and stargazing, and the journey continues on a beautiful trail that leads to a mountain cabin surrounded by untouched wilderness.

Itinerary

📍 Starting Point: Parking area near Zavižan (https://maps.app.goo.gl/pRY4ZbMpA4rosrFY9) Elevation: ~1594 m Accessible via gravel road from Oltari or Krasno Day 1 – Visit to Balinovac Peak and Botanical Garden, Ascent to Veliki Zavižan (4,5 km) We’ll meet at the parking lot by 10 AM at the latest. Please come dressed in comfortable hiking gear to ensure a smooth and enjoyable start of our adventure. The tour begins with a gentle but scenic hike up to Veliki Zavižan, one of the highest and most famous peaks of Velebit. On our way to the summit we will stop at the botanical garden, where you can enjoy unique endemic plants of Velebit and learn more about this rich natural heritage. We’ll also visit Balinovac Peak for stunning views of the sea and surrounding landscapes. After reaching Veliki Zavižan, we’ll explore the area behind the hut at Vučjak peak, near the meteorological station, enjoying panoramic views safely right by the hut. Evening – Sunset and Stargazing In the evening, enjoy a spectacular sunset from Velika Kosa, offering impressive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After the sun sets, the night is perfect for stargazing right in front of the Hut, far from light pollution, providing a unique celestial experience. Day 2 – Circular Hike to Mali Rajinac via Veliki Pivčevac (12,3 km) On the second day, we’ll embark on a circular hike starting from the mountain hut. The route begins with a scenic ascent to Veliki Pivčevac, following a rocky ridge that offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the Adriatic Sea. From there, we’ll continue towards Mali Rajinac, enjoying the varied alpine landscapes along the way. During the hike, we’ll stop at the Vukušić Snježnica Cave, a hidden gem nestled along the trail, perfect for a short exploration and photos. The return leg takes us over Buljevac, offering a chance to appreciate the rugged beauty of Northern Velebit before heading back to the mountain hut. This circular route provides a full day of hiking, combining challenging ascents, breathtaking vistas, and unique natural landmarks. Evening – Sunset and Stargazing In the evening, we’ll relax and soak in a breathtaking sunset, followed by stargazing under the clear Velebit skies, where the Milky Way and countless stars create a magical alpine spectacle. Day 3 – Premužić Trail to Rossi's Shelter (14,9 km) The last day takes you along one of the most famous and beautiful hiking trails in Croatia – the Premužić Trail. This path offers gentle ascents and descents with stunning panoramic views of Velebit, lush vegetation, and magical scenery. The goal of today’s hike is Rossi's Shelter, located in the heart of Velebit, a perfect place to rest and enjoy nature before heading back.

What's Included?

Experienced Local Tour Guide Park Entry Tickets (valid for three days) Breakfast x2 + Dinner x2 + Lodging x2 nights

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.

Dates & Duration

3 days

Food & Accomodation

🍽️ Breakfast and dinner are not included but will be prepared and organized by the guide to ensure everyone has enough energy for the next day of the tour. Since we will be hiking during the day, we do not offer lunch. We recommend bringing your own snacks or sandwiches. The price includes access to the kitchen and a small refrigerator, so you can store your food safely and prepare sandwiches for the day. 🏡Zavižan Mountain Hut offers accommodation for rest after a long day. Accommodation options offered: a total of 29 beds, with room options that include 2-, 4-, 8-, or 11-bed accommodations, depending on availability and booking. To ensure greater comfort and a better chance of having a private or smaller shared room, we recommend booking your tour on weekdays whenever possible.

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Group size

We prefer small private groups, minimum 2, and up to 8 people. The price per person is €345. If the group has four or more people, the price is €320 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 ☀️ 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 (in case you want to buy something in the Hut) 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. 🚗 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. 🏕 Gear for Overnight Stay in the Mountain Hut Essential: Sleeping bag, 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: Travel sheet​​/​​sleeping bag liner (for extra hygiene), Earplugs (if you're sensitive to noise), Small flashlight or headlamp, Evening snacks